McKee aspires to capture more than a likeness in her portraits she wants her work to express a person’s emotional interior - the “real person.” She attributes her ability to do this to the fact that most of her subjects are family members. The drawing has as much heart as it has skill.” Isaiah embodies the trepidation of a generation of children facing a quickly changing world. “The piece stands out because it conveys emotion in addition to being technically strong. “The vulnerability of childhood is captured in the face of the young man,” she says.

Juror Juliette Aristides clearly responded to the poignant qualities of the piece. “I’m happy that he has now grown into a confident young man.” McKee hopes the viewer senses in the drawing her nephew’s inner sensitivity and creative spirit. “I drew this piece when he was 17 years old as a way to wish him the courage to realize his potential,” she says. McKee’s nephew, whom she describes as quite shy and hesitant to speak up. The award-winning drawing, Isaiah, is a portrait of Kumiko S. Isaiah (graphite on paper 40×30) by Kumiko S. McKee The emotional quality captured in this powerful portrait caught the attention of the juror and earned this artist our top award. It’s also true that art offers a healthy means of creative escape - and that’s exactly what we hope you’ll experience as you read on. In such times, we are reminded of the important part that art has to play in telling our stories - whether beautiful or challenging. In some cases, artists recognize that the alterations due to the pandemic afforded them the opportunity to work with a focus they might not have otherwise had. As you might expect, many artists submitted works that reflect on this experience. It’s worth mentioning that this drawing competition was taking place last spring, just as the COVID-19 pandemic descended into our lives. Learn more about the top prizewinners and their award-winning drawings below see the Honorable Mention winners in The Best of Drawing print or digital issue. This year, we asked artist Juliette Aristides to select three drawings from among these finalists for First, Second, and Third Place Awards, along with 10 Honorable Mentions. Our special issue, The Best of Drawing, is a showcase of the 117 outstanding works of art - executed in a drawing medium or in a wet medium using a drawerly approach - that were selected for publication from all the entries into the 12th Strokes of Genius drawing competition. Take a look at the exquisite work of the three winning artists of the 12th Strokes of Genius drawing competition.

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