A few (well, several) months ago I got an email from the Portrait Society of America which announced the winners and finalists of their 2014 International Portrait Competition. The announcement showed small images of the winning pieces. I was thrilled to see three count 'em three WAPs (Women in the Act of Painting-s) in the crowd! Seems like the sign of a good trend. Here they are, for your viewing pleasure:
This elegant piece won third place in the competition. Kelly Carmody (b. 1977) is a Massachusetts artist who studied with George Nick and Paul Celli at Mass Art, and elsewhere including two years at The Art Students League of New York. She has received numerous awards and grants and her work is represented by Sloane Merrill Gallery in Boston. Carmody's website can be seen here.
This striking painting received an Award of Exceptional Merit in the competition. Aimee Erickson (b.1967) is a Portland-based artist. She studied at Brigham Young University, and then went on to study further at The Art Students League and the Florence Academy of Art. She is represented by Shaffer Fine Art. The artist's website can be seen here.
Last but not least, this charming work by Lea Colie Wight (b.1951) was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in the competition. Lea is a Philadelphia-based painter specializing in figurative work and still-life. She received her degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and went on to study further at Studio Incamminati, where she is now a popular instructor. Lea maintains studios in New Jersey and in Philadelphia, PA. She is represented by Haynes Galleries, New Masters Gallery and Main Street Gallery. The artist's website can be seen here.
Congratulations to this talented trio of artists! Please keep up the excellent WAP work! You make me proud.
 |
| Kelly Carmody "Self-Portrait" 2013 |
 |
Aimee Erickson "Self Portrait with Key" 2014
|
 |
| Lea Colie Wight "So Far" 2013 |
Last but not least, this charming work by Lea Colie Wight (b.1951) was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in the competition. Lea is a Philadelphia-based painter specializing in figurative work and still-life. She received her degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and went on to study further at Studio Incamminati, where she is now a popular instructor. Lea maintains studios in New Jersey and in Philadelphia, PA. She is represented by Haynes Galleries, New Masters Gallery and Main Street Gallery. The artist's website can be seen here.
Congratulations to this talented trio of artists! Please keep up the excellent WAP work! You make me proud.
Beautiful! I especially love the third portrait.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these three self-portraits that were recently honored by the Portrait Society of America. They are all beautiful. Lea Colie Wight's is so full of life, she seems to be right in front of me, pausing just for a moment to observe in the act of painting.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex and Sonya! It was such a lovely surprise to see so many WAPs in the roster of competition finalists and winners. These three really are excellent too.:-)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Nancy Bea Miller for posting these amazing self portraits!! What an inspiration, and so great to see more and more outstanding women's work in this extremely prestigious international competition!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, a very heartening crop of winners this year! Let's hope this good trend continues!
ReplyDelete