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Prince Speed Painting – Music-Inspired Art

Original acrylic painting on paper of Prince by Bart Carels, capturing dynamic energy and iconic style.

Summary

Prince Speed Painting by contemporary artist Bart Carels. This vibrant, expressive portrait honors the one and only Prince Rogers Nelson with color, attitude, and movement.

Title: ‘Little Genius’
Artist: Bart Carels
Year: 2020

Process

Prince. What can I say? A small man with massive talent. One of the most gifted musicians to ever exist. Naturally, he was a perfect subject for this Prince speed painting.

I started similarly to my Lauryn Hill piece — sketching his head with a thick black marker and refining the facial features with fineliner. Then I blocked in the darkest areas of the painting. For the hair, I mixed all primary colors, leaning more into red and yellow to get a warm brown, plus some Ivory Black for depth.

The jacket was a signature purple — created by combining Magenta and Cyan with a hint of Yellow. After that, I worked on the face. At one point, I thought it was going nowhere. But I kept layering skin tones and blending carefully. Slowly, it came together. Sometimes that’s how it goes — trust the process even when it’s messy.

Once the portrait was mostly complete, I moved to the background. Initially, it was blue, matching my reference. But once I reviewed the piece, it felt too flat. So I switched it up — adding Ochre tones by mixing Primary Yellow and Magenta. Suddenly, the painting came to life. The new background felt funkier and truer to Prince’s spirit.

This Prince speed painting is part of my music-inspired portrait series. If you’re into bold art, creative process videos, and iconic figures from music history, you’ll enjoy the rest of the collection too.

Painting Specs

  • One-of-a-kind artwork
  • Medium: Mixed Media on Paper (black marker & acrylic paint)
  • Size: 24x32cm / 9×12 inches
  • Color Palette: Cyan | Magenta | Yellow | Black | White

Availability

Want to own this Prince painting? Check availability below:

Like what you see? Subscribe for updates on future art drops, or follow me on social media (links in the footer) for progress videos and new portraits.

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Lauryn Hill Speed Painting – Portrait Art

Original hand-painted painting of Lauryn Hill by Bart Carels, capturing the soulful energy of hip-hop.

Process

Today I painted Ms. Lauryn Hill — in my opinion, one of the most incredible singer-songwriters and rappers around. Her voice has such a unique sound, so I knew this would be a fun one. For this Lauryn Hill speed painting, I kept the brushwork loose and focused on capturing expression over perfection.

To start, I used a black marker for the outlines, just like in my earlier J. Cole piece. However, I switched to a fineliner for finer features like the eyes and eyebrows to give them a bit more definition. Her head wrap featured beautiful turquoise tones, while the skin had warm, orangey-brown shades. That’s why I chose a Vermillion outline— it brought out the contrast nicely.

Next, I blocked in the denim jacket with loose strokes, intentionally keeping it rough. Meanwhile, I added subtle blues as highlights to the cheek and jawline, which gave the face some depth. Rather than replicating the head wrap’s pattern, I simply suggested the shapes to keep things fluid and intuitive.

After that, I moved on to the background. I layered a few shades of blue with hints of orange to balance the palette. As a final step, I added details across the face and fabric, blending where needed but keeping that painterly texture. That’s about it — fast, expressive, and full of color.

This Lauryn Hill speed painting is part of my music-inspired portrait series. If you’re into quick, bold studies of iconic musicians, there’s more where this came from.

Availability

Want to own this Lauryn Hill painting? Check availability below:

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J Cole Speed Painting – Rap Portrait

J Cole painting by Bart Carels – expressive hip-hop portrait in cool tones

Summary

J Cole Speed Painting by contemporary artist Bart Carels. This energetic portrait captures the thoughtful presence and style of one of rap’s most consistent voices.

Title: ‘J. Cole’
Artist: Bart Carels
Year: 2020

Description

This j cole speed painting was created quickly but intentionally — loose lines, strong color contrasts, and expressive layering. It’s part of my series on iconic music figures.

Process

To begin, I outlined the composition using a big black marker — quick strokes to set the structure. Then I jumped straight into the facial hair and blocked in the base skin tones. For the hair, I mixed Magenta with a touch of Cyan and Yellow, darkened with Ivory Black to create richness.

When painting the face, I used a mix of all three primary colors. For the darker tones, I added more Cyan, which gave the piece cooler shadows. After that, I filled the background with a custom teal by mixing Primary Cyan and Primary Yellow. It echoed some of the blue-green tones in the reference, which I emphasized in the cheek and jawline to tie everything together.

Once the foundation was done, I added small highlights and details, but intentionally left some of the marker lines visible. They help maintain a raw, spontaneous vibe. And of course, one of my favorite parts — peeling off the masking tape. That clean white border always makes the whole piece feel finished.

Painting Specs

  • One-of-a-kind artwork
  • Medium: Mixed Media on Paper (black marker & acrylic paint)
  • Size: 24x32cm / 9×12 inches
  • Color Palette: Cyan | Magenta | Yellow | Black | White

Availability

Interested in owning this J Cole painting? Check availability below:

Subscribe below to stay updated on future portraits. And don’t forget to follow me on social (links in the footer) for more speed painting videos and behind-the-scenes content.

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Johnny Cash Speed Painting – Portrait Art

Johnny Cash painting – portrait of the Man in Black

Summary

Johnny Cash Speed Painting by contemporary artist Bart Carels. A vibrant tribute to one of country music’s most iconic voices.

Title: ‘Man in Black’
Artist: Bart Carels
Year: 2020

Description

I grew up hearing a lot of country music thanks to my parents. While my tastes are pretty broad these days, I still enjoy the old classics — and Johnny Cash has always stood out. Naturally, I wanted to create a piece that captured his presence.

Process

To kick things off, I sketched a quick line drawing using black ink. Then I moved to the background. Instead of matching the reference exactly, I made it more vibrant. I blended Primary Magenta and Yellow, then added some Cyan and Ivory Black for the deeper tones. The result is a background that pops just enough to frame the subject without overpowering him.

Next came the face and hair. I always build up the darker values first, then layer in the mid-tones. For those, I used a mix of Magenta and Yellow with a bit of Cyan. The deeper shadows got more Magenta and Cyan, while the highlights were built up using Titanium White.

That’s it for this johnny cash speed painting. It was a quick, expressive piece with just enough structure to feel finished — especially once the masking tape comes off and that clean border appears.

This piece is part of my music portrait series, which includes other legendary figures in hip hop, pop, and soul. If you like this kind of expressive painting style, there’s more to explore.

Painting Specs

  • One-of-a-kind artwork
  • Medium: Mixed Media on Paper (ink & acrylic paint)
  • Size: 24x32cm / 9×12 inches
  • Color Palette: Cyan | Magenta | Yellow | Black | White

Availability

Want to own this Johnny Cash painting? Check availability below:

Subscribe below to get notified about new releases, and follow me on social (links in the footer) for more process videos and portraits like this one.

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Walkman Speed Painting – Retro Tech Art

walkman portable cassette player painting

Summary

Walkman Speed Painting by contemporary artist Bart Carels. A nostalgic tribute to the Carrera PX-12 portable cassette player — one of the true symbols of old-school cool.

Title: ‘Music on the Move’
Artist: Bart Carels
Year: 2020

Description

I’ve got good memories of my Walkman(s). The idea that you’d listen to the same tape for days — or even weeks — feels wild now, but also kind of special. And the batteries! You always had to carry spares. I even remember borrowing one from my uncle that looked like a full-on car stereo. You had to wear it on your back like a backpack. Cool… but definitely not practical.

Process

For this walkman speed painting, I decided to work on paper instead of canvas. It took some getting used to. The paper started to wrinkle once I added paint, which made the process a bit trickier. Luckily, it flattened out again as it dried — but it still affected how I painted.

Since I was worried that too many layers would mess with the paper, I skipped the underpainting. I chose a bold yellow background (with a bit of magenta mixed in) and started painting directly by hand. The proportions were a bit off compared to my reference, but I left them that way. Fixing things on paper felt riskier than on canvas, and I kind of liked the result as it was.

From there, I blocked in the big shapes, then added shadows, highlights, and a few final details. It’s a simple but nostalgic piece — part of my love letter to retro tech and music gear.

This walkman speed painting is part of my music and pop culture art series. If you grew up with cassette tapes, you’ll probably get the vibe.

Painting Specs

  • One-of-a-kind artwork
  • Medium: Acrylic on paper
  • Size: 24x30cm / 9×11 inches
  • Color Palette: Cyan | Magenta | Yellow | Black | White

Availability

Want to own this Walkman painting? Check availability below:

Subscribe below to stay in the loop for future retro art drops. And follow me on social (footer links) to see new speed painting videos as they’re released.

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De Phenix Zaandam – Historic Warehouse Painting

de phenix rice warehouse peeling company

Painting Summary – De Phenix Zaandam

De Phenix Zaandam by artist Bart Carels is a quiet tribute to a piece of Dutch industrial history. This former rice peeling warehouse from 1913 still stands along the Zaan River in The Netherlands, surrounded by stories of a working-class past and old-world architecture.

Title: ‘De Phenix’
Artist: Bart Carels
Year: 2020

Inspiration Behind the Painting

This painting of De Phenix Zaandam was a personal one. It was my brother’s birthday — and he’s always had a thing for old architecture and industrial design. We both grew up in Zaandam, so painting something tied to our roots made sense. The building has a presence: tall, minimal, and weathered by over a century of wind and river air.

Originally a rice peeling company, De Phenix is part of the industrial backbone that shaped the region. Many of these buildings have been repurposed or forgotten, but this one still stands proud along the Zaan. Painting it felt like capturing a piece of living history — one that locals walk or bike past without always noticing.

Painting Process – Capturing De Phenix Zaandam

I started by sketching the building’s outline in pencil. After that, I filled in the sky, then moved to the structure itself and the water. I layered in detail gradually — shadows on the facade, light on the river, texture in the bricks. Instead of exaggerating or modernizing it, I kept things quiet and honest, much like the building itself.

Painting Specifications

  • One-of-a-kind artwork
  • Medium: Acrylic on canvas
  • Size: 24x30cm / 9×11 inches
  • Color Palette: Cyan | Magenta | Yellow | Black | White
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Misting Fan Speed Painting – The Making Of

misting water spray fan original painting

Misting Fan Speed Painting – The Making Of

Misting Fan Speed Painting by contemporary artist Bart Carels. A behind-the-scenes look at this colorful still life — playful, simple, and painted fast.

Artist: Bart Carels
Year: 2020

Painting Process

This misting fan was a gift from my mom — a small handheld gadget that sprays a refreshing mist when you press the fan and squeeze the trigger. It’s one of those everyday items that feels oddly satisfying to use… and just quirky enough to paint.

I planned to record the full misting fan speed painting as a progress video, but halfway through, the software crashed. No photos either. So instead of a time-lapse, here’s the breakdown of how it went:

I painted on paper this time, which changed things up. The surface wrinkled during the first few layers but flattened out when the paint dried. To avoid overworking it, I skipped the usual underpainting and went straight in with a bold yellow background, lightly mixed with magenta.

The proportions were a bit off compared to the reference, but I left them that way. Painting over mistakes on paper felt riskier than on canvas, and in the end, the slightly off balance gave it character. I blocked in the main shapes first, then added shadows, highlights, and a few final touches to bring the form to life.

Painting Specs

  • One-of-a-kind artwork
  • Medium: Acrylic on paper
  • Size: 24×18 cm / 9×7 inches
  • Color Palette: Cyan | Magenta | Yellow | Black | White

Interested in the Final Piece?

This misting fan speed painting became a small still life that’s now available as an original artwork. You can check availability below:

For more painting progress and speed studies, subscribe below or follow me on social (links in the footer). I post new work often — including the ones where the software doesn’t crash.

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Console Gamer Speed Painting – PS4 Still Life Art

Console Gamer Painting – Original Art by Bart Carels

Console Gamer Speed Painting – The Making Of

Console Gamer Speed Painting by contemporary artist Bart Carels. A fast, expressive first-person take on the PlayStation gaming experience, captured in bold color with a loose, sketch-like feel.

Title: ‘Console Gamer’
Artist: Bart Carels
Year: 2020

Painting Process

This console gamer speed painting presents a first-person view of a gamer mid-session — the PS4 controller and headset front and center. The figure is seated on a couch, though not directly visible, giving the viewer the feeling of stepping into someone else’s shoes. That sense of immersion is what inspired this perspective.

I began by covering the canvas in Vermillion to give the piece a warm, energetic base. Then I quickly sketched the composition using Primary Cyan. Although I often build in a detailed underpainting, this time I skipped it entirely. I wanted to paint fast and instinctively — like responding to the rhythm of a game.

Next, I blocked in the legs, headset, and controller. As I moved through the piece, I added contrast and minimal highlights to bring some structure, while deliberately avoiding over-polishing. The looser parts — especially the headset and shadows — were left untouched on purpose to keep things feeling raw and in motion.

What I like most about this one is its simplicity. There’s no clutter or background noise — just the gear and the posture. It captures the stillness of a break or loading screen moment, frozen mid-game. This painting became part of a broader series where I explore everyday tech objects and their relationship with personal space and downtime.

Painting Specs

  • One-of-a-kind artwork
  • Medium: Acrylic on canvas
  • Size: 24×18 cm / 9×7 inches
  • Color Palette: Cyan | Magenta | Yellow | Black | White

Availability

The original Console Gamer painting is available here:

For more progress videos and experimental still lifes like this, subscribe below or follow me on social (links in the footer). New drops coming soon.

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Key Essentials Speed Painting – Everyday Carry in Acrylic

sunglasses key chain car key still life painting

Behind the Painting – Key Essentials

Key Essentials Speed Painting by contemporary artist Bart Carels. A quick, sunlit still life featuring sunglasses, a car key, and a keychain — painted in one sitting with leftover paint, limited time, and no pressure to overthink it. It’s a slice of everyday life, captured in bold colors and loose strokes.

Title: ‘Key Essentials’
Artist: Bart Carels
Year: 2020

A Quick Still Life Born from Leftover Paint

This painting came together on a day where I didn’t have much time — but I did have some slightly dried-out paint on my palette that I didn’t want to waste. So I grabbed a small canvas, looked around for something simple to paint, and started working fast. That’s how this key essentials speed painting began.

It was sunny, which made me think of the typical things you carry when heading out: a pair of sunglasses, your car keys, and that keychain you’ve had for years but never replaced. These objects became the subject — familiar, functional, and quietly personal.

I started with a Vermillion background, added outlines and shadow shapes with Primary Cyan, and quickly filled in the rest. Because the paint was already starting to dry, I leaned into the rough texture and let the brushstrokes show. I wasn’t aiming for precision — just vibe.

The next day, I gave the background a refresh to create more contrast and help the items pop. I didn’t touch the objects themselves. Sometimes that unfinished energy is what keeps the piece interesting.

This one reminds me how often small, unplanned pieces turn out to be the most fun. No pressure. Just paint.

Painting Specs

  • One-of-a-kind artwork
  • Medium: Acrylic on canvas
  • Size: 24×18 cm / 9×7 inches
  • Color Palette: Cyan | Magenta | Yellow | Black | White

Availability

For more quick studies and behind-the-scenes posts like this one, subscribe below or follow me on social (links in the footer).

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Snoop Dogg Painting -Time-Lapse Video

Original acrylic painting on canvas of Snoop Dogg by Bart Carels, capturing his iconic West Coast vibe

Snoop Dogg Speed Painting – The Making Of

Snoop Dogg Speed Painting by contemporary artist Bart Carels. A quick, expressive portrait capturing the vibe of one of hip hop’s most recognizable figures — sunglasses, braids, beads and all.

Title: ‘Snoop D.O. Double G’
Artist: Bart Carels
Year: 2020

Painting Process

I don’t do portraits often enough, even though I actually enjoy them. They’re tricky — easily the hardest subject to get right. It takes just one feature being slightly off to throw the whole thing. But they also force you to slow down and focus. That’s part of what drew me to this snoop dogg speed painting.

I’ve listened to Snoop since way back, and this close-up — braids, beads, and tinted glasses — had the bold shapes and contrast I like. I started with a bright blue background, slightly more saturated than the reference photo. I felt it would contrast nicely with the yellow beads in his hair.

Before hitting the acrylics, I made a detailed line drawing using a fineliner to get the proportions right. That part isn’t in the video — it takes time and I wanted the speed painting part to focus on color and layering.

Once the base sketch was done, I blocked in the skin tones, hair, and loose t-shirt outline. I used just a few tones for the face — enough to suggest form and light without overcomplicating it. The glasses were left mostly undetailed, with rough brushwork and minimal highlights.

To finish, I added a few shadows, some high-level highlights in the hair, beads, and necklace. From a distance, it pulls together nicely. For a quick portrait, I think it works.

Original Painting

  • One-of-a-kind artwork
  • Medium: Mixed Media (Ink & Acrylic on canvas)
  • Size: 24×30 cm / 9×11 inches
  • Color Palette: Cyan | Magenta | Yellow | Black | White

Availability

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