There’s nothing like realistic art to capture the beauty and dignity of its subjects.
In 1999, art collector Frederick Ross founded the U.S.-based nonprofit Art Renewal Center (ARC) to support traditional realist artists and realist art education around the world, and to acquire notable realist artworks.
The ARC recently announced the semifinalists of its 17th International ARC Salon Competition, from more than 5,000 entries from 87 countries.
From those semifinalists, we’ve compiled a selection of American artists’ artworks celebrating our great country and its spirit, culture, and traditions.
The ARC will announce the finalists of the competition on Nov. 20 and the winners on Jan. 7, 2025. To find out more, visit ArtRenewal.org

“Peach and 3rd,” 2023, by Michelle Osman. Oil on linen; 26 inches by 76 inches. Courtesy of Art Renewal Center

“Whisper in the Wind,” 2023, by Samuel Hoskins. Oil on linen; 42 inches by 35 inches. Courtesy of Art Renewal Center

“And Mercy More Than Life,” 2024, by Susan Steging Cook. Oil on panel; 24 inches by 30 inches. Courtesy of Art Renewal Center

“Monday,” 2022, by Eileen Nistler. Colored pencil on paper; 12 inches by 18 inches. Courtesy of Art Renewal Center

“West Paradise,” 2024, by Elandra Love. Oil on canvas; 36 inches by 24 inches. Courtesy of Art Renewal Center

“Team Players,” 2024, by Brent Flory. Oil on board; 48 inches by 24 inches. Courtesy of Art Renewal Center

“Saddle Peak in December,” 2021, by Aaron Schuerr. Oil on canvas; 20 inches by 24 inches. Courtesy of Art Renewal Center

“Staten Island Lighthouse,” 2023, by Gregory DiNapoli. Pencil on paper; 14 inches by 21 inches. Courtesy of Art Renewal Center

“The Road to Hammondsville,” 2024, by Jeff Gola. Egg tempera on panel; 18 inches by 24 inches. Courtesy of Art Renewal Center

“Common Eider #1,” 2022, by Jamie Cassaboon. Graphite on paper; 15 inches by 32 inches. Courtesy of Art Renewal Center

“Ready The Spinnaker! Buzzards Bay 30s, 1902,” 2024, by Russ Kramer. Oil on linen; 27 inches by 44 inches. Courtesy of Art Renewal Center

“Chancellor Charles F. Robinson,” 2024, by Mike Wimmer. Oil on canvas; 34 inches by 26 inches. Courtesy of Art Renewal Center

"Book Fragrance No. 4,” 2024, by Jie Cai. Oil on linen; 70 3/4 inches by 53 inches. Courtesy of Art Renewal Center

"Time Before Internet,” 2024, by Juan Cantavella. Oil on canvas; 18 inches by 24 inches. Courtesy of Art Renewal Center
What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to features@epochtimes.nyc