Welcome to
DillonHirani.art
I am very fortunate to have friends and family who have encouraged me to create this space - a space where I share my artwork.I started painting in high school but it was not until years later that I decided to load a paint pallete.The natural world is what I like to capture and I use acrylic media on paper and canvas.In addition to the final pieces, this page presents interim photos to capture each painting journey. Sometimes, I enter a state of flow and forget to snap along the way, but you will see it is not always plain sailing.Should you like something, reach out and share the joy.- Dillon Hirani -
March 2024
Tyler The Tiger
Tyler joins the zoo. Almost a year later, I decided to add to the black and white animal series.I took quite a few interim photos as I reflected on the progress made by each layer of linework.The layering creates a voluminous fur and facial depth that otherwise cannot be achieved.
February 2024
A Waterfall
I took a plunge with this one. A Waterfall is of course inspired by the natural world, but I decided what to paint as I painted.The freedom led to quick progress with the mountain and gorge until I sat back and felt that the composition lacked a sense of depth.After a while, I decided to introduce a lower cascade in the foreground to give a sense of perspective.
January 2024
Holly The Humpback
Following a whale watching excursion in Norway, I wanted to capture a mountainous seascape.Although I did not see humpback whales, these fantastic beasts are known to create a splash with their entire body and distinctive tail fin.Here, Holly dives deep below.
December 2023
The Jet
The Jet is very different to the other paintings on this page.It is based on the F-35B Lightning aircraft, a multi-role fighter plane part of the Royal Air Force suite.The Jet was painted to compliment a futurism piece I created during my A-levels. That painting was based on the London Underground tube - check it out below.Not so natural, but who doesn't appreciate a straight line?
August 2023
Peri The Peacock
It felt wrong to paint a peacock in black and white. The peacock is known for flaunting feathers full of strong colours but I chose to focus on the facial features.Peri was painted in September 2023 on a circular canvas. Peri now sits above the door in the hallway brightening the space, greeting visitors.
May 2023
The Bonsai
My wife and I received a lovely buddhist pine bonsai tree as a wedding gift from dear friends. As a thank you and home-warming gift, The Bonsai was painted on a circular canvas.As I was yet to paint with colour, I was experimenting throughout the composition.The outcome: a fine specimen that requires no watering or trimming.
April 2023
Totti The Turtle
Like Wayne, Totti was realised over a period of two years. The initial sketch of the green sea turtle was completed in February 2021, but it was put aside until I returned to the sketchpad in 2023.Totti is the first sea animal in the series.Turtles are often associated with going with the flow (or slow!) - something we can all adopt in our own lives.
February 2023
Wayne The Wolf
Having tested how best to mimic a thick fur on Gary, I began sketching Wayne in May 2021. But it was not until 2023 that I decided to complete the painting.During this period I planned a wedding, got married and moved out, so there was plenty keeping me busy. Although it was a challenge to create the thick fur worn by arctic wolves, I am glad I sat down to complete Wayne.
February 2021
Gary The Gorilla
On the back of completing Ellie, I grew in confidence and enjoyed defining Gary's head using layers of fine lines to mimic the hairy nature of the animal.Gary's eyes were painted last, and his deep frown gives a thought provoking expression and draws most in.I surprised myself with this one. The Silverback Gorilla may be my best piece so far.
January 2021
Ellie The Elephant
There are not many who dislike elephants.I decided to paint Ellie, an African elephant, with a nod to the matriarchal society for which elephant herds live by. During this period of my life, my mum continued to be the boulder I leaned on.I have few progress pictures as I got swept away with wanting to do the painting justice.Ellie now hangs somewhere in Sierra Leone after a dear friend proudly gifted this to his mother.
October 2020
Geri The Giraffe
Often called a giraffe for the height I possess and an admiration for the natural beauty the species exhibit, Geri was chosen to be the next subject.I painted Geri whilst I struggled in my professional life and had taken time off to rest and re-energise.The head-on composition bought stillness and an opportunity to reflect on my mental state and appreciate the blessed life I am living.
May 2020
Ryan The Rhino
I started bold, outside my comfort zone and envisaged a vibrant depiction of a white rhino. Orange and blue are tones I prefer, but as I progressed I disliked what I saw, and headed towards a black and white scheme.I was not fond of the final image, but Ryan was born and would mark the start of a black and white animal series.
April 2020
Ganesh
Encouraged from completing Radha Krishna, I sketched this image of Ganesh directly from a statue sitting in my parents house.I used metallic paint on the jewellery to sparkle against the brown-beige tones.
April 2020
Radha Krishna
I have drawn various Hindu deities over the years, but this Radha Krishna piece was the first painted and dedicated to my parents.I took some time off work which coincided with the introduction of the national lock down. With the whole family at home, it was an opportunity to put headphones on and find an escape.
May 2012
The Tube
My Art & Design A-level coursework allowed me to study an art movement called Futurism.I recall researching into human mechanics, bicycles, boats, planes and anything else that enabled people to be dynamic.I stopped at a London Underground station and captured a photo of a train entering the tunnel.With bold colour and striking linework, I mimicked techniques used by Futurism artists and created The Tube.
Thanks for visiting, take care.
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