World’s Best Contemporary Artists: Ashbourne, Bolen, Castleman, Cechova, Hrytsko, Leimkueller, Moffatt / AMERICAN ART AWARDS Winners
Artists from 64 countries competed in the 2024 AMERICAN ART AWARDS where 20 of the most revered galleries in the USA were sent online images to score in drawing, painting, sculpture, digital and photography. The 300+ winning works, 1st to 6th Place (and ties) in all 50 categories, were featured in 75 articles and a movie.
See all winning images:
Art collectors can see the hundreds of winning artworks and corresponding contact info to the best contemporary artists in the world here: https://americanartawards.com/2024-winning-artists-american-art-awards/
In 2024, AMERICAN ART AWARDS had submissions from these 64 countries: Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, China, Congo Democratic Republic, Cyprus, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea (Republic, South), Lebanon, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Macedonia, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tobago, Togo, Trinidad, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vietnam, USA, Zambia.
Here are bios on six outstanding 2024 award-winning artists (in alphabetical order):
Tom Ashbourne
Tom is a lifelong art patron and collector. In his words “I’ve been collecting and appreciating art for most of my life. My transition from corporate executive to professional artist started with what learning about fine art while building my extensive and varied art collection. My skills and knowledge grew with some sculpting and interior design classes, confidence I acquired from encouragement by mentors and my artist friends, and experiences in my studio. Together, I’ve developed and matured my artistic eye, sense of balance, and appreciation of texture, shapes, and color.
Tom Ashbourne SSC SCA OSA has been honored with extensive national and international recognition. In addition to two wins in American Art Awards 2024 (Non-Representational Sculpture, Non-Manipulated Photography — Human), other recent awards include Art Market’s The Gold List 2024,; ATIM’s Top 60 Masters; Art Comes Alive “Sculptor of the Year”; Contemporary Art Curator’s “ 2025 Visionaries: Artists Shaping The Future; and Contemporary Art Collectors’ “Global Art Virtuoso Award: Elite Artistic Career Achievement Award”. https://www.tomashbourne.com
Teresa Bolen
“Uniquely Beautiful Pieces.” As a youngster Teresa Bolen always loved making art. However traditional atelier training was unavailable to her, so she pursued other passions until the worldwide connecting possibilities of the internet brought training that would allow her to create the kind of artwork she had always dreamed of right into her home. She has been able to study online from Jason Seiler, been mentored by Dirk Dzimirsky, and in 2021 she began a mentorship program from living master Steve Huston. With his gentle guidance and mentorship, Bolen is flourishing, and decided to learn oil painting last January, 2023, just fifteen months ago.
Huston says of Bolen, “I’ve seldom seen an artist work so hard and so intelligently with a passion to refine their craft. Teresa’s uniquely beautiful pieces with their stand out colors and composition is a much needed addition to realist paintings. Teresa, your work you’re producing blows me away!” Bolen says she feels incredibly blessed and grateful for these opportunities, she’s just getting started, and is looking forward to the many thousands of hours of joyous labor in becoming the best artist she can possibly be. https://teresabolen.com/
Douglas Castleman
is a professional watercolor and oil painter. He also works as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer. He specializes in landscape, aerospace and marine painting, and the occasional wildlife subject. Douglas is an Artist Fellow Member of the American Society of Aviation Artists, an artist member of The International Association of Astronomical Artists, the Los Angeles Society of Illustrators, as well as local art groups. He has won numerous awards for his art from the various associations, national and international art shows, and the City of Torrance, California, where he resides. Many of his paintings are in private and corporate collections, NASA, and the Pentagon. Douglas has had five solo exhibitions in the Los Angeles area. From 2000–2018 he taught watercolor painting for Yosemite National Park, and both oil and watercolor to many private clients. He has been invited to demonstrate both his oil and watercolor techniques to many local art groups and regularly teaches art to adult students in the local art center, where he has a studio/gallery. Many of his paintings have been published. He has earned a Bachelor Degree in Art from California State University, Northridge and a computer graphics degree and another degree in multi-media from Platt College, Cerritos, California. https://douglas-castleman.pixels.com/
Katerina A. Cechova
is a contemporary artist, born in 1977 in Krnov, Czech republic, living and working in Denmark.
Education: Degree in Fine Art, Literature, History of art and Art criticism.
Welcome to the captivating world of Katerina A. Cechova, world of cubistic creations, the power of form and symbols. Through her unique blend of traditional techniques and modern concepts, she invites you to embark on a journey of exploration, where imagination knows no bounds.
Born and raised in the Czech republic, Katerina’s artistic journey began at an early age. Surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of her homeland, she immersed herself in the study of various artistic disciplines, delving into the realms of painting, sculpture, and printmaking. It was during this time that she discovered her true calling — to create art that not only captivates the eye but also stirs the soul. Her inspiration is often leading to literature, symbolic and nature. Katerina is also a big dog’s lover, international judge for dogs conformations, what means many paintings are connected with dogs theme. She created many cubistic variations of dog breeds, which are the very first and unique.
Inspired by nature’s infinite beauty and the mysteries of human existence, Katerina’s work often explores themes of identity and spirituality. She believes that art has the power to transcend language and cultural barriers, serving as a universal language that unites individuals from all walks of life. Her aim is not simply to create aesthetically pleasing works but to evoke a visceral response in her audience — a sense of wonder, introspection, and inspiration.
Each piece tells a story, capturing fleeting moments frozen in time, inviting viewers to contemplate the passage of time and the fragility of existence.
Throughout her career, Katerina was rewarded by many prizes both in USA and worldwide. Her pieces have garnered critical acclaim and have found homes in private collections worldwide. She continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, constantly experimenting with new techniques and concepts that challenge traditional notions of art.
As you embark on this visual journey through Katerina A. Cechova’s artistry, prepare to be transported to a world of symbols, mystery, open phantasy and unique style. www.katerinacechova.com
Liudmyla Hrytsko
I was born in the city of Boryslav, Ukraine, a place immortalized in the novel by Ivan Franko, “ Boryslav is Laughing”, on October 24, 1970. I still live in this picturesque town, nestled at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, where the beauty of nature fills me with endless energy and inspiration. By profession, I am a physical education teacher for sports. I am a self-taught artist with no formal academic training in fine arts.
My journey into the world of painting began later in life, during a critical health moment. It was as if the universe — or perhaps a higher force — gifted me with this new path. I consider this talent to be a Divine gift.
I work mainly in oil and watercolor techniques, and I also use tempera paints and gilding in some of my works. Initially, I had no formal knowledge of painting, but the passion was undeniable. I studied in the late hours of the night, whenever I could steal a moment away from work and family duties. Gradually, through practice and perseverance, I developed both my style and technique. Even now, the process of learning and perfecting my craft continues.
The process itself is enchanting, almost like magic! The subjects for my paintings come to me in many different ways, and each one is always a mystery, a unique experience. Many of my works come to me in dreams or spontaneously when I catch glimpses of images through the sounds of the environment, nature, or personal feelings. I quickly capture them on paper, not always managing to grasp the exact moment of inspiration.
“We often dream of what seems impossible. Yet life gives us what we never even dreamed of.”
Tatiana Leimkueller
Tatiana Leimkueller was born in 1979 in the USA (Georgia) in a military family. Shortly after the birth of their daughter, the family left for Europe. She graduated with a degree in Process Engineering in 2001 in Germany and an art historian in 2006 in Berlin. In 2020, she completed the Postgraduate Course in Specialty “Archaeology” in Berlin. Since 2005, she studied at a private school of painting and sculpture in Berlin. Tatiana currently resides in Austria.
At school, she became interested in art and history of the Ancient world and connected her whole life with it. After graduating from art school, there was a period of experimentation and formation as an artist. She painted in watercolor, acrylic. A special sympathy for pastels.
Her Ph.D. thesis was on the topic “Greco-Roman sculptural portrait”, which led to a passion for sculpture, in particular the sculptural portrait.
Tatiana is interested in the use of new materials such as injection molding plastic, papier-mâché, Traditional materials are also in the spotlight, especially clay, natural stone, paper.
Lynda Moffatt
Lynda Moffatt is a multi-faceted artist living in South-Western Ontario, Canada.
The artist has experimented with many different forms and subjects of art. Seeming to always return to birds as her main focus. She paints the majority of them in journey. Using her own proven process and favourite techniques. Choosing Abstracted/Realism for her style and estectic, this freedom allows her to paint in mixed media for expression, while topping everything off with luxurious oils for elegance. From small to life size large scale paintings on canvas. Lynda is enjoying all this variety and subject matter to keep her creative energy flowing.
Her focus and commitment to painting, is evolving into her own unique voice. All Poetically telling an elegant story. How exciting to witness for all.
Lynda’s paintings will elevate your space, bringing it alive with dynamic compositions, colours and storytelling. https://www.lyndamoffatt.com/
American Art Awards 20 Best Galleries & Museums for 2024 (in alphabetical order by state) asked to score art:
BEST IN ARIZONA: Exposures International Gallery Of Fine Art
BEST IN COLORADO: Mirada Fine Art
BEST IN CONNECTICUT: Fairfield University Art Museum (FUAM)
BEST IN FLORIDA: MAC Art Galleries
BEST IN IDAHO: Capitol Contemporary Gallery
BEST IN ILLINOIS: Jackson Junge Gallery
BEST IN INDIANA: Kuaba Gallery
BEST IN KANSAS: 2010 Gallery
BEST IN LOUISIANA: GRYDER
BEST IN MINNESOTA: Kolman & Reeb Gallery
BEST IN MISSOURI: The Museum of Art and Archaeology
BEST IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: Candita Clayton Gallery
BEST IN NEW JERSEY: Evalyn Dunn Gallery
BEST IN NEW MEXICO: Thornwood Gallery
BEST IN NORTH CAROLINA: Ambleside Gallery
BEST IN PENNSYLVANIA: Morton Contemporary Art Gallery
BEST IN SOUTH CAROLINA: Mary Martin Galleries Of Fine Art
BEST IN UTAH: Modern West
BEST IN VERMONT: The Current
BEST IN WASHINGTON: ArtX Contemporary
ACTING CREDITS OF THOM BIERDZ: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0081551/
