Fans didn’t hold back their thoughts on a photo Cynthia Bailey shared of a not-so-flattering drawing a loyal fan sent her via social media.
The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum, 55, received mixed reviews on the portrait – which was done in pencil on a plain sheet of paper and was less than lifelike.
The fan made sure to emphasize some of Bailey’s features, including her long eyelashes, thick curls and cleavage.
Bailey explained in her Instagram caption that one of her “biggest & most supportive fans” asked to draw her and “of course” she was “so honored” and “said YES” right away.
“ok…not exactly what i expected but i absolutely love this drawing of me,” Bailey continued in the caption. “it is the love & thought that counts. i respect the art. 🎨”
The Bravolebrity emphasized that regardless of the quality of the drawing, her followers should still give the fan account @everythingrhoa “some love.”
“she didn’t think i was gonna like it. thank you queen! love u!!!🤔🧐🤣😘,” Bailey concluded while also adding #ArtBasel, referring to the major international art fair.
Bailey’s post immediately became viral and had fans both appreciating her for sharing the piece while others found the caption a bit “backhanded.”
“This sounds like a backhanded compliment…’not exactly what you expected’…’it’s the thought that counts’. If you’re going to say you’re appreciative, be sincere about it,” one user commented under the post.
“If you wanted to post this in support of the artist you could have been way less backhanded with your caption,” another person argued.
“Ok so how old is the fan… and then I can expand on my thoughts. 😂😂😂,” one user added of the artist.
“As an artist myself, this post is uplifting in such a way that Cynthia Bailey recognized, and appreciated the artist’s work. It just saddens me how SOME people reacted to the art negatively, and the way they leave judgment to the art. It’s not hard to be kind. Anyway, love this! 💗,” a supportive fan chimed in.
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Bailey has continued defending her post and even said she’s planning on framing the original artwork.
“it is all love & she [the artist] has a great sense of humor. i honestly love the picture and that is all [that] really matters. i was happy to post it to lift her up & have little fun doing so!❤️#muchrespect,” Bailey replied to one person in the comments.
The fan account is also standing by their work and seems to have enjoyed Bailey’s post. They reposted it to their Instagram Story, writing, “Thank you @cynthiabailey. Love u xx.”
They also shared that they have plans to draw fellow “RHOA” cast members Drew Sidora, Shereé Whitfield, Kandi Burruss and more.