“Audrey in Gold – A Klimt-Inspired Portrait”
25.5” x 37.5” | Acrylic on Canvas | Original Artwork by Amalee

This striking original painting is a bold reimagining of the iconic Audrey Hepburn, rendered with vibrant color, Klimt-inspired symbolism, and expressive, modern elegance. Titled Audrey in Gold, this 25.5” x 37.5” acrylic on canvas portrait merges classic Hollywood grace with the opulence and mystery of Gustav Klimt’s golden aesthetic.

Audrey’s figure is elongated and ethereal,

her poise elegant yet otherworldly—stretching gracefully across the canvas in a stylized form that evokes both strength and delicacy. Her famously refined features are captured with reverence, but also transformed, adorned with vivid, painterly color and surrounded by intricate patterns that echo Klimt’s signature gold-leaf mosaics and symbolic geometry.

The background is a glowing tapestry of color and form—swirls, spirals, and symbolic motifs dance around her, subtly referencing themes of femininity, beauty, and inner power. Her hands, inspired by the expressive and delicate gestures seen in Klimt’s most celebrated works, add an emotive, almost spiritual quality to the composition. This choice brings a layer of narrative to the piece, as though Audrey is not merely posing, but reaching into something timeless and unseen.

Painted in rich acrylics with layered textures and high-saturation hues, Audrey in Gold is a visual feast. The surface shimmers with energy—each detail inviting closer inspection. There is both movement and stillness in the work, and a powerful contrast between the modern acrylic medium and the classical visual references.

This is not just a portrait.

It is a tribute—a contemporary homage to two icons: Audrey Hepburn, the eternal muse of elegance and humanitarian grace, and Gustav Klimt, the master of ornamental symbolism and golden beauty. The result is a unique, gallery-worthy piece of contemporary figurative art that bridges old-world glamour with modern artistic expression.

Perfect for collectors of iconic portraiture, lovers of Klimt’s artistic legacy, and anyone seeking a bold, meaningful, and visually stunning statement piece. Whether displayed in a home, office, or gallery setting, Audrey in Gold is sure to captivate attention and spark conversation.

“Audrey in Gold” is on display at The Academy, and was part of Castro Art Walk on June 6th, 2025. It was a great turn out and fun evening in the Castro.