Illustration and Portraiture

Hi, I’m Caitlin — a queer, self-taught artist based in California, working primarily in portraiture. I've been drawing since childhood, but my formal art education ended in high school. Everything since then — from experimenting with mediums to finding my voice — is an ever-evolving process of exploration, observation, and love.

My work focuses on the emotional intimacy of faces. I’m drawn to the quiet magic of portraying people — the small details that celebrate our uniqueness, our personalities, our layers. Most of my art is deeply personal: gifts for family and friends, portraits of my wife, or self-portraits that explore queerness, seasonal cycles, and the layered symbols of my Catholic upbringing. I also find myself experimenting with “object portraits,” or representations of a person via their personal items and belongings.

I occasionally take commissions: portraits of families, couples, pets, and individuals. I’m always honored to create work that carries personal significance for someone else — it feels sacred to be trusted with the interpretation of a love one’s likeness.

Much of my inspiration comes from the natural world — the garden I tend, the California landscapes around me, and the quiet shifts of the seasons. I’m interested in art as ritual, as reflection, as offering.

Thanks for visiting my little corner of the internet. Feel free to explore my work, or reach out if you’re interested in a custom portrait (scroll down to the bottom of this page to access my contact form, or email me at caitlinomalleyart@gmail.com).