The NTD 7th International Figure Painting Competition, held in New York City, brought together outstanding talent from across the globe. On January 22, 2026, the award ceremony at the Salmagundi Club marked the culmination of a remarkable event. With 60 finalists displaying their finest works and live painting demonstrations from two artists, this year’s competition showcased the depth and diversity of contemporary figure painting. Although there was no Gold Award, the event highlighted the immense creativity of the artists involved. This post explores the winners, their inspiring works, and the lasting cultural impact of the competition.
Silver Award Winners
The Silver Award honors four exceptional artists who impressed judges with their technical brilliance and emotional storytelling. These winners demonstrated the power of figure painting to explore complex human themes and deliver captivating narratives.
- “Fate” by Vu Thuy (Vietnam): This 30-inch by 46-inch oil painting explores the theme of destiny, blending intricate brushwork with powerful figures. Thuy’s masterful use of light and shadow draws the viewer into a profound narrative about fate and choice.
- “The Widow’s Mite” by Ken Corbett (USA): Measuring 60 inches by 48 inches, Corbett’s work delves into sacrifice and faith. The emotional depth of the piece captures a powerful moment of human vulnerability.
- “Tales of Wisdom” by Clodoaldo Martins (Brazil): In this 38-inch by 42-inch oil painting, Martins brings ancient stories to life. The connection between the subject and the viewer is palpable, evoking timeless wisdom through expressive brushstrokes.
- “The Touchstone” by Ken Young (USA): Known for its remarkable blend of realism and symbolism, Young’s painting explores themes of human connection and emotion. It was widely celebrated for its technical skill and emotional depth.
Bronze Award Winners
The Bronze Awards went to five talented artists whose works captivated the judges with their technical mastery and emotional resonance. Each piece offers a unique perspective on the human experience.
- “Forced Organ Harvest” by Shao-Hang Tsai (Taiwan)
- “The Divine Creator” by Nik Anikis (Slovenia)
- “Forgiveness Sunday, Protection of the Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Church; Hollywood, California” by Peter Adams (USA)
- “Soul Affinity” by Cesare Pinotti (Italy)
- “Brushing Death Away” by Sandra Kuck (USA)
These pieces explore various themes, from human suffering to divine creation, demonstrating a wide array of emotions through the human figure.
Awards for Outstanding Technique and Profound Humanity
NTD also honored artists for their outstanding technique and the ability to convey profound humanity through their work. These awards recognize not only skill but also the ability to touch the viewer’s soul.
- Outstanding Technique Award: Recognized artists like Robin Williamson (USA) for “Madame S”, Alessandra Marrucchi (Italy) for “Margherita”, and Miriam Baranov (USA) for “Isa”.
- Profound Humanity Award: Artists such as Loc Duong (Vietnam) for “The Movement of Gods” and Eric David Anderson (USA) for “The Edge of the Abyss” were honored for capturing deep human themes with their figure paintings.
Outstanding Youth Award
The competition also celebrated the talents of young artists through the Outstanding Youth Award. This year, two emerging artists stood out for their incredible potential:
- “Vicki” by Shin (China)
- “Break of Dawn” by Renae Wang (USA)
These young artists demonstrated extraordinary creativity and technical prowess, marking them as ones to watch in the future of figure painting.
Honorable Mentions and Finalists
The competition recognized several artists with Honorable Mentions and as Finalists. These artists demonstrated exceptional talent and contributed to the diversity of the competition.
- “2020” by Jaq Grantford (Australia)
- “Appalachian Hymn” by Lauren Tilden (USA)
- “The Violinist” by Clo (France)
While these artists did not win top awards, their works added richness to the overall event and highlighted their potential.
The Cultural Impact of the Competition
NTD’s International Figure Painting Competition has become a significant platform for both emerging and established artists. The competition emphasizes the importance of technical skill and the ability to convey deep emotional and philosophical themes through figure painting. The exhibition of 60 finalists in New York City serves as a testament to the enduring power of figure painting in contemporary art.
