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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

#4

"Queen Of Palmyra"

"Queen Of Palmyra"

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#6

"Hermione, Regina And Sarita"

"Hermione, Regina And Sarita"

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#7

"Ingenues", Painted Dress

"Ingenues", Painted Dress

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#8

Three Paintbrush Portraits

Three Paintbrush Portraits

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#10

"Ladies In Blue"

"Ladies In Blue"

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#12

"Asha" A Paintbrush Portrait

"Asha" A Paintbrush Portrait

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#13

"Lock And Key #1"

"Lock And Key #1"

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Agnes Jekyll
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This reminds me of those love eyes people would send to each other as a sign of love. Gorgeous.

#16

Portraits On Old Coal Shovels

Portraits On Old Coal Shovels

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Erica Klohr
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how the scalloped end is reminiscent of Elizabethan era collars.

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#17

"Silent Siren", Painted Vintage Dress

"Silent Siren", Painted Vintage Dress

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#18

A Wall Of Surreal Faces On Axes Cleavers And Other Tools

A Wall Of Surreal Faces On Axes Cleavers And Other Tools

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#19

"Four Ladies"

"Four Ladies"

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#20

Portraits On Burned Paintbrushes

Portraits On Burned Paintbrushes

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#21

"Juliet And Xioling"

"Juliet And Xioling"

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#22

Painted Vintage Trowels

Painted Vintage Trowels

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#23

Portraits On Circular Sawblades

Portraits On Circular Sawblades

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#24

Coal Shovel Portraits

Coal Shovel Portraits

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#26

"Three Ladies In Green", Paintbrush Portraits

"Three Ladies In Green", Paintbrush Portraits

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#27

Paintbrush Portraits

Paintbrush Portraits

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#28

Paintbrush Portraits

Paintbrush Portraits

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#29

Two Blue Brush Ladies

Two Blue Brush Ladies

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#30

"Phil", Painted Scraper And A Painted Lock

"Phil", Painted Scraper And A Painted Lock

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#31

Paintbrush Portraits

Paintbrush Portraits

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#32

"Lovers Locks", Oil On Vintage Locks

"Lovers Locks", Oil On Vintage Locks

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#33

"Luca And Amelia", Paintbrush Portraits

"Luca And Amelia", Paintbrush Portraits

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#34

"Summer Friends", Paintbrush Portraits

"Summer Friends", Paintbrush Portraits

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#35

"Portia And Victoria"

"Portia And Victoria"

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#36

"Christina And Jade"

"Christina And Jade"

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Michelle K
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One usually throws paintbrushes away after using - what a great way to upscale them. All the painted brushes here are stunning

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