Exciting News! David Jamieson is a PSOA Finalist!

David Jamieson’s Writer’s Block Selected as Finalist in Portrait Society of America’s 26th International Competition!

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with the Vitruvian Studio community: my drawing Writer’s Block has been selected as one of just 20 finalists in the Portrait Society of America’s 26th Annual International Competition. Out of 3,038 entries from artists worldwide, this piece will be featured at the PSOA’s prestigious show & conference in Atlanta this April.

From Online Art Class Demo to International Recognition

What makes this achievement especially meaningful is how this drawing came to exist. Those of you who take our live streaming art classes may recognize Writer’s Block as one of my on-camera demonstrations from last fall. While I didn’t get quite finished during class, I worked on it a little further last month in time for PSOA’s entry deadline. Seeing a class demo elevated to an internationally recognized portrait is just so cool–both for me, and our students!

Why the Portrait Society of America Competition Matters

For those unfamiliar with the Portrait Society of America, their annual international competition represents one of the most respected juried exhibitions in contemporary portraiture. The PSOA has built a reputation for showcasing exceptional realism and technical mastery in portrait art, making finalist selection a significant milestone for any portrait artist.

The competition draws thousands of entries from professional artists, art instructors, and emerging talents across the globe. Being selected among the top 20 works is an unexpected honor, but one that reflects years of practice in the craft of drawing.

The Reality of Art Competitions: Risk and Reward

Like many working artists and art educators, I have a complex relationship with entering shows and competitions. The process demands significant investment—not just entry fees, but the time spent preparing work, photographing pieces professionally, and managing submissions. And let’s be honest: rejection is far more common than acceptance.

Most artists face many more “no” responses than “yes” ones. It’s part of the journey, though that doesn’t make it easier. Every rejection letter is a reminder of how competitive the art world can be, even for experienced professionals.

But when an entry does pay off—when your work is selected for exhibition, especially at a venue as prestigious as the PSOA conference—it validates your artistic vision and technical approach. It confirms that the countless hours spent studying anatomy, light & shade, and developing your observational skills have created something that resonates beyond your own studio.

What This Means for Our Students

For students taking our online art courses, this selection offers an important lesson: the techniques we study in courses like Drawing Basics, Portrait Drawing, or our live streaming art classes—aren’t just academic exercises. They provide real tools that can lead to personal satisfaction, or even professional recognition and opportunities.

Writer’s Block demonstrates that work created in an educational context, with a focus on sound technique and careful observation, can hold its own–even in the most competitive professional venues.

Attending the PSOA Conference in Atlanta

I’ll be traveling to Atlanta in April for the Portrait Society of America’s annual Art of the Portrait conference, where I’ll get to see Writer’s Block displayed alongside some extraordinary work from fellow finalist artists. The PSOA conference offers more than just the exhibition; it’s a gathering of portrait artists, instructors, and enthusiasts who share a passion for representational art.

If you’re attending the conference, I’d love to connect in person! These events provide invaluable opportunities for artists to learn from each other, discuss ideas, and build relationships within the art community.

View the Exhibition Online

Even if you can’t attend the conference in person, you can view all finalist artwork through the Portrait Society of America’s online gallery. I encourage anyone interested in contemporary portraiture to explore the full exhibition—the level of craftsmanship and artistry on display is truly inspiring.

Gratitude and Looking Forward

This recognition reminds me why I’m passionate about art education. When I demonstrate techniques in my live streaming classes or create instructional content, I’m not just teaching skills—I’m sharing approaches that have real-world application and can lead to meaningful artistic achievements.

Thank you to everyone who has supported my work as both an artist and an instructor. Your engagement in my courses, your thoughtful questions, and your own artistic journeys inspire me to keep pushing my own creative boundaries.

Whether you’re a beginning art student or an experienced artist considering entering your first competition, remember: every finished piece is an achievement, every entry is an act of courage, and persistence in developing your craft creates opportunities you might never anticipate.

Here’s to taking creative risks and celebrating when they pay off!

Want to develop your own portrait drawing skills? Explore our online art courses featuring live demonstrations, fundamental techniques, and practical instruction for artists at all levels.