For many years, NTD has been dedicated to promoting traditional arts and cultural values. Established as an international platform, the Figure Painting Competition brings together artists from around the world to connect, exchange ideas, and help revive realist art rooted in purity of spirit and respect for humanity. As the world moves deeper into the 21st century, the competition also invites artists to reflect on a vital question: after more than a century dominated by anti-traditional artistic trends, how can realist art—faithful to truth, nature, and the human condition—return to the center of the art world?
This competition seeks not only technical excellence, but the inner spirit conveyed through each figure: dignity, purity, resilience, and the divine nature of human beings. Among this year’s submissions, there are profound expressions of steadfast faith in times of hardship and a deep sense of the sacred—qualities long overlooked in contemporary art. These works stand as powerful records of contemporary time and offer meaningful direction for the human spirit.
The 2025 competition reached a historic milestone, receiving 406 artworks from 51 countries, setting new records in both participation and overall quality. The breadth of submissions reflects a growing global recognition of, and commitment to, traditional realist art. Many of the works moved the jury deeply with their sincerity, emotional strength, and moral depth.
2025 NTD 7th International Figure Painting Competition Winners
Gold Award
Vacant
Silver Award
Fate — Vu Thuy (Viet Nam)
The Widow’s Mite — Ken Corbett (USA)
Tales of Wisdom — Clodoaldo Martins (Brazil)
The Touchstone — Ken Young (USA)
Bronze Award
Forced Organ Harvest — Shao-Hang Tsai (Taiwan)
The Divine Creator — Nik Anikis (Slovenia)
Forgiveness Sunday, Protection of the Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Church; Hollywood, California — Peter Adams (USA)
Soul Affinity — Cesare Pinotti (Italy)
Brushing Death Away — Sandra Kuck (USA)
Outstanding Technique Award
Madame S — Robin Williamson (USA)
Margherita — Alessandra Marrucchi (Italy)
Isa — Miriam Baranov (USA)
Strong Woman — Emel Espiritu (Philippines)
Troublemakers — Jackson Wrede (USA)
Performer — Salony Garg (India)
Empress Dowager Cixi — Yuehua He (China)
Contemplation — Tatiana Zubova (Russia)
Profound Humanity Award
The Movement of Gods — Loc Duong (Viet Nam)
The Edge of the Abyss — Eric David Anderson (USA)
The Dilemma of the Conquest — Sua Guerra (Cuba)
Forbearance — Hung-Yu Chen (Taiwan)
Mirror — Ben Li (Canada)
The Joy of That Winter Day — Louise Lu (China)
The Girl and Golden Cracks — Van Nguyen (Viet Nam)
A Gentle Hug — Jen Su (China)
An Intelligent Old Man — Landen Pan (Taiwan)
And You, What Are You Doing for Peace? — Alain Amar (France)
Outstanding Youth Award
Vicki — Shin (China)
Break of Dawn — Renae Wang (USA)
Honorable Mention
(selected highlights)
2020 — Jaq Grantford (Australia)
Appalachian Hymn — Lauren Tilden (USA)
Come Fly with Me — Ann Manry Kenyon (USA)
Namaste — Jamie Lindholm (USA)
Mother’s Touch — Barry DeBaun (USA)
The Light in My Heart — Dongning (USA)
Geisha — Fatima Melendez (Mexico)
(and others)
Finalists
Artists from the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Oceania were recognized as finalists, further reflecting the global reach and artistic excellence of this year’s competition.
Looking Ahead
NTD is pleased to announce that the next Figure Painting Competition will take place in 2028. Artists from around the world are warmly invited to continue exploring and expressing truth, kindness, beauty, and humanity through the language of pure and timeless art.
