I am a Los Angeles-based artist, Alexandra Dillon. I paint portraits of imagined people on found objects such as worn paintbrushes, vintage padlocks, rusty axes, and old shovels. I let the object itself suggest the personality of the character.
Everyday tools get painted faces, eyes, or lips to become surrealistic pieces. Dresses are adorned with silent film-era starlets. But it is the portraits on paintbrushes, the tool of my trade, that have won me international media attention, loyal collectors, and a huge Instagram following. Inspired by historical styles, such as Roman-Egyptian mummy portraits and Old Master painting, my paintbrush people range from regal women to shady characters. They all have their own souls, and everyone I paint has a story to tell.
And I keep adding to my collection. I just love making these pieces, I never know who is going to show up.
Scroll down to check out my unique artwork.
More info: alexandradillon.com | Instagram
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Cats On Paintbrushes
"Crying Iron", 2023
"Melissa Axe"
"The Engagement" Oil On Vintage Shovel, Lock
"Hermione, Regina And Sarita"
"Ingenues", Painted Dress
Three Paintbrush Portraits
"Spanish Dancer Gloves"
"Ladies In Blue"
"Blue -Eyed Lock And Key"
"Lock And Key #1"
This reminds me of those love eyes people would send to each other as a sign of love. Gorgeous.
"Bert"
"Penelope And Hiro"
Portraits On Old Coal Shovels
I love how the scalloped end is reminiscent of Elizabethan era collars.
"Silent Siren", Painted Vintage Dress
A Wall Of Surreal Faces On Axes Cleavers And Other Tools
Portraits On Burned Paintbrushes
"Eves Mouth", Oil On Cleaver, 2018
Paintbrush Portraits
"Christina And Jade"
One usually throws paintbrushes away after using - what a great way to upscale them. All the painted brushes here are stunning
