In April of 2020, I launched what I called the "Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge" during the height of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)Pandemic. Millions of people, including artists, were stuck at home due to government mandates. In a time of fear and uncertainty, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to bring encouragement to my fellow artists, by urging us to work together, painting a portrait of the same image.
I floated this idea in my Facebook group, and many responded, posting images that we could paint from. We voted on an interesting, detailed image of a smiling man in a black hat.
Realistic Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge
I decided to teach both beginning and advanced artists, step-by-step, how to paint this portrait of the man we now affectionately know as "Lockdown Larry." Although I was hesitant at first to do this, I decided to make the Masterclass lessons (10+ hours) completely free. I felt God nudging me to be generous just like He is.
It was an amazing experience. Over 700 artists all over the world participated in this challenge. Some artists never painted a portrait in their life and created an amazing work of art that they are so proud of. Now, because of it, they are still painting, and some are even getting commissions!
At the conclusion of the challenge, I opened up a contest to:
- recognize excellence in acrylic portrait painting
- motivate artists to do their best work
- provide a reward for purchasing more art supplies
- just do something fun within Realistic Acrylic Portrait School!
Out of several participants, I selected winners based on two categories: Beginner and Advanced. My criteria for judging was based on:
- composition
- accuracy of anatomy
- likeness
- correct value
- color and skin tones
- detail and texture
- smoothness and painting technique
And now...the Winners!
BEGINNERS' CATEGORY
FIRST PLACE: ($50 Prize )Portrait of Larry for the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge, by Jeanne Wear | Artist contact: [email protected]
SECOND PLACE: ($40 Prize) Portrait of Larry for the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge by Emily Lewis | Artist contact: emilylewisacrylicartist.com
THIRD PLACE: ($25 Prize) Portrait of Larry for the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge, by Della Hohman
HONORABLE MENTION: ($10 Prize) Portrait of Larry for the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge, by Priya Arts | Artist contact:https://getitfromnature.wixsite.com/priyaarts Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/getitfromnature
ADVANCED CATEGORY
FIRST PLACE: ($50 prize) Portrait of Larry for the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge, by Netty Kozlovsky | Artist Contact: Facebook https://m.facebook.com/Nettymindtherapy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nettykozlovsky/
SECOND PLACE: ($40 prize) Portrait of Larry for the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge by Mary Dunphy
THIRD PLACE: ($25 prize) Portrait of Larry for the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge, by Kim Tubbs | Artist contact: [email protected]
HONORABLE MENTION: ($10 prize) Portrait of Larry for the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge, by Keith Foss Artist Contact: KeithFossArts.com
Congratulations to all the Winners!
Congratulations to Jeanne, Emily, Della, Priya, Netty, Mary, Kim and Keith!
And I also acknowledge the hard work, skill, and dedication of EVERYONE who participated in the challenge! It was not easy during such a difficult season in life, but you did it!
And because of it, you are a better portrait painter today. 