Every year the Portrait Society of America has an international portrait competition and conference. I would love to go someday! It is basically a conference where the BEST portrait artists in the world gather to unveil their latest pieces, exhibit their bests, and demo for one another. (Not to mention there is a banquet where the artists dress all fancy-schmancy and talk/listen to all things fine art portraiture.) There are days of classes and critics! How fun is that?! (Reminds me of the old Salons in France where artists once exhibited their work, it was then the main forum for art!) Anyway, each year the competition winners are exceptional! Check out this year's award winners by clicking the link below! LOVE IT!
http://www.portraitsociety.org/#!__international-portrait-competition/albumphotos1=0