
About René & Michaela
Award-winning fine artist René Porter, renowned for her striking, large-scale photorealistic oil paintings and charcoal drawings, introduces Michaela Angelo as her drag persona, venturing into the drag scene with a captivating new identity. Drawing from her celebrated background in painting, she merges artistic finesse with the transformative power of drag, creating a unique blend of visual art and illusion. Her vision transcends entertainment, aiming to elevate the visibility of drag artists through traditional fine art. By challenging boundaries and captivating viewers, she embarks on a bold new chapter in her artistic journey, inspiring a deeper appreciation of drag as a legitimate and profound form of artistic expression.

Artist's Statement
Ever since I was three years old, colorful makeup and costumes have captivated me. My mother shared a story with me, once I began pursuing my art, that vividly illustrates this early fascination. As a child, I was so enamored with clowns that during a visit to a traveling circus, I spontaneously dashed towards one of the shorter clowns and planted a kiss on their cheek. This bold display took my parents by surprise, especially since I was known to be an exceptionally shy child.
Drag artists inspire me with their brilliant artistry, glamorous and fearless styles, their fashion and makeup savvy, and their sassy, fun attitudes that captivate. With every detailed brushstroke, I aim to draw viewers in to see the beauty I see, free of judgment or fear, and to simply take in the pure, magical essence of drag. Each artwork is a unique expression, capturing the distinct emotion of the drag artist I portray. A successful painting resonates with life, depth, and a soul. Through my photorealistic and romantic style, I celebrate the richness of drag, not just as performance, but as a powerful expression of identity, creativity, and transformation.
Behind the Scenes
"Behind the scenes" photoshoot with Mrs. Kasha Davis, Sister Roma and Ethylina Canne at the beautiful furniture showroom at COUP D'ETAT in San Francisco, CA October 2024. The behind the scenes photos were taken by Jacob Peichuan Ji and videography taken by Steve Levins.



