99-Year-Old Artist’s Remarkable Journey from Novice to Inspiration
May 5, 2026
Nita Draut, at the age of 99, exemplifies that embarking on new ventures has no age limit, as her artistic endeavors continue to inspire many.
Nita Draut / Credit: KMBC 9
Almost thirty years ago, Draut explored drawing for the first time at 70. What started as mere exploration has developed into an emotional artistic voyage, now celebrated through an exhibition of her artwork at Fusion Art Gallery as she nears her centennial year.
Draut’s preferred tool is the graphite pencil, and her muse is the world around her.
“When I see something that would make a good drawing, I just go up and ask if I can draw it,” Draut expressed.
Her artistic subjects frequently include people—unfamiliar faces in shops or passing moments that captivate her. Draut perceives a deeper meaning in each portrait she creates.
“Every one of those people means something to me,” she noted.
Her method is straightforward and daring. If a scene or face inspires her, she seeks permission to sketch. Remarkably, she has never been denied this request.
“It’s anybody. I could be in a store and I see something that would make a good drawing, and I ask if I can draw, and I’ve never been refused,” she said.
Draut’s collection, initially a pastime, has evolved into a testament to human connections, crafted one sketch at a time. Her talent caught the attention of Ascend Healthcare staff, who facilitated her artwork’s exhibition in a gallery.
“I think it’s an inspiration for anybody who would think that they’re too old or it’s too late to start something. She’s proved that it’s not,” remarked Jason Fewin.
Draut continues to find pleasure in the impact her work has on others.
“You can’t know really how satisfying that is, that you’re doing something that people like,” she remarked.
Her ongoing journey aims to motivate others to explore new interests, regardless of age.
“I just love the people that I draw. I hope other people will be inspired to try their work at art maybe,” Draut stated.
From her initial sketch at 70 to showcasing at 99, Draut’s story emphasizes that creating something significant and sharing it with others is a timeless pursuit.
