Home » The Gallery »
Happy 100th Birthday Great Grandma Dot!
Charcoal on Grey Tone Paper
20.5 x 28.25 inches
Completed in 2025
Portrait Created at 16 Years Old
In Giselle’s Words
Representing The Soul Within The Portrait
This portrait is of a very happy memory I had with my Great Grandmother. I knew immediately that I wanted to draw it and remember it always; the way she looked, her clothing, the way the light was streaming onto her from the window, her beautiful face and welcoming, happy expression. These details don’t just bring back a memory, but the happy and peaceful feeling that I had while experiencing it. Representing the soul within the portrait is very important to me as I want anyone who views this piece to understand the kind of person she is and the light she brings into this world.
— Giselle V. Brown
International Recognition
Happy 100th Birthday Great Grandma Dot! has received major international recognition in the fields of contemporary realism and portraiture.
Portrait Society of America
Giselle was named a finalist in the Portrait Society of America’s 27th annual international portrait competition, The International, in 2025.
She was also recognized as an Exceptional Merit Award recipient in the same competition. Read More
Art of the Portrait Conference
The piece was exhibited at The Art of the Portrait Conference alongside the other 18 finalists from the Portrait Society of America’s 27th Annual International Portrait Competition, The International, in 2025.
Art Renewal Center’s 18th International ARC Salon Competition
The piece was awarded 1st Place in the Teens Category in the 18th International ARC Salon Competition. Read More
Exhibition At Sotheby’s New York
This artwork was curated into the combined 17th/18th International ARC Salon Exhibition at Sotheby’s New York in 2026. Read More
Happy 100th Birthday Great Grandma Dot!
By Giselle V. Brown
Capturing A Beautiful Subject Who Has Graced This World With 100 Years Of Her Presence
Giselle uses portraiture not only to depict her great grandmother, but also to honor family, time, & legacy. The subject is more than a person, it’s a reflection of a century of lived experience; the person is her own living archive captured in the portrait. Giselle incorporates details here to capture history. The wrinkles are records of time; while skin texture simultaneously shows fragility and resilience. These physical traits are embraced as they tell their story of a 100 years lived. Great Grandma Dot’s beautiful character is observed through her gentle smile and relaxed position; and her friendly expression makes her presence even more welcoming.