Artist Brian Peterson uses painting to inspire his local homeless community.

Living in Santa Ana, California, artist and former Kia Senior Automotive Designer Brian Peterson felt like there was always an elephant in the room: the city’s homeless population. But he saw that, unlike himself, the homeless don't have the means to live behind closed doors and choose what parts of themselves are seen by the public. Instead, they wear their entire story on their faces, all of the time. Peterson then began Faces of Santa Ana to help his homeless community start a new chapter. The process? Simple. Through his interactions with his homeless neighbors, he builds relationships and trust, paints their portrait, sells it, then puts the proceeds into what he calls a “Love Account.” This account is used for any of the subject’s life necessities, such as clothing, hotel rooms, wheelchairs, and much more. 

As an artist, Peterson is used to uncovering inspiration in often overlooked spaces. And because of this, he gains a deeper understanding of his subjects. He likes to start each portrait with a black-and-white photograph, believing it’s his responsibility to discover the colors that express his subject’s personality. And sometimes, the vibrant colors surprise the subjects themselves. It’s a portrayal that captures their struggles, their perseverance, and brings justice to their entire story, which Peterson considers as art in its purest form. 

Ultimately, Peterson believes that his purpose is not to fix the homeless community, but simply to love them. Through this lens, his subjects get the unconditional support they’ve always deserved. The purchase of each portrait provides that for them and more. Peterson wants the portrait buyer to know that they’re investing in a life that’s living, breathing, and hoping. And he hopes this purpose inspires others to engage with their homeless neighbors, giving a voice to the stories that need a little help to be heard.