A 12-year-old Clara Woods painted "Marijuana"—and a CEO proudly hung it in his office.

It started at Art Basel Miami.

The year was 2018. Clara, just 12 years old, had a spot in an event during the famed art week—where collectors, curators, and creatives collide under the South Florida sun. 

Her first artwork sold at auction to David. People clapped. Photos were taken. It was a big deal.

That’s when Clara met David, a towering figure in the cannabis industry.

After getting "Scared Clara" in the action, he stopped by, smiled at her work, and said, “Would you make something just for me?”

No rules. No theme. Just “whatever you want.”

An Unexpected Canvas

So we went home, back to routine.

I thought Clara would paint something light, something soaked in Miami memories—palms, beaches, hearts...

She didn’t.

Instead, she painted someone smoking cannabis. 

Acrylic on canvas. Bold lines. Raw expression. A little rebellious.

I was shocked and laughing. I blinked. “What in the world am I going to tell David?”

But here’s the thing. Clara is the artist. And artists don’t ask for permission.

She doesn’t paint what people expect. She paints what she feels.

The Moment of Truth

The painting was bold. Bright. And yes—unapologetically about marijuana. 

But it wasn’t crude. Or forced.

It was honest.

And beautifully alive. 

Acrylic on canvas. Swirls of color. Layers of emotion. A piece filled with love—and a bit of her rebel soul. I sent it. 

I held my breath.

And… he loved it.

Now, that artwork hangs proudly in his office.

Clara’s Heart on a Canvas

She was 12.

Just a kid.

But even then, Clara had the courage to be real. To lean into her instinct and create something that spoke louder than words.

This wasn’t a painting about cannabis.

It was about freedom. Expression. Fearlessness.

And maybe just a little bit of rebellion.

David Stadnyk tells his story about Clara:

"It goes without saying that Clara is an amazingly talented young lady. But it is her unparalleled abilities as a visual artist that separate her from the rest. I was fortunate to be a major sponsor during Art Basel in Miami last December, where I first witnessed and, soon after, purchased her art, which proudly hangs in my office.

We named the painting "Girl in a Room"; it is an excellent representation of expressionism and quite thought-provoking. Each piece of her art not only is aesthetically pleasing but also tells a unique story.

We were so pleased with our first painting by Clara, we purchased a second piece. Without even speaking to us directly Clara was able to discern our business direction and produced for us the most amazing picture that totally represents our business. This painting, too, hangs in our office. Only art of substance is given space on our office walls. My wife and I are blessed to be able to enjoy her art on a regular basis.

I would like to say that she is a Global Leader. I really believe that Clara is one of the great artists of the world and a real wonderful person with tons of talent!"

Want More From Clara?

Clara’s story is just beginning.

Follow her journey.

Discover her latest works. 

And maybe—just maybe—commission a rebel masterpiece of your own.

Because art that comes from the heart? That’s the kind worth hanging.