I held my first contest, just for fun, to reward those who are newer to Steemit, and encourage them to keep Steeming on. I'm an artist, so of course I did an art contest. In this case, a drawing contest.
https://steemit.com/contest/@mattphilleo/win-usd15-steem-in-portrait-drawing-contest-for-minnows
Out of all the submissions--Drum roll-- Here are the winners...
Honorable Mention
@Zaakas
I like the incredible detail of this drawing. I hope he didn't get all those tattoos in one sitting! But he looks like the kind of guy that wouldn't mind the pain, anyway. :)
Honorable Mention
This is a solid portrait drawing, with some accurate facial features, crisp detail, and a some nice shading to describe the contours of the face. He reminds me a little of the "hot mugshot guy." Nice job.
3rd Place
PRIZE: $1 Steem
I was very impressed by the correct use of value within this drawing. Without too much fuss, the artist captured the idea of a musician playing. I play the bass, so I can get a sense for what he's trying to convey. The chiaroscuro modeling of the facial features is very well done. Realism isn't always conveyed by using a lot of detail. Sometimes it's the ambiguity that makes a drawing or painting look real. But in all cases, you need to have the correct values in the correct place, and this drawing has it. In the end, I found myself wanting a bit more contrast and darker values in this drawing. Using darker pencil leads like 6B or 8B could achieve that. All in all, fantastic job!
Congratulations, 
!
2nd Place
PRIZE: $5 Steem!
This is an amazing drawing that just as easily could be a black and white photo of a 19th century painting that you'd see in your art history book. This artist knows how to create traditional realism. I love the rich, pungent blacks used in the dark values. And that makes sense, since this is a charcoal drawing. Is this man sleeping? Is he dead? I don't know. A lot of mystery implied here within the drawing. The values are all in the right place, and even though the drawing is not very detailed, it does convey a high degree of realism. Even the pillow he's resting on is amazingly rendered--with soft, subtle values to convey wrinkles. I love it.
Congratulations, @Jameszenartist !
1st Place
PRIZE: $15 Steem!
This drawing kind of grew on me. I liked it when it was first submitted, with the high contrast values drawing me in. But the detail kept me coming back to look closer. This artist stated that she is attempting to achieve photorealism, and hasn't been drawing very long, which makes it all the more amazing.
I think this drawing is very close to achieving the technical realism and psychological transparency of a Chuck Close portrait. You get a sense that this woman is exposing all that she is to the viewer--completely vulnerable, with a look of searching for acceptance, and yet a quiet confidence in who she is. She may very well be naked, as conveyed by her bare shoulders. But since it is a head and shoulders drawing, there is nothing risque, tantalizing, or scandalous about the portrayal.
Technically, the drawing is very well done. Everything from the sensitive eyes, the randomly, naturally spaced eyebrow hairs, to the delicately shaded nostrils, to the soft, slightly pursed lips, and the rich-black flowing hair, is fantastic! I look forward to seeing more of this artist's work.
Congratulations 
!
To @Zaakas, 
I'm sorry, I forgot to upvote your posts before post ended and did the payout, but I hope the extra 2nd and 3rd place prizes will make up for that. I will transfer you all your prize winnings today. Keep an eye out for future contests. Keep on drawing, and Steem on!
Have a blessed day,
If you like this post, please upvote, follow and resteem. I post regularly on art, tips on painting and drawing, and encouraging thoughts.
See more of my artwork at: MattPhilleo.com