LaSalle artist paints celebrities on unusual canvases

LASALLE (25News Now) – John Kettman of Rtistik Creations paints portraits of some of the most well-known people in the world in unique ways.

Super Bowl Quarterbacks on quarters, Taylor Swift on a corn kernel, and rapper Eminem on an M&M to name a few.

Kettman said he’s always up for a challenge, no matter how big or small.

“It’s so difficult, but every one of the rice grains and everything that you see is with a brush,” Kettman said. “[It’s] the gift of slowing my heartbeat down and my breathing and concentrating on top of it.”

Kettman said his inspiration to be creative came from his first wife who loved to be crafty. She died in a car crash in 2005.

All of his artwork relates to current events, music, or sports. He even tries to incorporate puns in some of his pieces.

After completing a painting, Kettman tries to meet the celebrities he painted and show them his work.

So far, he’s met or had his art autographed by actor Robert Englund, who played horror villian Freddy Krueger, the rock band Styx, former President Donald Trump, and more.

“It’s the gift of giving, but it’s also very rewarding when the other person appreciates what you do,” Kettman said.

Kettman said each brush stroke gets him more excited about his next piece. His next goal is to travel to Europe and find inspiration for portraits there.

He hopes to one day work with other artists to sculpt a statue.

Kettman even surprised 25News Reporter Sam Matheny with his portrait on a mug.

Mug portrait of Sam Matheny(WEEK)

Kettman’s artwork can be found on TikTok, X and Facebook

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