Grey Cube Gallery proudly presents the fifth Portrait online art show for the month of January 2025. The show encompassed a range of artistic styles and mediums (oil on canvas, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, graphite, charcoal, collage, ink, digital art, photography). 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, 57 artworks were shortlisted for inclusion in the show. The competition attracted entries from many countries across the world: Australia, China, Italy, Iran, USA, Slovenia, Ukraine, Philippines, UK and Canada. Enjoy the show and thank you for expressing an interest in our competition.

My art explores identity, emotion, and legacy. Through portraits and oceanic scenes, 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.

Barry works proficiently in both oils and watercolor; his work is reminiscent of 19th century painting. Influenced by the Hudson River School, the Pre-Raphaelite's and the American Impressionists. As with Thomas Cole in the mid-1800's, Mr. DeBaun is continuing the legacy of traditional painting in the Catskills and beyond, place him as a true American Romanticist. Voted Best Artist of the Hudson Valley 2016 by the readers of the Hudson Valley Magazine. Listed in their October 2016 issue. Winner of many national awards received from groups, including the American Artists' Professional League, the Salmagundi Club, Kent Art Association, Northeast Watercolor Society, Ridgewood Art Institute, Fine Art America and the Hudson Valley Art Association where he received the Gold Medal of Honor. Artist Statement: My inspiration comes from my love of nature. I choose to paint poetic landscapes, sensitive figures, realistically rendered still life, and moody seascapes. I work in a traditional style, seeking to capture the beauty of nature, an essence of peace, and subjects that speak to the soul. That my paintings would reflect the glory of God's creation.

Born late 50’s growing up immersed in the beauty of Blue Mtns NSW Australia I developed a deep connection with the natural world. My passion for art began early fuelled & fascinated with the intricacies of the human form. From crafting paper dolls to meticulous drawings honing my skills through self taught exploration. The raw beauty of my surroundings now in SE of NSW is reflected in my early landscape works painted in oils, more recent works are predominantly painted in acrylics. My passion also lies in portraying the human figure & I strive to achieve photo realism, painting what i see & committed to capturing not only the light but the unique character of each subject. My work is infused with vibrant colour, meticulous clean detail & life-like qualities uses the glazing technique for my portraits. I have garnered significant recognition & acclaim by esteemed judges & fellow artists worldwide, culminating in numerous awards.

Portraits afford an opportunity to paint or draw light and intriguing form, and explore varied emotive qualities. In pursuing a strong and captivating countenance I push the form, values and expression. Each work scrutinizes what the face portrays, and the person conveys. In portraying individuals at different ages and life stages I also engage themes of temporal change, individual vulnerability and human mortality. I reflect moments of inquisitiveness, strength, calm or vulnerability; traces of self-protection and openness; or glimmers of hopefulness, pride and earnestness emerge. As I preserve a time and moment in the subject’s evolution, I acknowledge the tumultuous forces and inevitable unstoppable sea of change we ride in life. In "Awaking" I was confronting this child’s fierce gaze upon awakening. "Taking Care of Baby" portrays sincere and touching play as this young child cares for her baby doll, having climbed into the doll's bed herself. These drawings marvel at the magic of a moment and honor the purest of encounters with some of the special little humans in my life. The difficult and satisfying challenge in my portraiture is to portray some unarmed truth and in so doing to suggest our complex humanity and shared experience.