Figures & Faces
Oscar Wilde said, "Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter."
Throughout history, the human figure has always been a common subject of visual art, involving the study and appreciation of it's beauty in it's depiction and presentation. An awareness of the body shape, including postures like sitting, standing or sleeping and movements such as walking, running or dancing, speak to the ideal subject.
We thank all the competition participants. If you are interested in purchasing any of the artwork in this exhibition, please contact the artists directly. J. Mane Gallery does not enter into the selling of artwork featured in any of the monthly online exhibitions. You will find the artist's website or email by clicking on the images below.
Thank you for visiting our website and enjoy the exhibition!
Best In Show
Puzzling Times, Oil, 10 x 18
Denise Pollack
I live and work in Bethlehem Township, PA. After earning a BFA from Tyler School of Art, I started my career as a graphic designer. Later, I completed an M.Ed. in counseling and human services from Lehigh University, and changed careers. While working as a counselor, I studied classical art with Myron Barnstone.
Painting and counseling have allowed me to achieve a necessary balance in my life. In my practice, I engage in unpredictable and intense discussions with clients. Spending hours observing people has greatly influenced my painting. My hope is that my art conveys a sense of mystery about the life of the subject, causing one to contemplate what he or she was thinking in that moment. I work primarily in oils. My work is frequently exhibited at the Lehigh Art Alliance juried shows and various small galleries in Pennsylvania and New York. I am a member of The Portrait Society of America.
platinum
“Between The Stills” Man Contemplating Lempika Still Life Paintings By The Deyoung,
Patricia Cannon
Patricia Cannon, a dedicated Registered Nurse at UCSF since 2001, has spent over two decades navigating various fields of critical care—from cardiac and neuro-intensive care to heme-oncology and school nursing. Currently working in research, her professional journey is as diverse and passionate as her artistic endeavors. Beyond the hospital walls, Patricia finds solace and creative expression in her photography and poetry. Her work captures the delicate interplay between life’s light and shadows, resonating deeply with themes of nature, love, and loss. A poet and photographer, Patricia's artistry is deeply intertwined with her life experiences and faith. Her images and words invite readers and viewers to explore emotional landscapes, offering a tender yet powerful glimpse into moments of beauty and reflection. Her ability to transform personal experiences into universal truths, accompanied bythe emotional depth of her photography, makes Patricia Cannon a unique voice in both the art and literary world. Through her lens and pen, she sheds light on the beauty and fragility of the human experience — Barbagelata Art Foundation
gold
Eves Realization, Oil, 20 x 20
Anna Szalc
Anna Szalc is an artist and illustrator located in South Carolina. She graduated from the Studio Art Program at USCB in 2024, where she obtained the Outstanding Studio Art Student of the Year Award in the same year. Szalc’s artistic medium of choice is watercolor, though she is also proficient in graphite, ink, oil, and printmaking. Szalc primarily works in story illustration, though she also has a keen interest in exploring repetitions and patterns found throughout nature. Szalc has been featured in several exhibitions in the U.S., including the All Things Considered show at Las Laguna Art Gallery, and the Small Works 2023 exhibition at Main Street Arts in Clifton Springs, NY. Aside from art, Szalc enjoys listening to audiobooks, playing video games, and birdwatching.
silver
Solo, Photography,
Damien Jackson
Damien Jackson is an artist who masterfully captures the nuanced narratives of Black and Brown individuals across the globe. Born on the sun-drenched shores of Gibraltar to parents hailing from the enchanting island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, he was raised amid the vibrant West Indian community in Brooklyn, NY. This diverse cultural heritage has imbued Damien with a truly global consciousness, which is palpably reflected in his evocative photography. His journey into the realm of photography was sparked by a poignant gift from his father—an unassuming camera intended to freeze precious moments of his grandchildren's lives into timeless mementos. This familial genesis of his craft has a lasting impact on his work; portraits of youth and families, brimming with raw emotion and intimate warmth, frequently feature as subjects in his collection. An alumnus of the prestigious Fisk University, a historic black university situated in Nashville, TN, Damien's work consistently radiates deep reverence for cultural heritage and history. His photographs tell compelling stories that not only respect but also celebrate and uplift the spirit of those captured in his lens. His work is a celebration of identity, resilience, and an homage to the power of community and familial bonds. His visual narratives continue to challenge perceptions, break barriers, and illuminate the rich tapestry of Black and Brown experiences.
Bronze
Bored, Acrylic, 11 x 14
Peyton Fultz
Peyton Fultz is a self-taught acrylic painter, hailing from the small town of Poolesville, MD.
The Show
