North Port, FL, artist and art teacher, Ron Sanders, won first place in the portrait/figure category in the Artist's Magazine's 26th Annual Art Competition for his painting "Triple Self Portrait."

Judges in five categories offered awards to the best of 250 finalists out of a field of nearly 12,000 entries. Sanders was awarded first place by "esteemed teacher and (internationally) renowned portrait painter Nelson Shanks."

When asked what he looked for as he made his choices, Shanks responded "Competence, originality and emotion."  Sanders' Triple Self Portrait "appealed to Shanks because it shows a good composition and eloquently expresses a rather dejected mood." Winning paintings are featured in the December issue of the Artist's Magazine.

Ron Sanders teaches adult education art classes at numerous art centers along the gulf coast as well as national workshops. For a complete listing, visit the artist's website at www.sanders-studios.com.

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Note: I've got to admit I had to take a double-take at this painting.  I thought it was a photograph of him looking degected and sitting behind his easel of his portrait.  After taking a closer look, I realized that the entire image was Sander's painting.  It is fantastic Ron!  I can see why you won!

Susan

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