FilAm artist Ronald Cortez sweeps recognition for pastel masterpieces
New York - Filipino American artist Ronald Cortez has swept three awards for his pastel masterpieces on the first half of 2026.
He received the Best in Pastel Award at the American Artists Professional League's "Visions" Exhibition in May 2026 at The Carriage Barn in Connecticut for his “Pages of Hope” pastel painting.
“Although I was unable to attend the awards ceremony due to illness, I was notified of the award by the League and subsequently received the award certificate and cash prize by mail. This recognition from one of the nation's most respected professional art organizations is both humbling and deeply appreciated,” said Cortez, a resident of Queens, New York and an employee at the Philippine Center in Manhattan.
Cortez’s masterpieces are of remarkably sharp colors and shadows, making them look like photographs.
Artist Ronald Cortez
"Fish and tomatoes" 20x27in Pastel on paper, award for excellence in pastel by the Art Spirit Foundation Dianne B. Bernhard on June 13, 2026.
"Pages of hope"19x31in Pastel on board, best winning entry at the American Artists Professional League’s ‘Visions’ Juried Exhibition in May 2026.
The event was organized by the Hudson Valley Art Association which was founded in 1928 in the studio of Hudson River School master Jasper Cropsey. The HVAA is a nationally recognized organization dedicated to preserving and promoting excellence in representational painting, drawing, and sculpture. Through its prestigious juried exhibitions, educational programs, and awards, HVAA showcases artists of exceptional technical skill and artistic achievement, making it one of the most respected traditional art organizations in the United States.
On June 13, his "Fish and tomatoes" 20x27in Pastel on paper, received an award for excellence in pastel by the Art Spirit Foundation Dianne B. Bernhard during the HVAA’s 93rd National Annual Juried Exhibition in Old Lyme, Connecticut.
Way back in March this year, Cortez received the Honor Awards for his “Helping Hands” pastel on paper from the Connecticut Pastel Society during its Connecticut Pastel Society Members Exhibition 2026.
“I am deeply grateful for these recognitions. Each award inspires me to continue creating, growing, and honoring the gift of art that God has entrusted me,” said Cortez. #
