If you've looked up RuPaul's Drag Race fan art in any shape or form, odds are that you've seen some of Chad Sell's distinctive collection. With a style that is fresh and unique, Chad has quickly found his way to the hearts of many drag fans.. and queens. Beginning as just a hobby, he quickly created a name for himself as one of the top drag artists around.
Over the past week, in a series he named 'Week of Ru', Chad posted his first round of sickening portraits from the queens of RuPaul's Drag Race season 6. Fans of Chad's artwork were asked to vote for the queens they wanted to see first, so the queens revealed in earlier days had the most support from social media.
On Chad's website, each portrait is complemented with a short synopsis of the queen. We think many of his impressions are spot on so we have included them below as well. Check out each of the amazing pieces, and stay tuned for new art each week during season 6!
Over the past week, in a series he named 'Week of Ru', Chad posted his first round of sickening portraits from the queens of RuPaul's Drag Race season 6. Fans of Chad's artwork were asked to vote for the queens they wanted to see first, so the queens revealed in earlier days had the most support from social media.
On Chad's website, each portrait is complemented with a short synopsis of the queen. We think many of his impressions are spot on so we have included them below as well. Check out each of the amazing pieces, and stay tuned for new art each week during season 6!
Day 1: Milk & Laganja Estranja
 Chad's Impression: "There are a lot of incredible queens in the Season 6 cast, and many of them are well known in the drag community. For months, there had been rumors about the more established queens who had made it onto the show, but despite all the gossip, no one was ready for MILK! Milk’s irreverent humor and delightful genderfuckery were an immediate hit with the fans, and the fact that no one knows anything about her just adds to the appeal–she’s a total wildcard, a queen of unlimited possibilities! And she’s really, really fun to draw!" |  Chad's Impression: "Laganja has a lot of buzz surrounding her, and it’s clear she’s learned a lot from her superstar drag mama Alyssa Edwards. In a cast filled to the brim with comedy queens, Laganja is pure performance–I suspect her killer dance moves will send a whole lotta queens home this season. I’ll admit that this portrait is probably too reserved and unassuming for Laganja–it’ll take a lot more art to capture her over-sized character throughout the season! I think she’ll be a livewire, dramatic and divine. She has a huge fanbase already, and like Milk, she appeals to fans of a looser, more irreverent take on drag. But despite her stoner sense of humor, I think she’s focused, fierce, and ferocious." |
Day 2: Darienne Lake & Courtney Act
 Chad's Impression: I’m especially excited to announce that Miss Darienne Lake came out on top! I think Darienne is an absolute delight–gorgeous, hilarious, and sweet as hell. The drag mama of Pandora Boxx, Darienne has been in the drag world for, well, a long time, and she’s sure to be a fan favorite during Season 6. How could you watch her “Meet the Queens” video and not fall in love? I’m hoping for great, great things from Miss Darienne Lake. |  Chad's Impression: Of all the Season 6 queens, I actually had the hardest time capturing the likeness of “the most beautiful man in the world,” because, well, he’s so pretty! It was hard to pick out any one distinguishing feature amid the glorious radiance of Courtney. I’m curious, in fact, whether the high, polished shine she brings to the competition will help or hinder her. She’s already garnered a huge fanbase around the world, and for good reasons–besides her beauty, she’s talented and funny as hell! But despite the recent seasons’ embrace of the underdog drag queens, I wouldn’t be surprised if Courtney takes the crown. |
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Day 3: Bianca Del Rio & BenDeLaCreme
 Chad's Impression: Boy, do I love this queen. And those dimples–seriously, I could get lost in them for days. In addition to Courtney, Kelly, and Darienne, Bianca is a prominent, established, confident queen. She’s known for her wicked tongue and uproarious sense of humor, but she’s also a skilled seamstress and performer. I have two questions about how Bianca will do this season: 1) What will she be like out of drag? Surely, she won’t maintain the tough-as-nails persona of Bianca, will she? 2) What range of looks will she bring to the runway? Despite being a professional costume designer, she seems to favor relatively restrained outfits for her hosting gigs. But I’m hoping she goes totally wild for the show and brings out some jaw-dropping looks. |  Chad's Impression: Oooh girls, finally! It’s Ben’s turn! Although I really do love a ton of the queens this season, Ben’s one of my absolute favorites! She’s just oozing with charisma and character–I love her demented, cartoony personality and her incredibly inventive performances. Ben’s known for a burlesque style, bringing a playful sexiness to the stage, along with creative costume changes. I think Ben will bring the quick wit and resourcefulness that really shines on the show–I just hope she doesn’t suffer from constant comparisons to both Jinkx and her doppelganger Michelle Visage. |
Day 4: Kelly Mantle & Adore Delano
 Chad's Impression: I’ve been a huge fan of Kelly ever since I first started hearing about her last summer–yes, I might have stumbled across some rumors that she was in Season 6. As soon as I saw this fabulous video of hers, I was hooked. Kelly has a really unusual temperament for a drag queen–she comes across as laid back, unshakable. Like, the Drag Race is just another gig–no big deal. I don’t expect a lot of drama from Kelly, but I do expect her to bring a ton of talent to the stage. She’s a comedian, an actress, a singer. She might not often steal the spotlight, but she’s going to be a serious contender. And any queen who can trade Ani Difranco lyrics with me on Twitter has the official Chad Sell seal of approval! |  Chad's Impression: I think Adore is going to keep things really interesting. She’s got a Willam kind of thing going on, throwing out one-liners and projecting an off-kilter cockiness. Her character will be polarizing among fans, as will her edgy sense of style. But behind the bravado, this queen is funny, and she’s gorgeous. She’ll probably have some rough edges, some stumbles, but she’s one to watch. In a cast with so many more experienced queens, I see Adore and Laganja as two fierce upstarts in the season. Adore will bring comedy, style, and her vocal talents, whereas Laganja contributes her fierce personality, over-the-top fashion, and dance moves. (Oh, and I should say that I designed a T shirt for Adore, and we should hopefully be seeing that soon! It’s pretty badass, so watch for it!) |
Day 5: Magnolia Crawford & Joslyn Fox
 Chad's Impression: Magnolia is a true dark horse of the season, and so far, she’s flying under most people’s radar. But I’m intrigued by her quirky Youtube videos, which showcase an offbeat sense of humor and a consistently funny character. There have been a lot of comments on her contouring and lips, but I’ve grown to really like her mug–it suits her sensibilities perfectly. I don’t know how Magnolia will fare in the main challenges or on the runway, but I hope the Drag Race gives her a chance to show off her strengths. And if not, she’d better keep turning it out on Youtube! |  Chad's Impression: Joslyn is a fox, no doubt about it. In a cast of seasoned comedy queens, Joslyn stands out to me as the fishiest queen of them all. She seems really sweet and charming, though she may be too unassuming to stand out as a character among the other queens this season. But best of luck, my dear! |
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Day 6: Vivacious & April Carrion
 Chad's Impression: Wow, so, Vivacious. I think it’s clear that she’ll set herself apart as an unforgettable Drag Race queen, regardless of how long she stays in the competition. One of the biggest surprises when the cast was announced, Vivacious has already been embraced for her outrageous looks and for representing an important component of drag history. Plus, I am dying to draw some of the outfits of hers I’ve seen. Seriously, they’re just screaming to me. Vivacious definitely loves some shock value, as you can see in her “double-headed” look from the new Season 6 trailer. I have no idea how long she’ll last, but I’m sure she’ll leave quite a mark. |  Chad's Impression: With so many comedy queens on the cast this season, I expect April to stand apart by delivering some of the most jaw-dropping runway looks of the season. I see as a mix of Ivy Winters and Yara Sofia. Like Ivy, she’s gorgeous and sweet, though a little quiet. And they both favor theatrical outfits with flair. I don’t think April is as eccentric as Yara, but I expect that she’ll deliver some avant garde, over-the-top extravaganza like her predecessor. |
Day 7: Gia Gunn & Trinity K Bonet
 Chad's Impressions: When I moved to Chicago last summer, all the queens I met were talking about Gia, because the rumor was that she was off filming Season 6 of the Drag Race. So when I finally saw her perform live, I had high expectations. It’s a good thing she’s so fierce! Gia is at her best with high-energy numbers and elaborate costumes. She’s gorgeous, can dance like hell, and she’s a diva. She’s going to bring eleganza and drama this season. |  Chad's Impressions: This Southern, softspoken beauty may not seem like competition, but we might have another Tyra up in here. Trinity is quiet, but she’s fierce. Check out some of the incredible looks she has in the new trailer! In fact, she even reminds me of Mariah with the edgy elegance of those outfits. Trinity comes onto the show without as clearly defined a character as the other queens. But my question is if she gets a chance to define herself, what kind of queen will she be? |
Want to learn more about Chad Sell? Check out our exclusive interview with him about his art and inspirations. Also, be sure to check out his website and store for artwork of your favorite queens. We can't wait to see all the fabulous new works Chad is going to whip up for us as season 6 progresses!
Which is your favorite? Let us know...
Which is your favorite? Let us know...
