First Place

Matthew’s House
acrylic

by Diane Krek, an independent artist from Canonsburg, PA

First Place in the 2-Dimensional Category is Diane Krek, an independent artist from Canonsburg, PA, for “Matthew’s House.” Measuring 28 by 32 inches, this acrylic painting portrays a peaceful coastal scene featuring a lighthouse and small home fixed next to it. The lighthouse is a simple stone structure with a cylindrical tower, topped by a small lantern room. The adjacent house, painted white, has a sloped roof with chimneys, and multiple windows, giving it a quaint, rustic feel. A smaller structure, possibly an outbuilding, stands beside the main house. The house and lighthouse are set on rocky terrain overlooking the ocean, with waves gently crashing against the shore. A bridge or footpath can be seen leading toward the buildings from the left, adding to the charm of the coastal setting. Tall evergreen trees, particularly one prominent in the foreground on the left, frame the scene and add depth to the composition. Above, a broad expanse of sky is filled with fluffy white clouds, with a few birds flying, enhancing the serene atmosphere. The colors of the sky and sea are a mix of soft blues, while the rough terrain contrasts with earthy tones of brown and green. The overall mood is tranquil and inviting, evoking the calm beauty of a seaside retreat.

Second Place

Flower Bed
watercolor

by Stewart Allen, an independent artist from Charlotte, NC

Second Place in the 2-Dimensional Category is Stewart Allen, an independent artist from Charlotte, NC, for “Flower Bed.” Flower Bed measures 44 by 39 inches and depicts a whimsical scene of an old-fashioned, white metal bed frame, covered with a lush, vibrant assortment of flowers and greenery. The bedposts rise like delicate trees, their white branches extending outward and adorned with climbing vines that trail leaves of various shapes and colors. The canopy-like structure formed by the intertwining branches gives the impression of a garden overtaking the bed. The flowers, painted in rich shades of red, pink, purple, and green, spill over the bed like a dense, blossoming garden, almost completely enveloping the mattress. The abundance of flowers and foliage creates a sense of movement and texture, with individual petals and leaves rendered in a mosaic-like style. The background is a soft wash of peach, pink, and light orange, giving the backdrop a dreamy, surreal quality, suggesting either sunrise or sunset. A mysterious round object, resembling a large seed, sits gently on the bed, adding to the surreal, magical atmosphere of the scene. In all, this watercolor painting conveys a sense of nature reclaiming the human-made object, creating a tranquil, enchanting fusion of the natural world and human life.

Third Place

Raze
acrylic

by Gretchen Howarth, an independent artist from Wichita, KS

Third Place in the 2-Dimensional Category is Gretchen Howarth, an independent artist from Wichita, KS, for “Raze.” Measuring 20 by 16 inches, Raze portrays a dramatic and intense scene of a forest engulfed in fiery light, depicting a sunset casting strong rays through the trees. The tall, dark tree trunks and branches dominate the composition, standing like silhouettes against a glowing, fiery background. The trees stretch vertically, creating a sense of height, while the dark, shadowy foliage appears thick and dense, obscuring much of the sky. The lower half of the painting is filled with rich, vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, suggesting either burning undergrowth or light filtering through autumn leaves. The flames or light seem to radiate outward from a central point near the horizon, casting long, dark shadows across the forest floor, heightening the dramatic contrast between light and darkness. The intense warmth of the reds and oranges contrasts sharply with the cool, dark blue of the sky, which fades into darkness at the top of the painting. The atmosphere of the painting feels both chaotic and controlled, with the sharp interplay between the light and dark elements giving a sense of destruction or transformation. The overall effect is haunting, evoking the raw power of nature.

Visioneer Award

Read
acrylagouache

by Josephine Hernandez, an independent artist from Garden Grove, CA

Visioneer Award in the 2-Dimensional Category is Josephine Hernandez, an independent artist from Garden Grove, CA, for “Read.” This artwork depicts two hands, each with red-painted nails, gently touching at the fingertips in a symmetrical, mirrored position. The hands are positioned against a plain white background, highlighting the soft, natural tones of the skin. The shading and blending of colors create a realistic yet painterly texture, with hints of purple, pink, and warm browns emphasizing the contours and shadows of the hands. The light source seems to be coming from above, casting subtle shadows underneath the hands. In the upper-right corner of the artwork, a line of raised dots is present, suggesting Braille text. This adds a tactile dimension to the painting, indicating that the hands are likely engaged in the act of reading Braille. The dots are rendered delicately and seem to be part of the broader narrative, connecting the viewer to themes of touch, communication, and accessibility. The simplicity of the composition focuses attention on the beauty of human connection, the hands, and the significance of touch as a form of perception. The overall tone is gentle, intimate, and thought-provoking, blending visual art with the experience of tactile reading.

Honorable Mention

Tulip Energy Lady
acrylic

by Nora Delabat, an adult artist from the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind in Miami, FL

Honorable Mention in the 2-Dimensional Category is Nora Delabat, an adult artist from the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind in Miami, FL, for “Tulip Energy Lady.” Measuring 28 by 34 inches, this vibrant acrylic painting portrays a striking portrait of a woman with flowing violet hair, set against a soft blue background. Her expression is calm and contemplative, with warm skin tones and subtle shading that brings depth to her face. She wears orange earrings and an elegant red-orange garment draped across her shoulders, adding warmth to the cool-toned background. Surrounding the figure, tall tulips bloom – one yellow, the other purple – positioned symmetrically on either side of her, evoking a sense of natural beauty and balance. The woman’s hair is windswept, creating a sense of gentle movement. The painting is framed by a bright turquoise border decorated with swirling, organic lines and butterflies of various colors, including pink, purple, and orange. The whimsical border design complements the floral and natural elements of the portrait. The overall composition feels lively and harmonious, blending femininity with the vibrancy of nature. The butterflies and tulips suggest themes of growth, transformation, and energy, matching the figure’s tranquil yet dynamic aura.