ADVERTISEMENT

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

RELATED:
    #4

    "Queen Of Palmyra"

    "Queen Of Palmyra"

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #6

    "Hermione, Regina And Sarita"

    "Hermione, Regina And Sarita"

    Report

    #7

    "Ingenues", Painted Dress

    "Ingenues", Painted Dress

    Report

    #8

    Three Paintbrush Portraits

    Three Paintbrush Portraits

    Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #12

    "Asha" A Paintbrush Portrait

    "Asha" A Paintbrush Portrait

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #13

    "Lock And Key #1"

    "Lock And Key #1"

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    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

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    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.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    "Silent Siren", Painted Vintage Dress

    "Silent Siren", Painted Vintage Dress

    Report

    #18

    A Wall Of Surreal Faces On Axes Cleavers And Other Tools

    A Wall Of Surreal Faces On Axes Cleavers And Other Tools

    Report

    #19

    "Four Ladies"

    "Four Ladies"

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #20

    Portraits On Burned Paintbrushes

    Portraits On Burned Paintbrushes

    Report

    #21

    "Juliet And Xioling"

    "Juliet And Xioling"

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #22

    Painted Vintage Trowels

    Painted Vintage Trowels

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #23

    Portraits On Circular Sawblades

    Portraits On Circular Sawblades

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #24

    Coal Shovel Portraits

    Coal Shovel Portraits

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #26

    "Three Ladies In Green", Paintbrush Portraits

    "Three Ladies In Green", Paintbrush Portraits

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #27

    Paintbrush Portraits

    Paintbrush Portraits

    Report

    #28

    Paintbrush Portraits

    Paintbrush Portraits

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #29

    Two Blue Brush Ladies

    Two Blue Brush Ladies

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #30

    "Phil", Painted Scraper And A Painted Lock

    "Phil", Painted Scraper And A Painted Lock

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #31

    Paintbrush Portraits

    Paintbrush Portraits

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #32

    "Lovers Locks", Oil On Vintage Locks

    "Lovers Locks", Oil On Vintage Locks

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #33

    "Luca And Amelia", Paintbrush Portraits

    "Luca And Amelia", Paintbrush Portraits

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #34

    "Summer Friends", Paintbrush Portraits

    "Summer Friends", Paintbrush Portraits

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #35

    "Portia And Victoria"

    "Portia And Victoria"

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #36

    "Christina And Jade"

    "Christina And Jade"

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    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

    View more commentsArrow down menu