Grey Cube Gallery proudly presents the sixth Faces online art show for the month of May 2026. The show encompassed a range of artistic styles and mediums (acrylic, pastel, oil, watercolor, graphite, photography, digital art, scratchboard, colored pencil). Each submission has been judged based on the following elements of artistic expression: orginality and quality of art, overall design, creativity, interpretation of the theme, demonstration of artistic ability and usage of medium. Out of all entries, 95 artworks were shortlisted for inclusion in the show. The competition attracted entries from many countries across the world: Canada, USA, Ukraine, South Korea, UK, Taiwan, Germany, Italy, Netherlands. Enjoy the show and thank you for expressing an interest in our competition.

We are complex human beings with a spirit, mind, and body that evolves with time and develops with experience. I feel a portrait should be intriguing and evocative, it should show you some aspect of the person’s humanity whether it be serious or whimsical. It should exhibit an aspect of their story; who are they in this moment in time? When I approach a new portrait my hope is that the outcome will be as unique and multi-layered as the person I am endeavoring to represent.

Both artist and viewer wish to experience the joy of the creative process. We also want to be prompted to react and learn. I search to find joy and refine my visual voice through making paintings. I often pursue an interplay between organic and built; a mix of the intentional and accidental; and an intersection of curiosity and tranquility. I don’t think abstraction and representation necessarily need to be segregated. I use strong colors of water-based media: typically, acrylics. For environmental and practical reasons, I fabricate my panels from recycled/repurposed building materials. This has the added benefit of freeing me from being locked into rectilinear forms. I approach artwork as a problem-solving process (although I usually invent the aesthetic problems). I believe in evaluation using the criteria of craftsmanship, composition, and creativity - following an initial emotional response. Every painting is a book; and each one is judged by its cover.

"To take my inner visions with my hands and create a work of art for you the viewer .... That is the ultimate in self expression." Everyday moments really capture my attention. Ones that trigger memories or evoke a strong emotional reaction on my part quickly become my next obsession. By observing these often-fleeting moments I notice that my views on life especially in terms of time and how little of it we as individuals each have, and how one’s own perspective overall can be narrow, thus I use them to spur growth in myself with a desire to enhance the human experience. I truly feel that my artworks are the most rewarding and fulfilling way for me to communicate my inner thoughts and feelings with those around me. I see my art as the puzzle pieces of who I am. The memories of my life thus far that have accumulated to bring me to Cher today. I am able through my paintings of children go back and experience moments in time that had subtle or profound bearing on who I have become, and to recapture the magic in those moments, thus still feeling their impact. Some of my other subject matter gives pause to the clock as I take time to view my past years as a spectator. I also cherish my rituals and appreciate a little free time that I can use to regenerate myself, and I show this through chosen subject matter!

My art explores identity, emotion, and legacy. Through portraits, I capture not just likeness but essence, using bold palettes and textures to evoke nostalgia, intrigue, and reflection inviting viewers to connect with deeper stories. Legacy, history & experience that’s what makes the story telling, by way of oil & acrylic mediums, by Jay Johnsen approachable, relevant & enduring.