Frida Kahlo is one of my favorite painters of all time. I love Frida’s art style and I like using it in my own artwork. As the expression goes, ‘imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’! Over the years, I’ve created several paintings inspired by her work. One of the most heartwarming additions to my ever-growing Frida-related art collection was this custom couple portrait inspired by Kahlo’s famous painting “Las Dos Fridas”. It was commissioned to create it as a unique wedding gift for a couple who are big Frida Kahlo fans. When I was contacted by their friend about the project, I didn’t think twice about whether to take it on or not! I was so excited about re-interpreting “the two Fridas” that I couldn’t wait to start!
Adapting the painting for two grooms presented a delightful challenge: preserving Frida’s distinctive style while dressing them in suits, as requested by my client. I drew inspiration from Kahlo’s “Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair,” her only self-portrait in men’s clothing, to guide my approach to painting suits in her signature textured, emotive manner.
Of course, I followed the original “Las Dos Fridas” painting for guidance. I painted the groom on the left wearing a white suit with a vest patterned after the intricate skirt in Frida’s painting’s original dress, while the groom on the right donned a blue suit with a purple vest and orange tie, echoing the bold hues of her top. Their poses and the iconic, slightly awkward hand gestures remained true to the original, capturing the painting’s emotional depth.
Scaling down “Las Dos Fridas” from its grand 68.3″x68″ to a compact 11″x14″ was no small feat. Recreating intricate details like the wicker bench’s weave and the exposed hearts tested my precision, but I worked diligently to maintain Kahlo’s vibrant aesthetic on this much smaller canvas. The result was a striking portrait that blended the couple’s story with Frida-style artistry, earning high praise from the client, who called it “the greatest purchase I made this year” and lauded my ability to exceed expectations. The newlyweds, too, were overjoyed with their thoughtful gift.
This project was a joy from start to finish, and I’m eager to create more Kahlo-inspired art. If you’re searching for a meaningful wedding gift for a couple who adore Frida Kahlo, check out my portfolio to see how I can craft a bespoke illustration that captures their love with passion and originality. Let’s bring your creative vision to life!
Medium: Watercolor, Acrylic, and Ink on watercolor paper
Size: 16X20