Palos Verdes Artist Aapo Pukk  Wins Portrait Society of America  Certificate of Excellence.

More than 1300 paintings from all over the world were submitted for consideration at the 12th Annual International Portrait Competition, hosted by the prestigious Portrait Society of America. Thirty artists who survived this rigorous judging process will be honored at the Portrait Art Conference in  Washington, D.C., on Saturday, April 24th.

“Aapo’s artwork was outstanding," said Assistant Executive Director, Kim Azzarito. "We are pleased to recognize his effort and skill with a Certificate of Excellence."

Aapo's winning portrait, "Lawrence McCue," will be on display in digital presentations during the Conference's opening ceremonies and at the Awards Banquet. Also, his work will be featured this spring in the Portrait Society of America's celebrated Art of the Portrait publication.

With more than 3000 members, the Portrait Society of America is the world's largest portrait artist organization, and its International Portrait Competition is one the most highly-regarded events in the world of portraiture. Each year the selected works reflect a unique combination of skill and cutting edge talent. Winners receive international publicity, honor and recognition.

“This award is quite an honor for an Estonian artist," said Mr. Pukk, who has been a member of PSOA since 1999. "I humbly accept this success with the understanding that it represents an acknowledgement of all Estonian art as well.”

Born in 1962 in the Republic of Estonia, Mr. Pukk’s parents were artists and art teachers, and they encouraged him to pursue art from an early age. He attended the Children’s School of Art for four years, followed by six years at the Estonian Art Academy, focusing primarily on graphic fine art.

In the last 20 years the Estonian born artist has painted more than 2500 portraits. His subjects include dignitaries such as the President of Estonia; the Speaker of Parliament of Estonia; His Holiness Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and whole of Russia; U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Estonia, Aldona Zofia Wos; California State Assemblyman George Nakano, along with many other political, religious, and entertainment icons, as well as hundreds of people from all walks and stations of life.

Although Mr. Pukk is well known in Estonia and the United States, his paintings are also prominently featured in public and private collections around the world: Canada, Brazil, Japan, The Republic of South Africa, Uganda, Russia, Greece, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, and Latvia.

Previous awards include Certificate of Recognition 2000 (Portfolio) PSOA; Honors Award 2001 PSOA; Award of Merit 2002 PSOA; Certificate of Merit 2002 American Society of Portrait Artists; Finalist 2002 International Artist Magazine; Honorable Mention 2003 Art Renewal Center; Certificate of Excellence 2006 PSOA; First Honor Award 2007; Exceptional Merit, 2nd place, 4th place 2008; Second place and Honorable mention 2009. In 2002-2003 his works were exhibited in European Pastel Artist Exhibitions in Italy and Russia. In 2004 and again in 2005 Mr. Pukk's portraits were chosen for the Royal Portrait Society (UK) annual exhibitions.

Aapo and his wife, Helge, discovered the beauty of the Palos Verdes Peninsula several years ago, and now make their home in Palos Verdes Estates. They continue to spend several months a year in their native Estonia. To view Aapo Pukk’s art log onto www.aapopukk.com.