In a very literal interpretation of 'we are what we eat,' Japanese-born, New York-based artist Saeri Kiritani glued together over a million grains of rice for her 5-foot high self-portrait. The work is titled 100 Pounds of Rice and won the National Portrait Gallery's 2013 competition.  

We know that hyperreal has been the talk of the Internet for years now, but what we have been liking recently is the addition of process works in regards to hyperreal artists. UK-based Kelvin Okafor pencil artists has great skill, and he calls himself a "passionate penciled artist. Highly interested in detail and precision."

My work is characterized by contrasts - the juxtaposition of opposites on several levels - which is recognized throughout my paintings. Fine detail, drawn lines and meticulously painted shapes clash with bold brushstrokes, spatters and blurred contours. Soft organic shapes and multifaceted figures meet hard, calculated geometric abstractions.

A new portrait of the incredibly dark humored comedian Louis C.K. from the very talented and versatile artist and illustrator Jeremy Enecio. Done purely as a personal project, Jeremy states '(This is) A portrait of one of my favorite living comics. Actually, one of my favorite people for that matter.'  I totally agree. LOVE.

There's still time to vote for Tattoo Road Trip's newest contest: portraits. After narrowing down all of the reader submitted images to just five finalists, it's your job to pick  the winner. We have a gallery of the finalists to help you make your choice, and be sure to look out for their next contest!

Loic Zimmermann is a French visual artist living in Los Angeles and working as a concept designer (Luma Pictures) on movies such as Thor, XmenFC, True Grit, Percy Jackson, Harry Potter and the half blood prince, Wolverine and Underworld. Though in his spare time, he spends his days painting and illustrating some very appealing nearly nude ladies.

Erik Jones is an artist and illustrator focusing on contemporary figure painting and cover illustration. His colorful abstractions and geometric configurations add an unexpected element to his portraits of topless beauties. Jones is based in Brooklyn, New York.

We know yesterday was Halloween, but why not have some classic lowbrow styles on this November 1st day. We like Billy Reynolds' statement, too: "I will always be a traditional painter, because nothing beats an original hand-made analog creation. Analog creations are of the highest order in human capabilities."

At first these portraits by Irish artist, Denise Nestor look simple, but then you begin to see her work with facial structure, cheek bones, and expression has us wanted to know what's inside the head of each subject. Nestor's capturing of these intricacies make for a compelling series of pencil works.

A beautiful series of portraits by London-based painter, Alan Coulson. Of course, being a portrait artist can be a crowded field, but there are some that stand out, not for a photoreal style but for the ability to capture a feeling and emotions in the work. Few do it better than Coulson. His work is currently on display at London's National Portrait Gallery for the ???? BP Portrait Award 2012.