PHOTO GALLERY

Nick Shea: A smiling face drawing smiling faces

Nick Shea

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PHOTOS: GRACIE WARDA

Nick Shea is well-known for his $1 drawings in the Boston Common. On sunny days, he sets up shop on a bench. He often has a line for 5-minute sketches in his distinctive style.

PHOTO: GRACIE WARDA

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Shea's work is featured on social media, where friends all over Instagram and TikTok pose with their custom art.

PHOTO: GRACIE WARDA

During his drawings, Shea is usually laughing and cracking jokes. He says that there's no trick to avoiding awkward silence, he just likes asking the questions on his mind.

“The city has made me sociable, and observant of people.” (1).png

PHOTO: GRACIE WARDA

PHOTO: GRACIE WARDA

PHOTO: GRACIE WARDA

When his sign falls apart, he makes a new one out of a pizza box.

PHOTO: GRACIE WARDA

This couple stopped for a drawing together during a walk in the park.

PHOTO: GRACIE WARDA

Shea doesn't just use the Common as a drawing studio and center for inspiration, though. He also makes music, and has used the Common as a set for music videos. One of his albums is called Nick in the Park, which was advertised on various park benches.