The Portrait Society of America has just released the names of the finalists in the 16th Annual Art of the Portrait International Portrait Competition, and once again, I am asking you to pick who you think should receive the top honors. Of the 1,698 entries, these portraits were the 21 pieces that made the final cut, and if you have difficulty choosing just one among them, imagine the challenge the judges faced in the first round to winnow the entries down to this number!
You can cast your vote, according to the artist's name, through the poll featured in the left sidebar. The poll will close at 6:00 PM EST on April 26th, an hour before the banquet at which the actual winner – as chosen by the Portrait Society of America – will be announced. It is always interesting comparing how the Underpaintings poll compares to the popular vote at the conference, and to the judges' final selection, so please participate!
The 16th Annual Art of the Portrait Conference will be held April 24-27, 2014 in Reston, Virginia, where these finalists' works will be on display. For more information on the conference, please visit the Portrait Society of America website.
 |
| Paul Batch Waleska 24 X 18 in. charcoal on paper |
 |
| Aron Belka Untitled 48 X 60 in. oil on canvas |
 |
| Bryce Billings A Father's Dreams and a Son's Love |
 |
| Kelly Carmody Self-Portrait 65 X 36 in. oil on canvas |
 |
| Adam Clague Knitter's Gift 30 X 30 in. oil on linen |
 |
| TJ Cunningham Reluctance 48 X 24 in. oil on linen |
 |
| Aimee Erickson Self-Portrait with Key 60 X 20 in. oil on canvas |
 |
| Gavin Glakas Firelight Sonata 40 X 30 in. oil on linen |
 |
| Kristy Gordon Star Child 48 X 24 in. oil on canvas |
 |
| Seth Haverkamp Ponderings 36 X 24 in. oil on board |
 |
| Jeff Hein Cold 20 X 16 in. oil on linen |
 |
| Barbara Kiwak Guitarist 24 X 18 in. charcoal on paper |
 |
| Olga Krimon Ania 24 X 24 in. oil on linen |
 |
| Sandra Kuck Yvonne (If) 36 X 44 in. oil on canvas |
 |
| Clement Kwan Forever Playing 24 X 20 in. oil on linen |
 |
| Ricky Mujica Evening Ritual 24 X 30 in. oil on canvas |
 |
| Alicia Ponzio In Recent Days (A Self-Portrait) |
 |
| Tony Pro Last train Home 36 X 65 in. oil on linen |
 |
| Aapo Pukk Maarika 40 X 30 in. oil on canvas |
 |
| James Tennison Boy with a Bow Tie 20 X 16 in. oil on canvas |
 |
| Wesley Wofford Alvin Saunders Johnson 28"h X 16"w X 16"d clay (to be cast in bonded bronze) |