Countless Meticulously-Stippled Dots Form Fantastical Drawings

Los Angeles-based artist Kyle Leonard (aka K.A.L) creates meticulously-detailed drawings with the help of extremely fine-tipped pens. The realistic style is made up of countless tiny dots, which together create a smooth and expertly-blended appearance. “Pointillism is my method of madness,” Leonard explains, referring to the painstaking technique. In the end, though, his “maddening” process pays off–his fantastical subject matter takes on an almost photographic appearance.

Leonard often combines two or three elements to create one surreal scene. Elephants and octopuses are fused with architecture and plant life, and it appears as if they're growing from the creatures' bodies. Likewise, giant trees are also home to tiny buildings that line the branches. In all of Leonard's illustrations, the seemingly disparate parts work harmoniously together, producing alluring characters and stories that leave us wanting to know more.

Leonard sells his drawings in the form of prints, tote bags, and more through his Society6 shop.

Kyle Leonard: Website | Instagram | Society6

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met and Manager of My Modern Met Store. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art where she earned her BFA in Illustration and MFA in Illustration Practice. Sara is also an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs Bear&Bean, a studio where she stitches pet portraits and other beloved creatures. She chronicles the creativity of others through her website Brown Paper Bag and newsletter, Orts. Her latest book is Threads of Treasure: How to Make, Mend, and Find Meaning Through Thread, published in 2014. Sara’s work has been recognized in Be Creative With Workbox, Embroidery Magazine, American Illustration, on Iron and Wine’s album Beast Epic, among others. When she’s not stitching or writing, Sara enjoys planning things that bring together the craft community. She is the co-founder of Camp Craftaway, a day camp for crafty adults with hands-on workshops in the Seattle area.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits