These Drawings Capture What Love Looks Like When Nobody’s Watching

Love is hiding in the small, quiet moments: cuddling in bed after a long day, passing out in front of the TV or even popping each other’s pimples.

Artist Amanda Oleander captures these moments and more in her illustrations, which she often shares on her Instagram page. She draws inspiration from her own relationship and the relationships of her closest family and friends.

“They are all situations that have happened in my relationship or situations my family and friends share with me,” Oleander told HuffPost. “They will be talking and then I say, ‘Hold that thought!’ and quickly write it down before I forget.”

More info: Amanda Oleander, Instagram (h/t: HuffPost)

Drawing 15/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. What is your interpretation? Comment your thoughts before you continue reading my inspiration for this piece!?✨ . . . . . . . . . This is inspired by that time of the month I randomly cry about something so I rush over to my birth control pack to see if I’m “really” sad or it’s just hormones and it’s that time of the month. It’s different for everyone but for me it’s the week before my period. The most ridiculous cry was when I was making homemade black bean burger patties and when I went to flip it the patty broke. @joeyrudman quickly rushed over and was like “It’s okay! It’s great! I want that one!” And then I cried more because he’s so sweet. ? I quickly realized it was that time of the month where it’s just hormones and I just had to roll with it and then laugh about it. Can we please share ridiculous reasons we have all cried for stories?? . . Esto está inspirado en ese momento del mes en el que lloro al azar por algo, así que corro hacia mi paquete de control de la natalidad para ver si estoy "realmente" triste o solo son hormonas y es esa época del mes. Es diferente para todos, pero para mí es la semana antes de mi período. El llanto más ridículo fue cuando estaba haciendo hamburguesas caseras de hamburguesas negras y cuando fui a darle la vuelta, la hamburguesa se rompió. @joeyrudman rápidamente se apresuró y dijo "¡Está bien! ¡Es genial! ¡Quiero ese! "Y luego lloré más porque es muy dulce. ? Rápidamente me di cuenta de que era esa época del mes en la que solo son hormonas y solo tuve que seguir adelante y luego reírme al respecto. ¿Podemos compartir razones ridículas por las que todos hemos llorado por historias? . . Time-lapse of the creation of this drawing in the IG story!

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Dec 13, 2017 at 1:18pm PST

Drawing 14/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. Find someone that will love everything about you unconditionally and helps bring out the best in you. This is a drawing of my little sister Bianca and her partner. Bianca doesn’t shave and fully embraces herself which has attracted partners that love and accept her for her. About 5 years ago we did a “beauty transformation” and she went out in public fully groomed with makeup on and a tight dress and heels and we documented the whole experience in my blog. She explains why she feels better just being herself. Check my Instagram Story for the blog link! . . . Turn notifications on for this page for your daily dose of art ? . . Time lapse of this drawing in my IG story. ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Dec 12, 2017 at 12:07pm PST

Drawing 13/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. What book/books have changed your life for the better? Mine too three would be: The Secret, The Seven Minute Solution and The Art of Tidying Up. . . ¿Qué libro / libros han cambiado tu vida para mejor? Los míos son: El secreto, La solución de siete minutos y El arte de poner orden. . . ?Link in bio for prints and originals ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Dec 11, 2017 at 12:56pm PST

Drawing 12/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. When I was growing up in Florida we had a mango tree in the front yard. We had so many mangos we would give them away and make mango popsicles from them. I really wish I could be sitting under that mango tree right now just eating a mango and soaking in the Florida sun. Whoever grew up with fruit trees around them is really lucky. It’s so nice to have fruits growing from your yard. If you did, what fruit tree did you grow up with? . . Cuando estaba creciendo en Florida teníamos un árbol de mango en el patio delantero. Teníamos tantos mangos que los regalaríamos y haríamos paletas de mango de ellos. Me gustaría poder estar sentado debajo de ese árbol de mango ahora solo comiendo un mango y sumergiéndome en el sol de Florida. . . ?Link in bio for prints and originals ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Dec 10, 2017 at 1:31pm PST

Drawing 11/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. Sometimes we forget how fragile we are until we get an ingrown nail ? Does everyone have an ingrown nail expert in their household? I’m pretty much an expert at this point, I saved @joeyrudman ‘s toe a couple times ??‍♀️ side note- we need feet emojis. . . ?Link in bio for prints and originals ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Dec 9, 2017 at 6:46pm PST

Drawing 9/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. . . As I’ve mentioned before I’m enthralled by the way people behave behind closed doors. Intimate moments we never get to see. Those are moments that can’t really be documented because if they were it would alter the way the person behaved, so I draw them. . Como mencioné antes, estoy cautivado por la forma en que las personas se comportan a puerta cerrada. Momentos íntimos que nunca llegamos a ver. Esos son momentos que realmente no se pueden documentar, porque si lo fueran alteraría la forma en que la persona se comporta, así que los dibujo. . . . ?Link in bio for prints and originals ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Dec 7, 2017 at 12:42pm PST

Drawing 8/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. Before you keep reading, stop and comment your interpretation for this one! Then come back and read my mine. Reading all of your interpretations has been so amazing ?? . ¿Cuál es tu interpretación? . . . . . . . . This is inspired by getting home and letting our inner kids come out together with @joeyrudman and I. Sometimes it feels like we are just two kids playing house. ?‍?‍?‍? . . ?Link in bio for prints and originals ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Dec 6, 2017 at 9:37am PST

Drawing 6/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. This is when your partner is sick and you just want to be close to them all of the time even if it means you end up sick with them. ?? . . . Esto es cuando su pareja está enferma y solo quiere estar cerca de el/ella todo el tiempo, incluso si eso significa que terminará enfermo con ellos. ?? . . Check out the time lapse of this drawing in my IG story. P.S.S I just realized the characters look like my sister and my best friend’s mom ? I posted a photo of them on my IG story too. . . ?Link in bio for prints and originals ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Dec 4, 2017 at 12:11pm PST

Drawing 4/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. This is when your partner falls asleep before you and you aren’t ready to go to sleep yet. . . Dibujando 4/100 del sorteo por día durante 100 días. Esto sucede cuando el compañero de viaje se duerme antes que usted y aún no está listo para dormir. . . ?Link in bio for prints and originals ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Dec 1, 2017 at 11:14pm PST

Drawing 2/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. When you have to pick a nail color at the salon but there are too many choices. ? . Dibujando 2/100 del sorteo por día durante 100 días. Cuando tiene que elegir un color de uñas en el salón, hay demasiadas opciones. ? . . What are your go to colors? I usually go with 'Be there in a Prosecco' this time I switched it up and picked 'Got the blues for red' . Time lapse is up on the Insta Story? . . . ?Link in bio for prints and originals ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 29, 2017 at 2:13pm PST

Drawing 1/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. This is when you getting sick isn't an option. . . Posting the time-lapse in my IG story in a bit! . ?Link in bio for prints and originals ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 28, 2017 at 4:07pm PST

Drawing 100/100 !!!! ? When you are in your zone and then you realize you are responsible for another living being who needs to go outside while it's snowing at 7 am ?❄️ . . What was your favorite drawing of the 100? . . . . This 100 day challenge has been so amazing. Everyday I woke up excited to work on my new drawing first thing in the morning, I have loved reading all of your interpretations, 'meeting' beautiful souls from around the world that have come across this page and being able to illustrate moments in my life that are never captured in a photo but have been bottled up in my memories. This is too much fun to end here so starting tomorrow I am back at 1/100 ? I'm just jumping right back in before I change my mind. Also, this drawing is available now on my website! ? I can't thank all of you enough for the kind messages and comments and support you have shown me and my art, because of you I am able to do this everyday thank you thank you thank you times infinity!!! ❤️❤️ . . ?Link in bio for prints and originals ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 27, 2017 at 1:13pm PST

Drawing 99/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. This is when your significant other is out of town or you are doing long distance so you fall asleep on the phone together. And maybe you are also wearing their underwear and shirt ? . . . . . . Tomorrow is the last day of the 100 days of drawing challenge. AND it also happens to be Cyber Monday so.. for just tomorrow all 100 drawings will be available on my site and I am doing a buy one get one free sale from 12 am to 12pm. (Prints are $17.00) To get the promo code check out my IG story. ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 26, 2017 at 3:56pm PST

This is a commission piece I made for @mboyle24. At night sometimes she crawls into her daughters crib to sleep with her. ????

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 26, 2017 at 11:18am PST

Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. What does this illustration mean to you? What is your interpretation? . . . . I have met too many women that were or are in an abusive relationship whether it be physical or emotional including myself. The worst part is that they don't realize they are in an abusive relationship most of the time. They think, he's just very passionate, he cares for me so much so that's why he gets like that, he just gets upset but he's sorry, he has mental issues.. whatever it may be if you are arguing all of the time that is NOT HEALTHY. If you are sad more than you are happy that is not healthy. I have someone close to me that's in one of these relationships right now where they argue, cry and then get over it and then it's a cycle all over again. You're so accustomed to the little bubble you live in you think that's just the way things are. Write down every time you get into an argument, what was said, what was done and how you feel. Then write down every time you are happy and why. After three months go back and look at your entries. If there is more sadness and arguments and negativity that positive happy moments, get out. Even if your partner threatens you, or threatens to hurt themselves. That's what happens in many cases, if you are concerned for their well being tell their parents or best friend and they will take care of it. It's not your responsibility. Then block their number and live for you and if you have children for you and your children. Once you cut negativity and abuse out of your life it will open up room for positivity and happiness. To those women going through this now, I hope you find strength to leave sooner than later ❤️??✨ . . And she is in the closet because it's the only place she has where she can be by herself and let go.

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 25, 2017 at 3:05pm PST

Drawing 98/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. Is this a very common thing? Do you or somebody you know let your dog lick the plate when you are done? // . . I was watching @jengotch 's story last night and she posted a little clip of her dog licking her plate and it reminded me of when I was at my friend's house years ago and I saw her family let their dog lick their plate when they were done. It was the first time I have ever seen that because that never happened in our home growing up. I find it fascinating to see other people's behaviors in their homes, everyone has their own rules and routines and I think it's really beautiful how similar we all are in the grand scheme of things.. . . I am realizing that reading your interpretations is a great exercise to expand my/our minds to see an image in many different perspectives I couldn't of even thought of myself. So for everyone that joins in on sharing your interpretations on certain drawings, thanks! Always feel free to comment yours even if I don't ask for it. Happy Saturday! ✨??

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 25, 2017 at 10:54am PST

Drawing 97/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. I absolutely love reading your interpretations for the last drawing, the way each of your minds see a piece of art is just great! So before you keep reading what this piece means to me leave me your thoughts and interpretations in the comments! P.s the time lapse is in the Instagram Story. . . . . . . . . . I am an open book. This is inspired by getting to know someone and being completely vulnerable and opening your life to them completely, letting them into every corner of yourself and what you have experienced until you've met them.

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 24, 2017 at 9:34am PST

Drawing 96/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. ❤️Thankful // Thank you to everyone that has shared my art with their family and friends, because of you I am able to create everyday, for that I am thankful.

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 23, 2017 at 1:05pm PST

Drawing 93/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. Title: Until we meet again. // I think I'm making this into a painting. // Posting the time-lapse of this on my story in a bit.// What is your interpretation? . ?Link in bio for prints and originals ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 20, 2017 at 12:13pm PST

Drawing 92/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. It all started with one "simple" question. "What do you want to eat for dinner?" And here we are. (Cough cough ..@joeyrudman ) ? . ?Link in bio for prints and originals ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 19, 2017 at 1:01pm PST

Drawing 90/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. I'm starting the tattoo removal process this Monday so I can't help but have tattoos and the process on my mind. The tattoo artist is inspired by @thekatvond the girl getting tattooed is inspired by my sister, that tattoo of the grim-ripper on the arm is a tattoo she recently got. That painting in the back is a piece I recently finished, this is the second drawing I snuck it into. –I was on the phone with my sister yesterday and we were talking about how people should wait until they are at least 25 to get a tattoo. What are your thoughts? Has anyone had a tattoo removed before? How was it? I'll be live-streaming the removal process on Monday on Periscope..get ready for some tears. ? / side note– I'm shipping all of your print orders and art orders next week. Except calendars, those will be shipped once I receive the batch! ?. . ?Link in bio for prints and originals ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 17, 2017 at 12:55pm PST

Drawing 88/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. When you really feel like your job is sucking the life out of you, but you feel stuck because it's how you make money so you try to fill that void with your favorite childhood treats. /// This is inspired by a phone call I had this morning. I spoke to someone very close to me that is not in a job she got her degree in and she really doesn't like it. To anyone that is going through that I want to just say, this is temporary. You aren't stuck. Your future depends on the actions you take today. You are in control of your life, don't ever forget that. –I've been there, right after graduation and completing a 3 month internship in LA I was working three jobs, (managing an Italian boutique, canvassing for @greenpeace and selling perfume at @macys on the weekend.) I always knew this was temporary.. every night I would send out my resume and apply apply apply. I kept working on my art. In one year I became a full time artist! You have to believe it will happen, envision yourself in your ideal job and it will manifest as long as you put the work in. A couple books that really helped with getting my mindset right were The Secret and The Seven Minute Solution. I hope they help you too. –(Shout out to @skdonutsla for gifting me with 6 delicious donuts one time when I was in between jobs that was such a highlight to my week. )– I would like to know how you overcame leaving a shitty job and how it has changed your life?! Your story can inspire the person that needs it. ?❤️– putting the time lapse of this drawing on my story now. . ?Link in bio for prints and originals ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 15, 2017 at 5:29pm PST

Drawing 86/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. When you love your partner so much their toes, feet, hands, ears, nose, hairy legs, and pretty much everything is the cutest thing you've ever laid your eyes on even if it's pretty average to the rest of the world. // Speaking of hairy legs, I'm live streaming my laser hair removal tomorrow on Periscope if you'd like to tune in again ? // and.. I posted a time lapse video of this drawing on my Instagram Story. Full videos will be uploaded to my YouTube page. ✒️? ///Link in bio for prints and originals ///

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 13, 2017 at 2:30pm PST

Drawing 85/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. This is me every time the clothes come out of the dryer. I always soak up all of the heat before I start folding. Is this just me? ? #alwayscold ///Link in bio for prints and originals ///

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 12, 2017 at 2:28pm PST

83/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. I feel like I am being recharged every night that I sleep next to my love. ?? ///Link in bio for prints and originals ///

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 10, 2017 at 8:14pm PST

Drawing 82/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. Posted a bit of the time-lapse video of this drawing in my Instagram Story. I left this without a description to leave up to interpretation. ? ///Link in bio for prints and originals ///

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 9, 2017 at 2:10pm PST

Drawing 81/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. When you love pizza so much you buy more for the leftovers. // This is a drawing of #GirlBoss @jengotch. I love following her on Instagram because she by far has the best stories. She makes everyone following feel like you are her best friend by telling you her feelings, ups and downs in life and just being real about the human condition. @jengotch You're awesome ?❤️?? ///Link in bio for prints and originals ///

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 8, 2017 at 12:31pm PST

Drawing 80/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. When you can't wait to eat but you love them so much so you let them have the first bite (or last). ?This drawing is inspired by the very talented couple @itsjessandrea and @logic ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 7, 2017 at 11:14am PST

79/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. Your relationship has reached a new level if you change your tampon with them in the room. ?? ///This drawing is another version from the drawing I did digitally in 2015 for @eentertainment I will post the older one in my story with the link to see the whole article of "Gross things people do that are in love. " I had this concept brewing since 2013 in my sketchbook. In 2014 when I went in for my interview I showed them my illustrations of this and I think it helped get me that job.

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 6, 2017 at 12:42pm PST

Drawing 77/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. When you plan on watching a show or movie together and you fall asleep immediately. ??‍♀️ // This is inspired by last weekend when @joeyrudman and I said we were going to binge @strangerthingstv and I fell asleep after the second episode. He ended up binging until episode 5 and then rewatched them with me the next night. ??

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 4, 2017 at 12:10pm PDT

Drawing 76/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. This is when he/she finally lets you get that blackhead out! // The painting on the wall is a drawing of an original painting I made of @afashionnerd. If you want to see the process and us hanging out in my studio check out the livestream on periscope. Also, today I'll give you guys a tour of my at home art studio on my Instagram story! Thank you to all of you who share my art with the world, because of you I'm able to do what I love for a living❤️?? — Happy Friday! Oh and one more thing! I'm shipping out your drawing orders from this week out today! ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 3, 2017 at 2:18pm PDT

75/100 drawing a day for 100 days challenge. To my friends and family that I haven't talked to in a while or called in a bit, I Love You ❤️ // It's hard to keep in touch with everybody, we don't have to talk everyday for you to know that I cherish those times we spend together and I can't wait to see you again. // Airport goodbyes are the saddest, I always get a knot in my throat and cry.. my family lives across the country so I get a couple of these goodbyes a year and they are the hardest. Today I am buying my ticket for the holidays coming up ✈️ See you soon ? ( I will put the two photos that inspired this illustration in my IG story )

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 2, 2017 at 12:03pm PDT

Drawing 74/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. There are two types of friends, the ones that talk to you while you are showering and the rest. ?‍♂️?‍♂️ // Side note- I will have a (original art) giveaway for those who are subscribed to my newsletter today! Link in bio. ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Nov 1, 2017 at 12:23pm PDT

73/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge! Happy Halloween! ?? This illustration is from a memory I have of my sisters and I meeting up after a long night of collecting candy. We went to my parent's bathroom and began our trade offs. We would make piles of our candy by category and brand and trade them with each other. What are your childhood memories during Halloween? Did anybody do something similar with their siblings?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Oct 31, 2017 at 1:48pm PDT

72/100 Drawing of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. Happy Monday? My hair vs. his hair in the morning ? @joeyrudman has perfect hair.

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Oct 30, 2017 at 10:55am PDT

Drawing 71/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. Reading @rainbowsalt 's book – Seeds Planted in Concrete. On Friday we went to Malibu to soak up what seems like the last day of summer here in LA. ? This is inspired by our beach trip. ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Oct 29, 2017 at 4:56pm PDT

Drawing 69/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. I feel like everyone is binging @strangerthingstv tonight. // I spent the whole day at the beach so I had to come home and draw my drawing for today late, and now… let's binge #StrangerThings ? any other Netflix recommendations ?

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Oct 27, 2017 at 10:13pm PDT

Drawing 68/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. This drawing illustrates those times a bathroom break is the only break you will be getting all day. // Who else has or has had a pet that puts their paws under the door to get your attention? // This is inspired by @mboyle24 and @sylvieee718 's comments on my last drawing. ??

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Oct 26, 2017 at 10:49pm PDT

Drawing 67/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. Sometimes there is so much going on in life, the world, your home, and you feel like you need 7 lives to finish your to-do list. This is just a reminder that you can say f*ck it for 10 minutes and regroup. I seriously don't know how moms do it with kids and pets and laundry piling up and stomachs to feed. Sending all moms out there who need a little break a big virtual hug❤️

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Oct 25, 2017 at 2:28pm PDT

Drawing 64/100 of the drawing a day for 100 days challenge. This is inspired by a night @joeyrudman and I drove up a canyon in Malibu at 11 pm to watch a meteor shower laying on top of his car. It was a really magical night. We were completely sober but felt like we were on something, it was something I have never experienced before. Pure magic✨ // The best moments are usually tucked away in our memories. I draw them because I don't have a photo but I want to look at an image that will take me back to these beautiful moments that weren't recorded.

A post shared by A m a n d a??‍?O l e a n d e r (@amandaoleander) on Oct 22, 2017 at 12:36pm PDT