Malia Pettit Figurative Paintings

Artist Comments
A woman sits at the edge of a pool, with the blue moon framing her and adding to the contemplative atmosphere of the scene. The layers of paint on the water reveal the several color transformations of the background before settling into the inky blue-black night sky. The artwork comes with a matte black wood frame measuring 1.5 inches deep and 0.75 of an inch thick.

About the Artist
Malia Pettit sees her artistic process as an act of “liberating the paint” and “allowing for the unexpected to occur.” Her portraits of women stem from a fascination with glossy magazines and their portrayal of models, actors and celebrities. Her work has been especially influenced by Chantal Joffe...

Artist Comments
With closed eyes and a subtle tilt of her head, a woman confidently flaunts her shimmery eyeshadow, tonal highlights, and plump red lips. Against the beige backdrop, her dolled-up face and glowing skin create a captivating contrast. The playful touch of green tips on her curly hair adds a fun element to the sensual quality of the piece. The artwork comes with a Larson-Juhl matte natural frame measuring 2.25 inches deep and 0.25 inches thick.

About the Artist
Malia Pettit sees her artistic process as an act of “liberating the paint” and “allowing for the unexpected to occur.” Her portraits of women stem from a fascination with glossy magazines and their portrayal of models, actors and celebrities. Her work has been especially influenced by Chantal Joffe and John Singer Sargent. She currently resides in Louisiana after having lived in both California and England for several years. When she’s not painting, she is a full-time mom and enjoys exploring estate sales, antique stores and used bookstores.

Words that describe this painting: portrait, woman, face, hair, lips, people, pop, oil painting, beige

Emerald Lapels...

Artist Comments
Sitting on a silver stool, a woman immerses herself in mysterious and romantic thoughts. Against the dripping blue background, her warm skin tone radiates. Her eyes, intentionally obscured, add an element of intrigue to the painting. The artwork comes with a matte black wood frame measuring 2 inches deep and 0.75 of an inch thick.

About the Artist
Malia Pettit sees her artistic process as an act of “liberating the paint” and “allowing for the unexpected to occur.” Her portraits of women stem from a fascination with glossy magazines and their portrayal of models, actors and celebrities. Her work has been especially influenced by Chantal Joffe...

Artist Comments
A red-haired woman in a black dress captivates with a sultry gaze, complemented by a black veiled headpiece that adds a layer of drama to her look. The title of the artwork not only references the accessory but also holds the essence of her spirit. The piece comes with a matte black wood frame measuring 1.5 inches deep and 0.75 inches thick.

About the Artist
Malia Pettit sees her artistic process as an act of “liberating the paint” and “allowing for the unexpected to occur.” Her portraits of women stem from a fascination with glossy magazines and their portrayal of models, actors and celebrities. Her work has been especially influenced by Chantal Joffe...

Artist Comments
A woman wears a face of uncertainty, with slightly furrowed eyebrows and a contemplative gaze. Bold and powerful brushstrokes with vivid oil colors capture the intensity of her emotion. The portrait evokes a feeling of intrigue and second-guessing. The artwork comes with a Larson-Juhl...

Artist Comments
A woman exudes timeless elegance with her white sunglasses and bold red lipstick. Paint drips from the beach towel wrapped around her hair, suggesting the presence of water. The portrait's warm palette and loose brushstrokes capture the chic atmosphere of a summer day in the South of France. The artwork comes with a matte white wood frame measuring 1.5 inches deep and 0.75 inches thick.

About the Artist
Malia Pettit sees her artistic process as an act of “liberating the paint” and “allowing for the unexpected to occur.” Her portraits of women stem from a fascination with glossy magazines and their portrayal of models, actors and celebrities. Her work has been especially influenced by Chantal Joffe...

Artist Comments
A woman wearing a floral brooch on her shoulder and a scarf covering her hair captivates with a riveting gaze. The pale blue and warm gray background, along with her peach flesh tones, give the portrait a vintage touch. The artwork comes with a Larson-Juhl matte natural wood frame measuring 1.25 inches deep and 0.65 of an inch thick.

About the Artist
Malia Pettit sees her artistic process as an act of “liberating the paint” and “allowing for the unexpected to occur.” Her portraits of women stem from a fascination with glossy magazines and their portrayal of models, actors and celebrities. Her work has been especially influenced by Chantal Joffe...

Artist Comments
An androgynous figure rocks striking red hair and a piercing gaze. Artist Malia Pettit deliberately keeps the identity ambiguous, inviting open interpretation through the subject's portrayed posture and mood. The artwork comes with a matte black wood floater frame measuring 2 inches deep and half an inch thick.

About the Artist
Malia Pettit sees her artistic process as an act of “liberating the paint” and “allowing for the unexpected to occur.” Her portraits of women stem from a fascination with glossy magazines and their portrayal of models, actors and celebrities. Her work has been especially influenced by Chantal Joffe...

Artist Comments
"This bold portrait of two young women evokes both confidence and the unbreakable bond that two sisters share," says artist Malia Pettit...

Artist Comments
"The pastel-colored palette is sweet and feminine, like a box of macarons from Laduree," shares artist Malia Pettit. "It's all together like a modern-day Marie Antoinette showing up for her own surprise tea party." Blush pink and peach dominate this candy-colored portrait. With the intuitive addition of pastel green on the background and a snippet on the model's top, a cheerful balance is achieved.

About the Artist
Malia Pettit sees her artistic process as an act of “liberating the paint” and “allowing for the unexpected to occur.” Her portraits of women stem from a fascination with glossy magazines and their portrayal of models, actors and celebrities. Her work has been especially influenced by Chantal Joffe and John Singer Sargent. She currently lives in California after having lived in England for ten years. When she’s not painting, she is a full-time mom and enjoys exploring estate sales, antique stores and used bookstores...

Artist Comments
Two models in vintage bathing suits, one with a red swim cap, pose together on a sandy beach. "The overall color scheme is deliberately earthy and muted, with just a few shouts of color in her suit and the turquoise strip of water on the horizon," says Malia. She paired carefully rendered portrait features with loose brushwork to build a nostalgic and somewhat moody atmosphere.

About the Artist
Malia Pettit sees her artistic process as an act of “liberating the paint” and “allowing for the unexpected to occur.” Her portraits of women stem from a fascination with glossy magazines and their portrayal of models, actors and celebrities. Her work has been especially influenced by Chantal Joffe and John Singer Sargent. She currently lives in California after having lived in England for ten years. When she’s not painting, she is a full-time mom and enjoys exploring estate sales, antique stores and used bookstores.

Words that describe this painting: portrait, beach, women, swimsuits, bathing suits, vintage, Milt Kobayashi, Michael Carson , summer, ocean, seascape, sunbathing, models, people, fashion, representational, vintage, oil painting, beige

Distant Shores...

Artist Comments
When asked about the subject of this painting, artist Malia Pettit described her as "bold, striking and intelligent." Malia says the title of the piece is more literal than one might expect. "It's as though the woman who dominates this painting - wearing a power tuxedo no less - has willed herself to life on the canvas, transcending the surface and invading the space of the viewer. She has the power to seduce and command attention wherever she is put on display."

About the Artist
Malia Pettit sees her artistic process as an act of “liberating the paint” and “allowing for the unexpected to occur.” Her portraits of women stem from a fascination with glossy magazines and their portrayal of models, actors and celebrities. Her work has been especially influenced by Chantal Joffe...

Artist Comments
A dramatic contemporary portrait. The figure looks out with an intense, piercing glance, balanced by the soft flowers in her hair and gentle blue sky in the background. Artist Malia Pettit explains that the painting is a progression of both her palette and subject matter. "It has all of the elements of my female portraits - dramatic shadows, bold features and sharp contrasting. However, I contrasted these elements with the crown of soft, whimsical, loosely painted flowers to lighten things up. The painting has a geisha-like feel with the high collar and flowing florals."

About the Artist
Malia Pettit sees her artistic process as an act of “liberating the paint” and “allowing for the unexpected to occur.” Her portraits of women stem from a fascination with glossy magazines and their portrayal of models, actors and celebrities. Her work has been especially influenced by Chantal Joffe and John Singer Sargent. She currently lives in California after having lived in England for ten years. When she’s not painting, she is a full-time mom and enjoys exploring estate sales, antique stores and used bookstores...