In an update from a GNN story 15 months ago, this ‘hilariously bad’ artist has raked in thousands from his ‘dad paintings’, after receiving more than 430 commissions from around the world.
The 42-year-old began the unusual side hustle accidentally, giving a gag gift to his wife, Kate, in 2024. She posted the funny artwork on social media and it racked up thousands of views and comments.
Jamie Lee Matthias has since been inundated with requests from people desperate for him to create funny versions of their own family photographs.
The dad-of-three, now juggles his art business—under the name @TerribleArtByJamieLee—alongside his full-time managerial job. See all his creations on Instagram.
“Most people respond with joy and laughter [to my paintings] which is why it’s been so fun, because they absolutely get it,” said the jokester from Cheshire, England.
One painting generally takes 45 minutes to an hour to finish depending on the amount of people featured. Last January, Jamie received 130 orders and was painting for at least five hours a day.
“I didn’t expect it to become a big part of my life, but sometimes I spend more time painting than I do at my actual full-time job.”
He says he’s received requests from 12 countries, including the US, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. In fact, he estimates that 35% of his commissions have come from Taiwan.
His paintings often start at £45 ($60), with some selling for a few hundred.
With the added income he has been able to afford a whole new garden for his house as well as a family holiday to Turkey last year.
But despite the success, there is always constructive criticism to be found around the house as both Jamie and wife, Kate’s children are on hand to call his work “terrible”.
“My kids say the paintings are terrible. You know what kids are like, they speak the truth. But deep down I know they love it. It’s colorful and fun.”
Jamie says his funniest order was one where he was asked to combine two photos: one of a nice country field and the other of a dog “doing its business”.
His advice: Just pick up a brush
The folk art painter is now even teaching art workshops locally.
“I think the participants were turning up for a proper guided painting session, but everybody completely embraced it.
“It was really good fun and, with the exception of mine, there were some really good paintings at the end of the night.”
He’s also brought his painting passion to school—giving demonstrations for his step-daughter’s class.
“Some of them actually thought it was quite good, but you know, they were 10-and-11-year-olds so it’s probably that sort of level isn’t it?”
Jamie recently painted actress Judi Dench, who is an avid artist herself, donating the portrait to be auctioned off to support the Sobell House Hospice.
Dame Dench, who has also provided a painting for the charity, signed Jamie’s artwork, and it is set to be auctioned later this year.
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“To have someone like Judi Dench look at my piece of artwork and agree to sign it is just absolutely insane really.”
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