Ming Qin is a portrait painter based in Toronto, Canada. He received six years of rigorous academic training in painting, completing both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at two of China’s most prestigious fine arts academies. Following his formal education, he taught at both institutions before joining the faculty of Sheridan College in Toronto.

In 1994, Ming Qin was awarded the Grand Prize in the inaugural International Portrait Competition organized by the Portrait Society of America, an achievement that marked the beginning of his international career. Since then, his portraits have been commissioned and collected by distinguished institutions, universities, and private collectors. His work is represented in the collections of Harvard University, Henry Ford, Duke University, the University of Michigan, Vanderbilt University, and other notable institutions.

An internationally recognized portrait artist, Ming Qin has served as a juror for the Art Renewal Center (ARC) International Salon and the Titian International Portrait Competition in Italy. In 2026, his work was selected for the Annual Exhibition of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters in London, where he was also invited to present a live portrait demonstration.

Firmly rooted in the tradition of academic realism, Ming Qin is recognized for his exceptional draftsmanship, sensitive observation, and his ability to capture not only the physical likeness but also the inner character of his subjects. His portraits are admired for their technical excellence, psychological depth, and timeless quality, reflecting both the discipline of classical training and a profound understanding of human character.

In addition to his work as a professional portrait artist, Ming Qin is a dedicated educator with decades of teaching experience in portrait and figure drawing, oil painting, and pastel. Having taught in universities, academies, and professional workshops, he continues to share his knowledge through demonstrations, lectures, and private instruction, inspiring artists from around the world while upholding the highest standards of classical realism.

Ming Qin believes that a successful portrait should preserve not only a faithful likeness, but also the unique spirit, dignity, and humanity of the sitter. Combining rigorous academic training with more than four decades of professional experience, he strives to create portraits that become lasting works of art—treasured by families, institutions, and future generations.