Joker

Original painting by Michele Petrelli ©
210x297mm

In this portrait of the Joker, inspired by the iconic figure from the Batman saga, I explore a profoundly dark and unsettling version of the character. The work is built upon textured layers, created with impulsive fan brush strokes, giving the surface a raw, vibrant, and emotionally charged quality. The light, brutal and uncompromising, sculpts the face, highlighting deep shadows and hollow, empty eyes. Unlike the traditional portrayal, the markings on the Joker’s face are not red, but black, turning his forced smile into a dark wound that speaks more of despair than madness. This interpretation moves away from classic spectacle to offer a portrait heavy with darkness, where every brushstroke tells the story of a collapsing identity.

Watch the full creative process video and learn with me, observing each stage of the painting unfold.