OMG! Painting Grotesques: A Journey

When I started painting—many, many years ago—I never imagined I would one day paint a human or anything resembling a human likeness. Insects and animals were easier subjects. They don’t know (or care) if a painted likeness misses the mark. There's no expectation, no pressure.

But, as time passed and my confidence and abilities grew, I found myself increasingly drawn to the human form. I’ve painted a few people now, though I quickly discovered it's easier—and more freeing—to paint unknown faces. With unfamiliar faces, there’s no burden of resemblance. No one is looking for a reflection of someone they know.

And so, I’ve moved on to grotesques.

Gargoyles vs. Grotesques

Right now, I’m painting a series of grotesques (which I mistakenly called gargoyles for the longest time). What’s the difference between the two? Both feature distorted, exaggerated, and often comically absurd human, animal, or mythical features. But gargoyles have a functional purpose—they include waterspouts that direct rain away from the walls of a building.

Grotesques, on the other hand, are purely decorative. They serve no function except to amuse, astonish, or unsettle the viewer. They’re ornamental, strange, sometimes creepy—and deeply expressive.

History of Grotesques and Gargoyles - This Old House

Painting the Grotesque

The first grotesque I painted was based on a photo I took of a building in Waco. I loved the process. Adding color to the various parts of the face brought it to life. I redesigned the pattern multiple times before the composition felt right. The eyes were especially fun to paint—they give the face a spark, a hint of mischief or sentience.

The background, all in shades of grey, posed a challenge. Mixing varying amounts of black and white to create shadows and depth, added to the mood of the piece.

Since that first painting, I’ve moved into a new phase. A creative leap occurred between my first and second grotesques. Instead of bright color on the faces, they have a more “natural” look—flesh tones with browns, whites, and yellows to highlight wrinkles, folds, and character. The background and hair are where the color now lives.

The first in this new series is titled OMG! It kicked off a set of at least six grotesques, each with its own unique expression. I’m excited to see what emerges next—what emotions, distortions, or surprises will appear on the canvas as I go.

Grotesque on building in Waco

Painting of grotesque based on Waco building

OMG! The Agony - grotesque