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

At only eight years old, Akiane Kramarik painted something that would later amaze millions: “Prince of Peace.” This painting of Jesus Christ had a deep sense of calm and beauty, far beyond her years. It wasn’t just her skill that made it special—it was the incredible story behind it. It was filled with visions, loss, and her deep connection to her inspiration. Sixteen years after it was sold by mistake and hidden, “Prince of Peace” has finally returned to Akiane. The painting offers a window into her amazing life, passion, and spiritual journey.

Today, at 28, Akiane is a well-known painter, author, and philanthropist. However, creating “Prince of Peace” remains a key moment in her life. She says the painting came from a “visionary inspiration,” a moment that felt like it came from a higher power. “It comes from God,” Akiane said. “His voice is soft and lovely.” Her painting shows Jesus in a way that feels gentle yet powerful, capturing a human side of divinity. This connection to the divine has continued to shape her life and work.

Akiane grew up in a non-religious home in rural Idaho. Her spiritual awakening surprised her family. She was born to a Lithuanian mother, Forelli, and an American father. Both were agnostic and didn’t follow any religion. Religion wasn’t part of their daily life. They didn’t go to church or pray. Then, Akiane’s mother remembered, her daughter suddenly started talking about visions of God and love, and a desire to paint what she had seen. “It was extraordinary,” her mother said.

At just four years old, Akiane began describing dreams and visions. She told her parents that she had been to heaven. It was a place filled with light, beauty, and peace. There, she saw the face of Jesus—clear and strong, not just a vague image. She felt a deep need to paint what she had seen. Her parents were amazed and puzzled as they watched their little girl create paintings far beyond her age. Her talent felt like a gift from above, and her drive to share her visions was unstoppable.

The story of “Prince of Peace” took another surprising turn when Akiane began looking for a model. She wanted someone who looked like the Jesus she saw in her visions. “I spent a long time searching for a model,” she said, knowing that without the right person, the painting wouldn’t have the depth she wanted. She prayed for help, asking to find someone who matched her vision. Then one day, a carpenter came to their door. Akiane felt he was the answer to her prayer. “I told my mother, that’s him,” she said. He had the warm, kind eyes she had seen in her visions. He agreed to model, and Akiane began her work.

The final painting was amazing. “Prince of Peace” showed Jesus with a deep sense of love and peace. His eyes seemed to invite people in, full of kindness and connection. The painting quickly gained global attention, not just for its beauty but also because of the story behind it. How could a child create something so moving, so full of spiritual life?

But the painting’s journey wasn’t over. Years later, it was stolen. A legal battle over its ownership went on for over a decade. Akiane’s family hadn’t agreed to sell it, yet it was sold, and for sixteen years, the painting stayed hidden. During this time, Akiane often spoke about her wish to see the painting again and to share it with those who found comfort in it.

After years of legal battles, Akiane finally got her painting back. She decided to sell it to a private collector who promised to share it with the world. Now, “Prince of Peace” is displayed at the Belóved Gallery in Marble Falls, Texas. Visitors can once again admire the peace and beauty that Akiane captured. Seeing her painting in a public gallery felt like a full-circle moment for Akiane. “It still feels unreal,” she said. “The journey this painting has been on is almost unbelievable. But it’s taught me about the power of love and faith.”

Since getting her painting back, Akiane has kept spreading positivity through her art. She continues to create many paintings inspired by her spiritual experiences. Her art often reflects themes like heaven, love, innocence, and humanity. Each painting shows her inner world and her connection to the divine. Akiane is also a poet and author, writing about her spiritual journey and the importance of staying true to one’s inspiration. She also gives back through philanthropy, using her earnings to help children and support humanitarian causes.

Getting “Prince of Peace” back was more than just recovering a painting. It brought back a story that shows what art is really about—a bridge between different worlds, a connection between people, and a way to express something bigger than ourselves. Akiane’s journey from a child with visions to a famous artist is one of faith, strength, and the belief in love’s power. Her story keeps inspiring people who see her work, reminding them of the beauty that comes from listening to that “soft and lovely” voice inside.