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Jean-Denis (2025) is an award-winning oil-on-linen portrait by American painter Marc Dalessio, which won the prestigious £35,000 First Prize at the National Portrait Gallery's 2026 Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award.The BackstoryThe painting depicts Dalessio’s neighbor, Jean-Denis, in southwest France. After focusing exclusively on plein-air landscape painting for over a decade, Dalessio recently returned to portraiture. While testing the lighting in his newly renovated studio, his neighbor unexpectedly arrived on his doorstep and requested a portrait. The final piece was completed over six sittings. Because Jean-Denis found posing boring, Dalessio had to play podcasts to keep his subject entertained and awake.Technical ExecutionDimensions: 650mm x 500mm.Method: Dalessio utilized the academic sight-size method, standing at a distance to observe the canvas and the sitter side-by-side to guarantee perfect spatial proportions.Color Palette: In line with traditional atelier training, the painting relies on a limited historic four-color palette consisting of white, ochre, red, and black oils.Composition: Jean-Denis is captured unsmiling against a warm, mustard-yellow background. He wears an elegant black coat and scarf, with a tiny, intentional sliver of his white shirt showing underneath.Critical AcclaimThe judging panel at the National Portrait Gallery highly praised the work's economical and restrained use of paint, stating that the minimalist execution provides an immense emotional immediacy. The judges specifically highlighted the small peak of the white shirt, noting that it perfectly balances and activates the entire composition, giving the subject a regal yet understated presence.

Marc Dalessio Wins the Kramer Portrait Award 2026 at London's National Portrait Gallery

A classically trained American landscape painter now based in southwest France takes home the £35,000 first prize for an intimate oil-on-linen portrait of his neighbor, completed in just six sittings

Kamil DadJUN 25, 2026

Latest in Awards

PaintingJUN 25, 2026

Marc Dalessio Wins the Kramer Portrait Award 2026 at London's National Portrait Gallery

Kamil Dad
Jean-Denis (2025) is an award-winning oil-on-linen portrait by American painter Marc Dalessio, which won the prestigious £35,000 First Prize at the National Portrait Gallery's 2026 Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award.The BackstoryThe painting depicts Dalessio’s neighbor, Jean-Denis, in southwest France. After focusing exclusively on plein-air landscape painting for over a decade, Dalessio recently returned to portraiture. While testing the lighting in his newly renovated studio, his neighbor unexpectedly arrived on his doorstep and requested a portrait. The final piece was completed over six sittings. Because Jean-Denis found posing boring, Dalessio had to play podcasts to keep his subject entertained and awake.Technical ExecutionDimensions: 650mm x 500mm.Method: Dalessio utilized the academic sight-size method, standing at a distance to observe the canvas and the sitter side-by-side to guarantee perfect spatial proportions.Color Palette: In line with traditional atelier training, the painting relies on a limited historic four-color palette consisting of white, ochre, red, and black oils.Composition: Jean-Denis is captured unsmiling against a warm, mustard-yellow background. He wears an elegant black coat and scarf, with a tiny, intentional sliver of his white shirt showing underneath.Critical AcclaimThe judging panel at the National Portrait Gallery highly praised the work's economical and restrained use of paint, stating that the minimalist execution provides an immense emotional immediacy. The judges specifically highlighted the small peak of the white shirt, noting that it perfectly balances and activates the entire composition, giving the subject a regal yet understated presence.

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