The 93-Year-Old Artist Who Mastered Microsoft Paint and Won 300K Followers

She had 300,000 fans, one mouse, and a secret weapon: Microsoft Paint. Concha García Zaera, a grandmother from Valencia, Spain, captivated the internet with stunningly detailed artwork created exclusively on the simple computer program. Though she passed away in July 2023 at the age of 93, her story continues to be a powerful testament to lifelong learning and creativity.

An Accidental Digital Artist

Zaera's journey into art began after her husband fell ill. To keep her occupied, her family gave her an old computer, where she discovered MS Paint. “I have no imagination at all, so I get inspiration from the postcards that my husband used to send me or drawings that I find and like,” she told the Spanish newspaper Vanguardia. It took her roughly two weeks to finish a single piece, many of which were inspired by her beloved hometown of Valencia.

Her talent was introduced to the world in 2017 when one of her granddaughters convinced her to open an Instagram account. The intricate, colorful drawings, unbelievably created with such a basic tool, quickly went viral. Her follower count grew from 108,000 in 2018 to over 301,000.

The Value of Learning at Any Age

Zaera's story shows that it's never too late to pick up a new skill. A representative from Age UK, a leading charity for the elderly, noted that “New hobbies and interests can help maintain social connections and reduce feelings of loneliness and it’s a great way to learn new skills.” The organization champions the ‘use it or lose it’ theory, explaining that mentally stimulating activities like puzzles or learning languages are crucial for keeping the brain sharp in later life.

While Concha García Zaera humbly described herself as “a 90-year-old lady who likes to paint with the Paint program,” her work and life left a lasting impact. She proved that technology isn't just for the young and that incredible creativity can emerge from the simplest of tools.