At just eight years old, Akiane Kramarik completed a painting that would later captivate millions: “Prince of Peace,” a stunning, ethereal portrayal of Jesus Christ. The artwork, marked by its depth and sense of serenity, seemed almost impossibly profound for someone so young. Yet, it wasn’t only the artistic mastery that made it special—it was the remarkable story behind it, filled with visions, loss, recovery, and the artist’s unshakeable connection with her inspiration. Sixteen years after it was mistakenly sold and then hidden from the public eye, “Prince of Peace” has finally been returned to its creator, offering a glimpse into Akiane’s extraordinary life, her passion, and her spiritual journey.
Now 28 years old, Akiane is an acclaimed painter, author, and philanthropist. But the moment she created “Prince of Peace” stands out as an unforgettable chapter of her childhood. She attributes the creation of the painting to a profound “visionary inspiration,” a moment that she says was guided by something beyond herself. “It comes from God,” Akiane has explained. “His voice is soft and lovely.” Her painting shows the gentle yet powerful image of Jesus Christ, capturing a side of divinity that seems tender, human, and close. This connection to the divine has continued to guide her life and work.
Growing up in a non-religious household in a small rural town in Idaho, Akiane’s sudden spiritual awakening surprised her family. She was born to a Lithuanian mother, Forelli, and an American father, both of whom were agnostic and had no strong inclinations toward organized religion. Religion was not discussed in their household, and there were no prayers or rituals that might explain what was to come. Akiane’s mother, Forelli, recalled the moment her daughter began speaking of visions and heavenly realms. “We didn’t attend church, pray, or talk about God,” she remembered. “And then, suddenly, here was our daughter, telling us about the presence of God, about His love, and wanting to paint what she had seen. It was extraordinary.”
It was when Akiane was just four years old that she began to speak of vivid dreams and visions. She told her parents that she was visiting heaven, a place filled with incredible light, beauty, and harmony. It was during these experiences that she began to see the face of Jesus—not as a vague figure but as someone whose presence was clear, distinct, and powerful. She felt an urge, a calling, to paint what she saw. Her parents, both astonished and perplexed, watched as their young daughter picked up paintbrushes and began to create works far beyond what anyone would expect from a child. Her talent seemed to be divinely inspired, and her passion for bringing her visions to life was unquenchable.
The story of “Prince of Peace” took an even more surprising turn when Akiane began searching for a model. She was intent on finding someone who resembled the Jesus she had seen in her visions. “I spent a long time looking for a [Jesus] model,” she explained, feeling that without the right person, the painting would lack the depth and authenticity she wanted. She began to pray for guidance, asking for help in finding someone who resembled her vision of Jesus. One day, as if in answer to her prayers, a carpenter appeared at their doorstep—a man who seemed to embody the characteristics of Jesus as Akiane had seen Him. “I told my mother that was him,” she said, her voice filled with awe even after so many years. He had the gentle eyes, the warmth, and the compassion that she needed for her painting. With his consent, he became the model, and Akiane set about bringing her vision to the canvas.
The result was breathtaking. “Prince of Peace” portrayed Jesus with a striking sense of love and serenity. His eyes, especially, seemed to draw people in, filled with kindness and an invitation to connect on a deep level. The painting soon garnered international attention, not just because of its quality but because of the story behind it. How could such a young child create something that felt so profoundly moving, so spiritually alive?
But the journey of “Prince of Peace” was far from over. Years after its creation, the painting was stolen. In a series of legal battles that spanned over a decade, Akiane lost ownership of her masterpiece. It had been mistakenly sold without her family’s consent, and for sixteen years, it remained hidden from public view, locked away as the subject of disputes over its rightful ownership. During this time, Akiane spoke often of her longing to see the painting again, to share it with those who had found comfort and inspiration in its image.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Akiane was able to reclaim her beloved painting. After an intense legal struggle, the painting was returned to her, and she made the decision to sell it to a private collector who promised to share it with the world. Today, “Prince of Peace” is displayed at the Belóved Gallery in Marble Falls, Texas, where visitors can once again witness the beauty and tranquility that Akiane captured. Seeing the painting in a gallery, open to the public, felt like the completion of a circle for Akiane. “It still feels surreal,” she shared. “The journey this painting has been through is almost unbelievable—but I think it has taught me about the enduring power of love and faith. Love is incredibly powerful.”
Since reclaiming her artwork, Akiane has continued her mission of spreading positivity through her work. She is an accomplished artist with an extensive collection of paintings, each deeply inspired by her spiritual experiences. Her work often explores themes of heaven, love, innocence, and humanity, each canvas a reflection of her inner world and her relationship with the divine. Beyond painting, Akiane is also a poet and author, having written books that describe her journey of spiritual awakening and the importance of staying true to one’s inspiration. In addition, she has dedicated her time and resources to philanthropy, using proceeds from her work to help children in need and support humanitarian causes.
The recovery of “Prince of Peace” marked not just the return of a lost painting, but the revival of a story that speaks to the heart of what art is meant to be—a bridge between worlds, a connection between people, and an expression of something far greater than ourselves. Akiane’s journey from a small child with visions to a world-renowned artist is one of faith, resilience, and an unyielding belief in the power of love. Her story continues to inspire those who see her work, reminding them of the beauty that can come from listening to that “soft and lovely” voice within.
