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"The art of seeing the soul."
FAME FRAME Gallery presents Masterpieces in Portraiture — an exhibition-competition honoring the enduring art of portrait-making as a dialogue between artist, subject, and viewer.
Portraiture has always been more than likeness. It is an act of observation, interpretation, and psychological depth, where identity is revealed through expression, gesture, and presence. In this exhibition, artists revisit the portrait as a timeless genre, blending classical mastery with contemporary vision. Each work reflects a balance between technical skill and emotional insight, capturing not only how a subject appears, but who they are — or who they might be.
Masterpieces in Portraiture brings together diverse approaches, from realism to conceptual interpretation, united by a commitment to excellence and intentional craft. These portraits stand as moments of connection, inviting viewers into intimate encounters shaped by empathy and attention.
This exhibition seeks to celebrate portraiture as a pinnacle of artistic expression — a space where mastery meets humanity, and where faces become lasting statements of presence and identity.
Portraiture has always been more than likeness. It is an act of observation, interpretation, and psychological depth, where identity is revealed through expression, gesture, and presence. In this exhibition, artists revisit the portrait as a timeless genre, blending classical mastery with contemporary vision. Each work reflects a balance between technical skill and emotional insight, capturing not only how a subject appears, but who they are — or who they might be.
Masterpieces in Portraiture brings together diverse approaches, from realism to conceptual interpretation, united by a commitment to excellence and intentional craft. These portraits stand as moments of connection, inviting viewers into intimate encounters shaped by empathy and attention.
This exhibition seeks to celebrate portraiture as a pinnacle of artistic expression — a space where mastery meets humanity, and where faces become lasting statements of presence and identity.
ARTISTS’ ENTRY OPENS ON
15.6.2026.
15.6.2026.
Winning works will be unveiled here on
7.7.2026.
7.7.2026.
The Cleveland Museum of Art, A painting of a woman with a flower in her hair
Mood image
Mood image
winners
First Prize Winner
Penelope Milner,
My father
Penelope Milner,
My father
Oil on canvas
France
"Portrait study of my father at ninety."
France
"Portrait study of my father at ninety."
Merit Award Winner
Jay Johansen, Anticipation
Jay Johansen, Anticipation
Oil on Canvas 62x41
United States
"In this classic oil on canvas work, Jay Johansen captures a quiet moment suspended between devotion, longing, and inner resolve. The upward gaze, luminous white blouse, and delicate strand held in hand create a sense of stillness charged with emotion. Set against a deep, shadowed background, the figure emerges with elegance and restraint, allowing light, posture, and gesture to carry the narrative."
United States
"In this classic oil on canvas work, Jay Johansen captures a quiet moment suspended between devotion, longing, and inner resolve. The upward gaze, luminous white blouse, and delicate strand held in hand create a sense of stillness charged with emotion. Set against a deep, shadowed background, the figure emerges with elegance and restraint, allowing light, posture, and gesture to carry the narrative."
Merit Award Winner
Joe Maibach, Valediction
Joe Maibach, Valediction
Acrylic on a 24x24” canvas
United States
"This piece, inspired by my Dupuytren’s disease diagnosis, captures the raw emotions and physical sensations I experience as my ability to play piano—my first and most cherished form of artistic expression—slowly fades."
United States
"This piece, inspired by my Dupuytren’s disease diagnosis, captures the raw emotions and physical sensations I experience as my ability to play piano—my first and most cherished form of artistic expression—slowly fades."
Merit Award Winner
Marissa Madonna, Courtney
Marissa Madonna, Courtney
Colored Pencil and Acrylic on Toned Paper
United States
"This was one of the first pieces I created experimenting with my mixed media technique on toned paper. I loved capturing all the details of my model, and weaving them together as a visual story."
United States
"This was one of the first pieces I created experimenting with my mixed media technique on toned paper. I loved capturing all the details of my model, and weaving them together as a visual story."
Honorable Mention
Barry Smylie, Evangelist
Barry Smylie, Evangelist
Acrylic on 61 x 91 cm stretched canvas
Canada
"A portrait of a street evangelist and his vision."
Canada
"A portrait of a street evangelist and his vision."
Honorable Mention
Bernette Derpaulian, Gail
Bernette Derpaulian, Gail
Oil Pastel on canvas
United States
"Oil Pastel on canvas of profile of young woman with flower, and brush strokes of red, blue, brown and grey."
United States
"Oil Pastel on canvas of profile of young woman with flower, and brush strokes of red, blue, brown and grey."
Honorable Mention
Brigitte B Burckhardt, Smile
Brigitte B Burckhardt, Smile
Digital Photography
Switzerland
"A portrait of an artist who can smile when he sings."
Switzerland
"A portrait of an artist who can smile when he sings."
Honorable Mention
Erika Beck, Self Portrait 1987
Erika Beck, Self Portrait 1987
Acrylic on canvas
Australia
"A self portrait to catch the eye of the onlooker. The inner self is suppressed. Colour and form are dominant."
Australia
"A self portrait to catch the eye of the onlooker. The inner self is suppressed. Colour and form are dominant."
Honorable Mention
Gerhard Kroyer, Sincerity
Gerhard Kroyer, Sincerity
Digital Painting
Austria
"A face emerges through shifting bands of light and shadow, partially concealed by a horizontal fracture across perception itself. The portrait suggests the tension between what is revealed and what remains hidden."
Austria
"A face emerges through shifting bands of light and shadow, partially concealed by a horizontal fracture across perception itself. The portrait suggests the tension between what is revealed and what remains hidden."
Honorable Mention
Gerry Chapleski, Infanta
Gerry Chapleski, Infanta
United States
"Infanta refers to the sister of the princess, the second in line in the Spanish royal family."
"Infanta refers to the sister of the princess, the second in line in the Spanish royal family."
Honorable Mention
Henrik Brondsted, Nynne
Henrik Brondsted, Nynne
Photo on film
Denmark
Denmark
Honorable Mention
Cher Pruys, In Retrospect
Cher Pruys, In Retrospect
Acrylic on 300LB Hot Press
Canada
"Such a blend of deep sorrow and quiet resilience this woman from the Congo appears to have as she seems to let her gaze drift from the present, and to travel inward, carrying the weight of her history and personal survival with it..."
Canada
"Such a blend of deep sorrow and quiet resilience this woman from the Congo appears to have as she seems to let her gaze drift from the present, and to travel inward, carrying the weight of her history and personal survival with it..."
Honorable Mention
Jonathan Laidacker,
Self-Portrait at 42
Jonathan Laidacker,
Self-Portrait at 42
Observational Digital Painting using Procreate software on an iPad Pro
United States
"Every year on my birthday I spend time looking in the mirror and reassessing how the last year has treated me, how I have responded to it, and what physical marks it has left on me."
United States
"Every year on my birthday I spend time looking in the mirror and reassessing how the last year has treated me, how I have responded to it, and what physical marks it has left on me."
Honorable Mention
Julia Ulrich, The writer
Julia Ulrich, The writer
Oil on wood
DE
"The painting explores the inner landscape of creative work: the solitude, doubt, and persistence that often remain invisible. It reflects on those quiet moments when imagination opens a door and a new world begins to take shape."
DE
"The painting explores the inner landscape of creative work: the solitude, doubt, and persistence that often remain invisible. It reflects on those quiet moments when imagination opens a door and a new world begins to take shape."
Honorable Mention
Karen Safer,
Red Turban Jodhpur Framed
Karen Safer,
Red Turban Jodhpur Framed
Photography
United States
"Photography, passing by this window frame, I spotted this friendly, elegant man with his red turban and white attire, and had to capture it all in Jodhpur, India."
United States
"Photography, passing by this window frame, I spotted this friendly, elegant man with his red turban and white attire, and had to capture it all in Jodhpur, India."
Honorable Mention
Kylo-Patrick Hart,
Jaded Redux
Kylo-Patrick Hart,
Jaded Redux
Cold wax oil painting
United States
"Portrait of a jaded young woman with classical style."
United States
"Portrait of a jaded young woman with classical style."
Honorable Mention
Leonora de Lange, Christen
Leonora de Lange, Christen
A miniature watercolour painting, 8 x 6 cm, on hot pressed watercolour paper
United Kingdom
"A watercolour painting of a friend of mine's granddaughter when she was little."
United Kingdom
"A watercolour painting of a friend of mine's granddaughter when she was little."
Honorable Mention
Liao WanNing, Mini World Beneath Raincoat
Liao WanNing, Mini World Beneath Raincoat
Oil on canvas, 60×60cm
United States
"Portrait of Max, a boy with autism. Raincoat as mental barrier, goldfish as inner reflection, cat as silent companion. The work explores the quiet, pure spiritual world of autistic youth and advocates tolerance and understanding."
United States
"Portrait of Max, a boy with autism. Raincoat as mental barrier, goldfish as inner reflection, cat as silent companion. The work explores the quiet, pure spiritual world of autistic youth and advocates tolerance and understanding."
Honorable Mention
Lukas KANDL,
La Tête en question
Lukas KANDL,
La Tête en question
Oil on canvas - 55x46 cm
France
"La tête devient le lieu où se rencontrent le visible et l'invisible, l'intime et l'universel. Une invitation à laisser les questions ouvertes plutôt qu'à chercher des certitudes."
France
"La tête devient le lieu où se rencontrent le visible et l'invisible, l'intime et l'universel. Une invitation à laisser les questions ouvertes plutôt qu'à chercher des certitudes."
Honorable Mention
Malcolm Glass, Classy Flirt
Malcolm Glass, Classy Flirt
Color photograph
United States
"Tammy is one of the most photogenic people I've ever known. She is very good at spontaneously evoking characters and emotions. In this portrait the costume, the pose, and the mood are her creation."
United States
"Tammy is one of the most photogenic people I've ever known. She is very good at spontaneously evoking characters and emotions. In this portrait the costume, the pose, and the mood are her creation."
Honorable Mention
Marisa Andropolis, Duality
Marisa Andropolis, Duality
United States
"This painting explores the emotional tension that accompanies moments of choice. The key and keyhole symbolize opportunity and possibility, while the looping line that wraps around the figure represents the overwhelming nature of uncertainty when the consequences of a decision are unknown. Rather than offering a clear answer, the work reflects how the fear of making the wrong choice can become a prison of its own."
"This painting explores the emotional tension that accompanies moments of choice. The key and keyhole symbolize opportunity and possibility, while the looping line that wraps around the figure represents the overwhelming nature of uncertainty when the consequences of a decision are unknown. Rather than offering a clear answer, the work reflects how the fear of making the wrong choice can become a prison of its own."
Honorable Mention
Matthias Hübner, Generation
Matthias Hübner, Generation
Acrylic painting
Deutschland
"Generation is an acrylic painting with UV-reactive elements that combines figurative portraiture with a hidden visual layer revealed only under ultraviolet light. By merging traditional painting techniques with contemporary materials, the work explores perception through a dual visual experience while remaining rooted in figurative form."
Deutschland
"Generation is an acrylic painting with UV-reactive elements that combines figurative portraiture with a hidden visual layer revealed only under ultraviolet light. By merging traditional painting techniques with contemporary materials, the work explores perception through a dual visual experience while remaining rooted in figurative form."
Honorable Mention
Michael Potts,
Kaela in Death Valley
Michael Potts,
Kaela in Death Valley
United States
"Model V in Death Valley. She was warming up between nude sessions and with permission I caught this moment."
"Model V in Death Valley. She was warming up between nude sessions and with permission I caught this moment."
Honorable Mention
Michelle Delanty,
Sisterly Love
Michelle Delanty,
Sisterly Love
Watercolor on board
United States
"Three sisters hug showing their affection for one another."
United States
"Three sisters hug showing their affection for one another."
Honorable Mention
Nancy Ellen Allen,
The Light Within
Nancy Ellen Allen,
The Light Within
United States
Honorable Mention
Nicholas Kozis, Emma Nior 5
Nicholas Kozis, Emma Nior 5
Digital and water colors
United States
"Exploration of communications with a stare and gesture."
United States
"Exploration of communications with a stare and gesture."
Honorable Mention
Raphaël BATTOIA, Flore
Raphaël BATTOIA, Flore
Photography and digital filter
France
"Photography and digital filter of my creation, taken from my series "Carrocatures".
France
"Photography and digital filter of my creation, taken from my series "Carrocatures".
Honorable Mention
Renee Crawford, I See You
Renee Crawford, I See You
Oil on linen canvas
United States
"Portrait completed in the studio from a live model session where the model seemed to look right into us and also allow us to lose ourselves in her."
United States
"Portrait completed in the studio from a live model session where the model seemed to look right into us and also allow us to lose ourselves in her."
Honorable Mention
Susanne Middelberg, Brechje
Susanne Middelberg, Brechje
Photography
Nederland
"Brechje, my daughter."
Nederland
"Brechje, my daughter."
Honorable Mention
Tanya Finch, Young musician
Tanya Finch, Young musician
Graphite on paper
United States
United States
Selected Finalists
Barry Smylie — competition — 2019
Bernette Derpaulian — Mother Son — 1998
Bernette Derpaulian — The Poet — 2000
Brigitte B Burckhardt — Moved — 2025
Brigitte B Burckhardt — The Groove — 2023
Carl Aiden Brown — Crazy Hair Joy — 2025
Carl Aiden Brown — Flapper — 2025
Carl Aiden Brown — Showgirl — 2025
Domka Komorowska — A Hawaiian woman wearing a red hibiscus flower — 1983
DOULLIEZ Jean — Thomaner — 2014
Erika Beck — Lyrical self portrait 1968
Erika Beck — Self Portrait 1971
Gale Hagblom — Maryama — 2015
Garth Palanuk — Afghan Girl — 2025
Garth Palanuk — Javert — 2025
Gerhard Kroyer — Revelation — 2023
Gerhard Kroyer — Santa Lucia — 2024
Gerry Chapleski — Chingona Lisa — 2025
Gerry Chapleski — Iris — 2025
Henrik Brondsted — in her mind — 2024
Henrik Brondsted — sara — 2025
Cher Pruys — Catching Snowflakes — 2020
Cher Pruys — Thea — 2025
Jay Johansen — Matadora X — 2011
Jay Johansen — Strong Willed 50x30 — 2011
JessArteDesign — L‘Empereur — 2026
JessArteDesign — Lisbeth — 2026
Joe Maibach — Mon Mari — 2024
Jonathan Laidacker — Pandemic Family Portrait — 2020
Jonathan Laidacker — Self-Portrait at 44 — 2026
Julia Ulrich — In her own measure — 2026
Julia Ulrich — The garden keeps her — 2024
Karen Safer — Ladies of Pandang — 2015
Karen Safer — Silent Prayers + Nepal Bells — 2024
Kylo-Patrick Hart — Screen Time — 2026
Kylo-Patrick Hart — Self-Portrait — 2023
Leonora de Lange — Conversation Break — 2025
Leonora de Lange — THe Artist in Me — 2021
Liao WanNing — Mina and her boyfriend's war — 2024
Liao WanNing — Two 8-year-old boys — 2020
Lukas KANDL — La Tête arrosée — 2024
Lukas KANDL — La Tête décoiffée — 2024
Malcolm Glass — Nichole's Veronica — 2023
Malcolm Glass — Shy — 2022
Marisa Andropolis — Close Encounters of the Blue Kind — 2023
Marissa Madonna — Eclectic — 2017
Marissa Madonna — Sean - Miami — 2025
Matthias Hübner — Frühling (Spring) — 2026
Matthias Hübner — Resonanz — 2026
Matthias Hübner — Schock — 2025
Michael Abbruzzese — Lucy — 2025
Michael Potts — Gazelle — 2023
Michael Potts — Perrin — 2020
Michelle Delanty — Abuelita — 2022
Michelle Delanty — Isaiah — 2022
Nancy Ellen Allen — Hunters — 2025
Nell — Alma — 2020
Nell — Rosaline — 2020
Nell — Zelda — 2020
Nicholas Kozis — Emma Nior 1 — 2026
Nicholas Kozis — Emma Nior 7 — 2026
penelope milner — Hugh — 2025
penelope milner — Madonna of the pink slippers — 2022
Raphaël BATTOIA — Hugh — 2017
Raphaël BATTOIA — Joueur de bombarde — 2024
Renee Crawford — Roxanne — 2026
Renee Crawford — Victoria — 2026
Susanne Middelberg — Joesephine — 2026
Susanne Middelberg — Susanne — 2025
Tanya Finch — I will be back — 2026
Tanya Finch — Let’s run — 2026
Tatyana Fridman — Best Buddies — 2026
Tatyana Fridman — Rain in India — 2026
Contest RULES
Timeline
15.6.2026
Open call announcement
15.6. – 30.6.2026
Submission deadline
1.7. – 6.7.2026
Curatorial review
7.7.2026
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.