I have been wanting to do a portrait of Denis O’Hare for quite some time. I fell in love with him and his acting skills when I first saw him as Russel Edginton in True Blood.
One thing about Denis O’Hare is that he can play a role (big or small) and completely steal the show. That is one of the things I really admire about him. You really can’t take your eyes off him when he appears on the screen and you can’t wait to hear the next witty thing that comes out of his mouth. 
When American Horror Story Season 1 (Murder House) first came on TV, I of course was tuned in each week. When I first saw Larry Harvey appear on my screen, I literally looked at my husband in excitement and said “Baby is that.. is that DENIS O’HARE!” I was so thrilled to see him starring in another horror genre TV show. 
When he did not return for Season 2 (Asylum) I was a bit sadden by the news but I still had my True Blood to hold me over.
When Season 3 of American Horror Story (Coven) aired and I saw him as Spalding I was so happy to see that the people who make the show smartened up and brought him back on. Although there was no witty comments coming from Spalding’s “tongue” you still couldn’t help but focus on him. He makes the characters he plays so 
believable that you want to know more about them.
When Season 4 (Freakshow) was announced I was already hung ho because as we all know. I have quite the Circus/Sideshow obsession. Then Denis was introduced as Stanley. A con artist buying and selling “freaks” with a “big” secret of his own who eventually and involuntarily gets to join the show as their next “Geek”! Each part of the character transitions and Denis doesn’t skip a beat through out the whole season.
However I have to say that Season 5 (Hotel) is where Denis got his real chance to shine. I was not really anticipating this season as Jessica Lange was being replaced by Lady GaGa. I had not known that Denis was signed on to come back again so that was a pleasant surprise when I tuned in. So many people were talking about Lady GaGa (who really seemed to only get naked and have sex the entire show), when Denis as Liz Taylor was the show stopping performance to me. The character not only broke barriers but left you wanting more from him. The witty one liners were back and he once again was my reason for tuning in.
So there is a reason for all this Denis O’Hare fandamonium. You see I finally did a portrait of him. If all goes as planned I will be able to give this to him next month in person! This one is pretty unique as it is actually four portraits in one and I only used color in various parts for symbolism and to bring the portrait together as a whole. Each part of the portrait represents one of the four characters Denis has portrayed in American Horror Story (hence my explanation of why each character on the show is so important).
In tribute to Liz Taylor I call it “We All Have Our Flaws Kitten”………
Prints are available in my Etsy Shop!
Stay Spooky!
LDG Nicole
