Summary
The Weeknd Speed Painting by contemporary artist Bart Carels captures bold contrasts and soft surrealism. It’s a vivid tribute to Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd.
Title: ‘Blinded by the Lights’
Artist: Bart Carels
Year: 2020
Process
This The Weeknd speed painting was inspired by a photo that immediately stood out. The lighting, color, and mood were perfect for capturing something expressive. So, I didn’t just aim to recreate a pop star. Instead, I focused on turning a moment into motion on canvas.
I began with a vibrant Vermillion orange background. Over that, I sketched loose lines using Primary Cyan. From there, I added the darkest shapes — the hair, shirt, and sunglasses — using a custom mix of Ivory Black, Magenta, Yellow, and a bit of Cyan. As a result, the dark tones feel warmer and deeper than pure black.
Next, I layered in skin tones, letting the orange glow show through. It gave the portrait a cinematic feel. Then came the highlights, added with a blend of yellow and magenta. I wrapped up with the jacket’s shadows, some reflections on the sunglasses, and extra contrast in the background.
In total, this The Weeknd speed painting took about 90 minutes. The rough textures and visible brushwork were intentional. They reflect the surreal, emotional vibe of *Blinding Lights*, the song that sparked the piece.
This portrait is part of my broader series of music-themed pieces. If you’re into bold, expressive work, you’ll find a lot more in that collection.
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
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