GALLERY
“Slay the Canvas” series of oil paintings by artist René Porter celebrates the brilliant artistry, identity, and resilience of the drag community, the broader culture and impact of drag, highlighting its role in challenging societal boundaries and inspiring freedom of expression in all its forms.​
Each painting in this series is a tribute to an individual drag artist, capturing their unique essence, strength, and the electrifying spirit they bring to the stage and beyond. These portraits are more than just visual representations; they are powerful statements of empowerment, diversity, and the breaking down of traditional gender norms, inviting you the viewer to appreciate the rich tapestry of human expression and the transformative power of drag.
We’re excited to share that René Porter’s powerful and beautiful “Slay the Canvas” series will be part of the upcoming Cicada Fine Art Group Show at Cicada Fine Art Gallery throughout "Pride" month in November 2025.
This exhibition brings together diverse voices and visions in celebration of our LGBTQ+ community.
Don't miss the chance to experience this series of 12 large scale paintings of our legendary drag artists in person.
Current Work in Progress
"Bobby Friday"
c. 2025
36"x 36" oil and metallic acrylic
on panel board
Bobby Friday
Lucille L'queur
Morgan McMichaels
Vanity Halston
Sister Roma
"Ms. Jasmine Masters"
c. 2025 (36"x 36" oil and metallic acrylic on panel board)
Portrait #8 of “Slay the Canvas” series of oil paintings is the talented and beautiful Ms. Jasmine Masters. I used different shades of gold metallic oil paint on the highlights of her wig to catch the light and to achieve a greater sense of depth. I kept the rendering of her wig loose to bring more attention to her face and costume.
Jasmine, thank you for being an integral part of this series. Your electrifying performances and beautiful personas (and your sense of humor) takes us away to a world of joy, glamour and freedom.
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Jasmine Masters was born and raised in San Diego, CA and has been doing drag for 30 years. Jasmine is widely recognized for her appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 7 and All Stars Season 4). Jasmine is the main queen viral meme working throughout California and the drag entertainment field.
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The first segment of "Slay the Canvas" series includes 12 paintings of 9 different drag artists. The series will be featured throughout the month of November 2025 in Palm Springs at Cicada Fine Art Gallery in Palm Springs, CA.
"Sabryna Williams"
c. 2025 (36"x 36" oil on panel board)
Sixth in the series is the beautiful and talented Sabryna Williams—she’s vibrant and engaging, quick-witted, compassionate, and full of contagious energy. She is a dazzling drag queen based in Palm Springs, California, known for her electrifying stage presence, fierce fashion, and unapologetic charisma. A beloved fixture in the local drag scene, Sabryna captivates audiences with high-energy performances that blend classic glamour with modern edge. Whether she’s commanding the stage at a sold-out show or hosting lively community events, Sabryna brings a sense of joy, inclusivity, and empowerment wherever she goes. Her signature style, quick wit, and heart of gold have made her not only a crowd favorite but also an inspiring figure in the vibrant desert drag community. Sabryna thank you! You are a beautiful and powerful addition to “Slay the Canvas” Thank you for your support of this new series of oil paintings.
"Mrs. Kasha Davis"
c. 2025 (36"x 36" oil on panel board)
painting detail
Fifth in the series is the legendary Mrs. Kasha Davis. Aka Ed Popil is the ultimate WORKHORSE QUEEN! MKD shares her coming out story, sobriety journey & jazzy performance history sprinkled with her highly favored songs and “Dad jokes in a dress”! MKD’s stories are relatable, and performances intertwine forgiveness, determination, motivation and self-acceptance for audiences of all ages. MKD aka Ed Popil is grateful for a happy home with husband of 20 years, Steve “Mr Davis” of 20, dog Max, and two hard working, healthy adult stepdaughters and son in law. MKD travels her cabaret performances, Drag Brunches, college bingos and positivity talks but nothing is more soul satisfying than work with her story hour for children entitled IMAGINATION. Mrs. Kasha Davis’s credits include RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 8, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7, Documentary – Workhorse Queen, Drag Me to Dinner – Hulu, Movies: Hurricane Bianca from Russia with Hate & Ask Me to Dance.
"Sister Roma"
c. 2024 (28"x 28" oil on panel board)
Fourth in the "Slay the Canvas" series of oil paintings is the legendary Sister Roma from my photoshoot at the beautiful furniture showroom at Coup D’Etat in San Francisco. So honored to immortalize her extraordinary spirit and beautiful artistry on canvas. For more than three decades, Sister Roma has been one of the most outspoken and globally recognized members of San Francisco's Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. From fighting on the front lines in the war against HIV/AIDS to creating the Sisters' Stop The Violence campaign to taking on social media giant Facebook as the creator of the #MyNamels movement, Roma has dedicated more than half her life to community service, activism, and fundraising. As an event producer and tireless volunteer, Roma has helped raise well over $1 million dollars for countless charities and LGBTQ organizations. One of the LGBTQ's most colorful personalities and emcees, Roma has appeared everywhere, from the main stage of San Francisco Pride to Easter in the Park, headlining events worldwide. She's just as comfortable walking red carpets and hosting big-ticket galas as she is marching for human rights and serving holiday meals to our unhoused community.
"Fabeyonce"
c. 2024 (28"x 28" oil on panel board)
Introducing “Fabeyonce”, the third oil painting in the “Slay the Canvas” Drag Artists Series. Fabeyonce has been a drag performer for eleven years and in Fabeyonce's words "Going forward, I promise to continue turning heads, sparking conversations, and inspiring my community with elegance, professionalism, and kindness. I am dedicated to consistently raising the bar and staying true to myself". Fabeyonce's mother-in-law is his personal fashion designer and sews his beautiful dresses for his drag shows. Fabeyonce and I met at the Velvet Rope in Palm Springs and spent a few hours capturing photos for this first painting. What a fun time and thank you so much Fabeyonce for offering to model for this important series! You are so fabulous in every way!
"Pretty in Pink" (Ethylina Canne)
c. 2024 (24"x 24" oil on panel board)
painting detail
The second painting in this series is of the "Queen of Palm Springs", Ethylina Canne. I couldn't wait to dive into that pink wig. I ended up using flourescent magenta to achieve that brilliant color of pink. Ethylina's drag career started in the mid 90's at the now legendary "Trannyshack", created and hosted by her dear friend Heklina. Ethylina has been celebrated by all and garnered several awards and titles throughout her career. She was Sainted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in 2019, she was awarded GED Magazines “OUTstanding Drag Diva” in 2020. On her 50th birthday, the Mayor and City Council of Cathedral City declared July 9th “Ethylina Canne Day” with a city proclamation in 2023, and she was most recently honored by the City of Palm Springs as the Community Grand Marshal for the Pride Parade and Festival in 2023. Ethylina was a backup dancer for Belinda Carlisle at San Luis Obispo Pride as well as an ambassador for Drag Out the Vote in 2022. She is currently writing a one woman show revolving around the Christmas season and hopes to take it on tour next summer. Her next major FIRST will be sailing through the Mexican Riviera aboard the Norwegian Bliss in March of 2026. A bevy of drag queens from near and far shall be coming aboard as well.
Ethylina is an actress, hostess, comedian, entertainer, officiant, bingo ball caller, philanthropist, AND a Tupperware Lady residing in sunny Palm Springs.
"Ethylina Canne Play Mate"
c. 2024 (36"x 36" oil on panel board)
