Because the deadline for the 2025 Members Only Competition is coming soon, let's look back at the winners from the 2024 competition. Each first place winner shared their inspiration behind their winning work as well as their design and composition process. We hope their responses inspire you to enter this year's competition. 1st Place Commissioned Portrait - David Pagani David Pagani, Marvin Curl , 18x24", oil Inspiration Inspiration is a multi-layered thing. In portraiture,

By Marianne Rice Ask any teaching artist and they will tell you, the best way to advance your skill is to work from life. Painting from...

By Timothy Rees   Human beings are very complex animals. In our everyday lives, as well as the arts (painting, music, literature, etc.),...

By Marianne Rice Photos by Robin Damore and Peggy Kinstler For centuries, artists have come together through academic institutions,...