Pop Portraits

“We Are Art People!”


My granddaughter reminds me of this solid fact. Though time and events have dramatically altered my capabilities, I remain a happy “maker.” One of my interests is portraiture. I greatly admire the talents required to paint or draw the perfect likeness of a person. There’s also something special about a portrait, as it serves to greatly honor and elevate the subject. It makes a person feel important.

Until I began to work with the help of a photograph and an opaque projector, my portraits often fell short. With these tools, the likeness takes care of itself. I like working with a repeating pattern; one that varies in density, creating lights and darks. For example, the portrait of President Obama uses thousands of small “o” circles, each carefully drawn in ballpoint pen. For some people, this process is too tedious. I find such repetitive accumulations of line quite relaxing. Other portraits are painted on varied background surfaces (maps, material, distressed re-purposed wooden billboards) and are of varying sizes.

When artist Andy Warhol introduced his “pop” portraits, the entire field of portraiture opened up – for artists of varying talents. Suddenly, portraits of ordinary people took on a celebrity feeling. When I work in "AW style" to create a high-contrast, colorful portrait, the result is always positive. Why? I believe this has something to do with the patron's selection of the colors – and the meaning associated with color. A person's personality can be understood through their colors. These portraits highlight the importance of the subject, as well as aspects of their personality.

Want your own?

I would be honored to create a powerful “pop portrait” for you! These smaller (23" x 23") portraits make a terrific tribute. Whether the subject is a true love, an adored child, a cherished sibling, a long ago ancestor, or someone worthy of respect and admiration – my colorful, durable paintings are made to last - and made to impress! Each portrait is hand-painted on sturdy canvas and punched with grommets for hanging - no framing is necessary. Simply unroll and hang, for years to come!

After ordering, email me a photo of the person you want painted. Choose one color if you want a monochromatic painting, or your choice of up to 3 colors. Include any additional information or questions you may have.

Original photo

Original photo

High contrast work photo

High contrast work photo

Finished painting

Finished painting

When completed, your portrait is rolled and shipped to you in a sturdy tube. Shipping and insurance are included. Although the volume of orders can affect delivery time, portraits are generally completed and sent within 4 weeks.

-Monika Lidman