8-Year-Old Paints A Masterful Portrait Of Jesus, Claiming To Have Seen His True Face

At the age of eight, Akiane Kramarik completed a painting that would later move millions: “Prince of Peace,” a beautiful and otherworldly image of Jesus Christ. The artwork, with its depth and calm, seemed incredibly profound for someone so young. But it wasn’t just the artistic skill that made it special—it was the amazing story behind it, filled with visions, loss, recovery, and Akiane’s strong connection to her inspiration. Sixteen years after being mistakenly sold and hidden from the world, “Prince of Peace” has returned to Akiane, showing a glimpse of her unique life, her passion, and her spiritual journey.

Now 28, Akiane is a famous painter, author, and philanthropist. Yet, creating “Prince of Peace” remains an unforgettable part of her childhood. She says the painting came from a deep “visionary inspiration,” a moment guided by something beyond her. “It comes from God,” Akiane has said. “His voice is soft and lovely.” The painting reveals a gentle yet powerful image of Jesus, showing a tender and human side of divinity. This bond with the divine continues to shape her life and work.

Growing up in a non-religious family in a small Idaho town, Akiane’s spiritual awakening surprised her family. Her mother, Forelli, was Lithuanian, and her father was American. Both were agnostic and didn’t follow any religion. They didn’t talk about God, attend church, or practice rituals that could explain what happened. Akiane’s mother recalled when her daughter first spoke of seeing visions and heavenly places. “We didn’t attend church, pray, or talk about God,” she said. “Then suddenly, our daughter started talking about God’s love and wanting to paint what she saw. It was amazing.”

At only four, Akiane began speaking of vivid dreams and visions. She told her parents she visited heaven, a place filled with light, beauty, and peace. It was during these moments she saw the face of Jesus—not as a distant figure but as someone very real. She felt an urge to paint what she saw. Her parents, shocked and confused, watched their young daughter pick up paintbrushes and create art far beyond what anyone expected from a child. Her talent seemed like a gift from above, and her desire to paint her visions was unstoppable.

The story of “Prince of Peace” took another surprising turn when Akiane began searching for a model. She was determined to find someone who looked like the Jesus from her visions. “I spent a long time looking for a model,” she said, explaining that the right person was key to the painting’s depth. She prayed for help in finding someone who looked like her vision of Jesus. One day, a carpenter appeared at their door. He had the gentle eyes and warmth that matched her vision. Akiane told her mother, “That was him.” He agreed to model, and Akiane began painting.

The result was stunning. “Prince of Peace” showed Jesus with a deep sense of love and calm. His eyes seemed full of kindness, inviting people to connect. The painting quickly gained worldwide attention, not only for its quality but also for the story behind it. People wondered how such a young child could create something so moving and spiritually alive.

But the journey of “Prince of Peace” didn’t end there. Years after it was created, the painting was stolen. Through a long legal fight lasting over a decade, Akiane lost her beloved artwork. It had been sold without her family’s permission, and for sixteen years, it was hidden away, stuck in legal battles over its ownership. During this time, Akiane often spoke of how much she missed the painting and wanted to share it with others who found peace in its image.

Finally, after what felt like forever, Akiane got her painting back. After a tough legal fight, the artwork was returned to her. She decided to sell it to a private collector who promised to show it to the public. Now, “Prince of Peace” is displayed at the Belóved Gallery in Marble Falls, Texas, where people can once again experience its beauty. Seeing it in a gallery felt like completing a circle for Akiane. “It still feels unreal,” she said. “The journey this painting has been on is almost unbelievable—but it taught me about the power of love and faith. Love is incredibly strong.”

Since recovering her artwork, Akiane continues to spread positivity through her work. She is a skilled artist with a large collection of paintings, each inspired by her spiritual experiences. Her art often explores themes of heaven, love, innocence, and humanity, with each piece reflecting her inner world and connection to the divine. Besides painting, Akiane is also a poet and author, writing books about her spiritual journey and the importance of staying true to one’s inspiration. She has also given time and money to help children in need and support good causes.

The return of “Prince of Peace” wasn’t just the recovery of a lost painting, but the revival of a story that shows what art can be—a link between worlds, a connection between people, and an expression of something greater than ourselves. Akiane’s journey from a child with visions to a world-famous artist is a story of faith, strength, and belief in the power of love. Her story continues to inspire all who see her work, reminding them of the beauty that comes from listening to that “soft and lovely” voice within.