A Gay Renaissance Reimagined by Liam Stonier McDonald

Meet Liam Stonier McDonald, an artist putting his very queer and extremely personal touch on renowned Renaissance works like The Last Supper.

At 29, Liam Stonier McDonald is creating art uniquely his own by blending Renaissance art with personal stories of queerness, heartbreak, and masculinity.

While talking to Liam, he explained that his work isn't just about reimagining classical paintings. It's about sharing his life openly and honestly. His connection to these works is personal — a way for him to explore his own experiences — his relationships, his longing for love, and the complexities of his identity.

He says, "I've always been fascinated by Renaissance paintings. When I was younger, I found the masculine figures in them attractive. Those paintings outed me before I even realized I was gay.”

My Last Session With You by Liam Stonier McDonald

One of his most identifiable pieces is his version of The Last Supper, titled My Last Session With You. It reflects a turning point in his life, inspired by a moment in a rundown apartment. "I was surrounded by strangers and feeling disconnected. I looked up and saw The Last Supper on the wall," he shared. "It hit me — I didn't want this to be my life anymore. I wanted to create something meaningful."

Unfinished, recreational of Dante and Virgil by William-Adolphe Bouguereau.

Another standout is his take on William-Adolphe Bouguereau's Dante and Virgil, which explores toxic masculinity, with Liam inserting himself into the scene wearing his everyday baggy tracksuit and cap. "The two figures holding onto each other represent the kinds of conversations we have as a community," he explained.

Liam's A5 charcoal drawings take a more intimate approach, reflecting moments of connection and self-discovery. "They're like a journal," he said. "Traveling through Europe, visiting galleries, meeting men, drinking wine — it's all in there."

Liam grew up in conservative South Wiltshire, England, facing many challenges during his formative years. His family struggled financially, his mother dealt with mental health issues, and the school removed him for falling behind, placing him in a special education program.

"That's where I started painting," he said. "Those early works got me into university, even though I didn't have any qualifications."

Now living in London, Liam paints daily in his studio, channeling his past into work that feels deeply personal and universally relatable. "It's not enough to see myself in these paintings — I want to draw myself into them, to make them feel me, too."

Liam Stonier McDonald's art is honest and raw — a reflection of a life lived without apology. For more from Liam, follow him on Instagram!