
“Slay the Canvas” a new 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.
Current Work in Progress
"Mrs. Kasha Davis"
(36 x 36 oil on panel)

"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
Ethylina Canne’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)

