Framing excellence.
fameframegallery.com
results: "token:496df6s8af6sd5gs4s8f6"
"Ever-changing, ever-present."
FAME FRAME Gallery presents Essence of Water — an exhibition-competition exploring water as a symbol of life, transformation, and emotional depth.
Water has shaped civilizations, landscapes, and inner worlds alike. Ever-changing yet eternal, it reflects light, absorbs color, and carries memory.
Essence of Water invites creators to interpret fluidity through diverse visual languages — figurative, abstract, or symbolic. Transparency, rhythm, and reflection become tools to express states of mind and cycles of existence. The works gathered here reveal water as both presence and absence, serenity and force.
This exhibition seeks to honor water’s quiet power — reminding us that within its shifting form lies the essence of change, continuity, and life itself.
Water has shaped civilizations, landscapes, and inner worlds alike. Ever-changing yet eternal, it reflects light, absorbs color, and carries memory.
Essence of Water invites creators to interpret fluidity through diverse visual languages — figurative, abstract, or symbolic. Transparency, rhythm, and reflection become tools to express states of mind and cycles of existence. The works gathered here reveal water as both presence and absence, serenity and force.
This exhibition seeks to honor water’s quiet power — reminding us that within its shifting form lies the essence of change, continuity, and life itself.
ARTISTS’ ENTRY OPENS ON
1.4.2026.
1.4.2026.
Winning works will be unveiled here on
21.4.2026.
21.4.2026.
Robert Anderson, Water splash in close up photography
Mood image
Mood image
winners
First Prize Winner
Joe Maibach,
Sunset at Sea
Joe Maibach,
Sunset at Sea
Acrylic painting, 24x48”
United States
Monetary Prize — 100 €
"This acrylic painting, measuring 24x48”, captures sunlight glinting across the ocean's surface at sunset and was inspired by a boat ride off the coast of Mexico."
United States
Monetary Prize — 100 €
"This acrylic painting, measuring 24x48”, captures sunlight glinting across the ocean's surface at sunset and was inspired by a boat ride off the coast of Mexico."
Merit Award Winner
Barry Smylie, Reef
Barry Smylie, Reef
Acrylic on stretched canvas
Canada
Monetary Prize — 25 €
"Fish, the essence of water."
Canada
Monetary Prize — 25 €
"Fish, the essence of water."
Merit Award Winner
Cher Pruys, Tranquility
Cher Pruys, Tranquility
Acrylic on 300LB Hot Press
Canada
Monetary Prize — 25 €
"The constant movement and gentle sounds of the water from the fountain not only induce a state of deep calm and mindfulness, but also remind us that it is the essence of life..."
Canada
Monetary Prize — 25 €
"The constant movement and gentle sounds of the water from the fountain not only induce a state of deep calm and mindfulness, but also remind us that it is the essence of life..."
Merit Award Winner
Matthias Krispien,
Cold Comic Theater
Matthias Krispien,
Cold Comic Theater
Photography
Germany
Monetary Prize — 25 €
"Frozen water teems with the substance of life: a theater full of comedians who captivate me as a spectator through their entertainment."
Germany
Monetary Prize — 25 €
"Frozen water teems with the substance of life: a theater full of comedians who captivate me as a spectator through their entertainment."
Honorable Mention
Alexandra Telgmann, Golden Ocean Reflection - The sea remembers her
Alexandra Telgmann, Golden Ocean Reflection - The sea remembers her
Oil and 24-carat gold leaf on an aluminum panel
Germany
"This underwater portrait of my daughter captures the beauty of breath and our connection to nature, where each moment leaves a trace in us—and in the natural world itself."
Germany
"This underwater portrait of my daughter captures the beauty of breath and our connection to nature, where each moment leaves a trace in us—and in the natural world itself."
Honorable Mention
Angela Birchall, Raging Rocky River
Angela Birchall, Raging Rocky River
Acrylics on canvas
England, UK
"Acrylics on canvas depicting water racing through the rocky crevices in this river edging a woodland setting. The limited colour palette gradually brightens as the viewer arrives in the foreground creating depth and perspective in the scene. The symbolism shows the delicate plants and grasses (individuals) safely thriving in the security of the solid rocks protecting them (family/community) from the forces of the raging water (life!)."
England, UK
"Acrylics on canvas depicting water racing through the rocky crevices in this river edging a woodland setting. The limited colour palette gradually brightens as the viewer arrives in the foreground creating depth and perspective in the scene. The symbolism shows the delicate plants and grasses (individuals) safely thriving in the security of the solid rocks protecting them (family/community) from the forces of the raging water (life!)."
Honorable Mention
Barry Douglas Smylie, 11.06.2024
Barry Douglas Smylie, 11.06.2024
Acrylic and graphite under acrylic on 46 x 91 cm stretched canvas
Canada
"Acrylic and graphite under acrylic on 46 x 91 cm stretched canvas of the commercial fishing harbor of Belize City, Belize multi point perspective."
Canada
"Acrylic and graphite under acrylic on 46 x 91 cm stretched canvas of the commercial fishing harbor of Belize City, Belize multi point perspective."
Honorable Mention
Brigitte B Burckhardt, The Waterfall
Brigitte B Burckhardt, The Waterfall
Digital Photography
Switzerland
"A Waterfall in spring,the snow is melting,the current is strong."
Switzerland
"A Waterfall in spring,the snow is melting,the current is strong."
Honorable Mention
Courtney Panzer,
The Quiet Between Storms
Courtney Panzer,
The Quiet Between Storms
Oil on panel
United States
"A majestic thunderhead hovers over the ocean."
United States
"A majestic thunderhead hovers over the ocean."
Honorable Mention
Drewvy, Whoosh Splash
Drewvy, Whoosh Splash
Digital painting printed on aluminum round, mixed media embellished
United States
United States
Honorable Mention
Jason Shih, Dawn at Sea
Jason Shih, Dawn at Sea
Painted ABS
Taiwan
"The towering waves and expansive bay form a breathtaking landscape, much like a lively theater stage. The crashing blue waves and powerful tides, among countless peaks, signal a captivating golden dawn."
Taiwan
"The towering waves and expansive bay form a breathtaking landscape, much like a lively theater stage. The crashing blue waves and powerful tides, among countless peaks, signal a captivating golden dawn."
Honorable Mention
JoanneDambrosio Artis Joie, Eagle Ray
JoanneDambrosio Artis Joie, Eagle Ray
Acrylic on canvas with texture and a metallic resin wave pour
United States
"Eagles rays suspended between the sea and sky gracefully glides through a luminous turquoise expanse. Movements of harmony suggests freedom and unity evoking ocean waters depths 60 x048."
United States
"Eagles rays suspended between the sea and sky gracefully glides through a luminous turquoise expanse. Movements of harmony suggests freedom and unity evoking ocean waters depths 60 x048."
Honorable Mention
Karen Safer,
Taiwan Confluence of Seas
Karen Safer,
Taiwan Confluence of Seas
Photography
United States
"Photography - an archival pigment print. Catching the confluence of ocean currents from a higher perspective.. This is part of my WATER Series."
United States
"Photography - an archival pigment print. Catching the confluence of ocean currents from a higher perspective.. This is part of my WATER Series."
Honorable Mention
Kelly McNeil,
Prism of the Wood Ducks
Kelly McNeil,
Prism of the Wood Ducks
Oil on canvas
Canada
"Oil on canvas as the sun was going down I found these ducks at a place called the Cove near my home I took many shots and made this composition."
Canada
"Oil on canvas as the sun was going down I found these ducks at a place called the Cove near my home I took many shots and made this composition."
Honorable Mention
Kurt Johnson,
Underwater Ballet
Kurt Johnson,
Underwater Ballet
Photography
United States
"Seal effortlessly glides almost with a smile in the safe beautiful waters of the zoo."
United States
"Seal effortlessly glides almost with a smile in the safe beautiful waters of the zoo."
Honorable Mention
Kylo-Patrick Hart,
Droplets
Kylo-Patrick Hart,
Droplets
Digital photograph
United States
"Highlighting droplets, the essential essence of water."
United States
"Highlighting droplets, the essential essence of water."
Honorable Mention
Marie Bergstedt,
Under Water (exterior)
Marie Bergstedt,
Under Water (exterior)
United States
"This is the outside/exterior view of the same artwork entered with image #1.
The materials and technique listed earlier are the same. The exterior seems calm in contrast to the possible trauma of the interior."
"This is the outside/exterior view of the same artwork entered with image #1.
The materials and technique listed earlier are the same. The exterior seems calm in contrast to the possible trauma of the interior."
Honorable Mention
Michael Potts,
Rebirth
Michael Potts,
Rebirth
Archival Digital Photo Print
United States
"Water is of birth and also rebirth."
United States
"Water is of birth and also rebirth."
Honorable Mention
Pam Jeffries,
Sunset at the Harbor
Pam Jeffries,
Sunset at the Harbor
Oil with palette knife on canvas
United States
United States
Honorable Mention
Rachel Hall,
Lotus
Rachel Hall,
Lotus
Oil on canvas
United States
"When swaddled in her embrace, yesterday melts away, tomorrow is tomorrow, and today is today. She speaks to me without words."
United States
"When swaddled in her embrace, yesterday melts away, tomorrow is tomorrow, and today is today. She speaks to me without words."
Honorable Mention
Robyn Shortt,
Ripples
Robyn Shortt,
Ripples
Photography
Canada
"This forest reflected in a slow-moving stream speaks to me of the complexity, interconnectivity and synergy of the hydrosphere and the idea that without water neither the ecosystems nor life itself could exist."
Canada
"This forest reflected in a slow-moving stream speaks to me of the complexity, interconnectivity and synergy of the hydrosphere and the idea that without water neither the ecosystems nor life itself could exist."
Honorable Mention
Sherry Mason,
Pier to Forever
Sherry Mason,
Pier to Forever
Oil on Belgian linen panel
United States
"A contemplative scene where water and structure lead the eye forward, suggesting both movement and quiet reflection."
United States
"A contemplative scene where water and structure lead the eye forward, suggesting both movement and quiet reflection."
Honorable Mention
Stefano Paradiso,
Triptych 1 - Almost Blue
Stefano Paradiso,
Triptych 1 - Almost Blue
Photography - Inkjet print on fine art paper
Italia
"Almost Blue investigates the sea as an unstable surface shaped by wind and color. Blue, never definitive, emerges as a transient condition between perception and emotion."
Italia
"Almost Blue investigates the sea as an unstable surface shaped by wind and color. Blue, never definitive, emerges as a transient condition between perception and emotion."
Honorable Mention
Svein Øystein Jacobsen,
In to the cave
Svein Øystein Jacobsen,
In to the cave
Photo
Norway
"The picture was taken by a waterfall in Norway."
Norway
"The picture was taken by a waterfall in Norway."
Honorable Mention
Yanqing Huang,
Coastal Luminescence
Yanqing Huang,
Coastal Luminescence
Watercolor on paper
China
"This piece captures the rhythmic energy of the ocean from a top-down perspective, highlighting the intricate, lace-like patterns of seafoam as waves meet the shore. The vibrant transition of colors reflects the dynamic, ever-changing nature of water in motion."
China
"This piece captures the rhythmic energy of the ocean from a top-down perspective, highlighting the intricate, lace-like patterns of seafoam as waves meet the shore. The vibrant transition of colors reflects the dynamic, ever-changing nature of water in motion."
Selected Finalists
Alexandra Telgmann — Golden Ocean Reflection - Dance Self Portrait — 2024
Who is who
Alexandra Telgmann — Golden Ocean Reflection Dragon Wave — 2025
Watching The World Go By
Angela Birchall — Adios Armada — 2024
Identité fragmentée
Angela Birchall — Stormy Seas — 2024
Spirit
Ann Wolfe — Fly Fisherman, Alaska — 2015
Ann Wolfe — Pura Vida — 2026
Ann Wolfe — Which Way Is South — 2020
BARBARA CHAUDHRY — Breaking Camp — 2024
BARBARA CHAUDHRY — EDEN — 2023
Barbara kreitzer — Green_Blue - Chromatic Field — 2024
Barbara Kreitzer — Verdant Surge — 2024
Barry Douglas Smylie — 2025-10-09 — 2025
Barry Douglas Smylie — 2026-03-26 — 2026
Barry Smylie — Hunt — 2024
Barry Smylie — spawn — 2025
Bobbe Jones — Getting There — 2025
Brigitte B Burckhardt — The Song — 2025
Brigitte B Burckhardt — The Storm — 2024
Courtney Panzer — Fields of Gold at Twilight — 2025
Courtney Panzer — Northern Passage — 2026
David Patch — Into The Light — 2025
drewvy — Aqua Splash — 2025
Erika Beck — Moving Water — 2015
Erika Beck — Moving Water — 2016
Erika Beck — Splashing Water, a moment in stone — 2018
Gregory Supple — Adak Island 1944 — 2020
Gregory Supple — Adak Island 1944 — 2020
Gregory Supple — Blue Day Low Tide — 2023
Cher Pruys — Caribbean Deepness — 2024
Cher Pruys — Thumbs Up — 2021
Cher Pruys — Thumbs Up — 2021
Cher Pruys — Thumbs Up — 2021
J.Michael Simpson — With in a second — 2022
Jason Shih — Emerging — 2024
Jason Shih — Spring — 2023
Jean DOULLIEZ — Côte sauvage009 — 2017
Jean DOULLIEZ — RivagesD_002 — 2018
Jean DOULLIEZ — RivagesD_003 — 2018
JoanneDambrosio Artis Joie — WAVES — 2025
Joe Maibach — La Seine, Fleuve Lumière — 2024
Joe Maibach — Sunrise at Sea — 2026
Jon Woodhams — Glinting Light on Turquoise Sea — 2020
Jon Woodhams — Last Days of Summer — 2023
Jon Woodhams — Oceania — 2020
Karen Safer — Aqua Gold — 2025
Karen Safer — Culver Taps — 2025
Katarzyna Stefaniak — Akwarela — 2025
Katarzyna Stefaniak — Golden boat — 2025
Katarzyna Stefaniak — Green wave — 2025
Kathelen Fox Weinberg — Where the Sky Pauses — 2025
Kelly McNeil — ARCTIC ICE — 2024
Kelly McNeil — Arctic Plunge — 2024
Kurt Johnson — Aspen Water Drops — 2024
Kurt Johnson — Sunlite Waves — 2024
Kylo-Patrick Hart — Bridge of Tears — 2026
Kylo-Patrick Hart — Float — 2026
Marie Bergstedt — Under Water — 2024
Matthias Krispien — The true face of the river — 2021
Matthias Krispien — wild water cat — 2023
Midge Hyde — Turbulance — 2025
Michael Potts — Baptism — 2022
Michael Potts — River of Dreams` — 2017
Morten Saether — Blue vase — 2024
Morten Saether — Jetty Snow — 2022
Morten Saether — Walking in the Pool — 2023
Nicole E Dunn — Echo Canyon Reservoir — 2023
Pam Jeffries — Evening on the Riverwalk — 2024
Pam Jeffries — Sunset on Kealia Beach — 2021
Rachel Hall — Listen — 2025
Rachel Hall — Vesica Piscis — 2026
Robyn Shortt — Mirage — 2026
Robyn Shortt — Primal Blue — 2024
Sherry Mason — Come Watch With Me — 2023
Sherry Mason — Late Autumn Beauty — 2026
Stefano Paradiso — Diptych 1 - Almost Blue — 2025
Stefano Paradiso — Diptych 5 - Almost Blue — 2025
Stefano Paradiso — Diptych 5 - Almost Blue — 2025
Svein Øystein Jacobsen — Svalbard — 2020
Yanqing Huang — Radiant Pillar — 2026
Yanqing Huang — Radiant Pillar — 2026
Apply to Participate
Artists are invited to submit their work for participation in this exhibition.
Artist Entry
Participation fee. Submit up to 3 artworks for curatorial review and prizes.
20
€
Contest RULES
Timeline
1.4.2026
Open call announcement
1.4. – 14.4.2026
Submission deadline
15.4. – 20.4.2026
Curatorial review
21.4.2026
Winners revealed
Prizes & Recognition
Every FAME FRAME competition is designed as a moment of recognition. Beyond monetary awards, each distinction affirms the dignity of the artist’s work, ensuring it is seen, remembered, and connected with an international audience of collectors.
Our prizes embody both excellence and visibility: from the First Prize, which offers permanent placement in the Winner’s Collection, to Merit Awards and finalist recognitions that highlight artistic distinction.
Our prizes embody both excellence and visibility: from the First Prize, which offers permanent placement in the Winner’s Collection, to Merit Awards and finalist recognitions that highlight artistic distinction.
First Prize
The highest honor, awarded to the most outstanding work of the exhibition.
· 100–200 € cash prize
· Digital Certificate of Excellence
· Permanent placement in the Winner’s Collection on our website
· 100–200 € cash prize
· Digital Certificate of Excellence
· Permanent placement in the Winner’s Collection on our website
Merit Awards
Distinguished works selected by curators for their excellence and originality.
· 25–50 € cash prize
· Digital Certificate of Recognition
· Visibility among international collectors
· 25–50 € cash prize
· Digital Certificate of Recognition
· Visibility among international collectors
Honorable Mentions
Notable entries recognized for their artistic quality and relevance.
· Digital Certificate of Recognition
· Visibility among international collectors
· Digital Certificate of Recognition
· Visibility among international collectors
Selected Finalists
Curated works showcased in the official online exhibition.
· Visibility among international collectors
· Visibility among international collectors
Submission Rules
Who can apply
Open worldwide to artists aged 18 and above. Artists under 18 may participate only with the consent and completed submission form of a parent or legal guardian.
Theme
Each contest is built around a curated theme. Only works that clearly respond to the announced theme will be considered for selection.
Off-topic submissions will be disqualified without refund.
Off-topic submissions will be disqualified without refund.
Submission limit
Each entry allows up to 3 artworks (1 required, 2 optional).
Digital files: JPG or PNG, minimum 2000px on the longest side, up to 10 MB each.
Digital files: JPG or PNG, minimum 2000px on the longest side, up to 10 MB each.
Application Process
Entry Fee
· Participation requires a 20 € non-refundable entry fee.
· Entry fees are non-refundable, even if a work is not selected.
· Entry fees are non-refundable, even if a work is not selected.
Rights
· All works must be original and created solely by the submitting artist.
· Artists retain full copyright to their works.
· By submitting, artists grant FAME FRAME Gallery the right to exhibit selected works online, promote them across digital platforms, and include them in press releases or newsletters.
· Artists retain full copyright to their works.
· By submitting, artists grant FAME FRAME Gallery the right to exhibit selected works online, promote them across digital platforms, and include them in press releases or newsletters.
Artist Entry
Participation fee. Submit up to 3 artworks for curatorial review and prizes.
20
€