Oil painting, with its rich textures and deep colors, has been a beloved medium for centuries. For contemporary oil painters looking to gain recognition, showcase their work, and even win prizes, participating in art contests and competitions is an excellent path. This article outlines some of the best art contests and competitions specifically for oil painters, offering opportunities ranging from prestigious international events to niche local exhibitions.
1. The BP Portrait Award
The BP Portrait Award, organized by the National Portrait Gallery in London, is one of the most esteemed portrait painting competitions in the world. This competition is open to all artists over the age of 18 and is known for celebrating the art of portraiture.
Eligibility: Artists worldwide, 18 years and older
Medium: Oil and acrylic
Entry Fee: Free
Prize: £35,000 for the first prize, plus additional awards and a travel grant
Submission Period: Usually opens in January and closes in March
2. The Art Renewal Center (ARC) Salon
The ARC Salon, organized by the Art Renewal Center, is one of the largest and most prestigious online art competitions, promoting traditional realism in fine art. The competition includes various categories, including figurative, portrait, still life, and landscape.
Eligibility: Open to artists worldwide
Medium: Oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other traditional mediums
Entry Fee: $65 for up to two works, with a higher fee for more entries
Prize: Over $130,000 in cash awards, plus publication and exhibition opportunities
Submission Period: Typically opens in November and closes in February
3. The International Artist Magazine Challenge
The International Artist Magazine runs a series of themed art competitions throughout the year. Each competition has a different theme, such as landscapes, florals, or portraits, providing diverse opportunities for oil painters.
Eligibility: Open to all artists
Medium: Oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, and other traditional mediums
Entry Fee: $9.95 per image
Prize: Cash prizes, publication in the International Artist Magazine
Submission Period: Various deadlines throughout the year based on the theme
4. The Royal Society of Portrait Painters (RP) Annual Exhibition
The RP Annual Exhibition is held at the Mall Galleries in London and showcases the best in contemporary portraiture. This exhibition provides an excellent platform for portrait artists to gain recognition and exhibit their work in a prestigious setting.
Eligibility: Open to artists worldwide
Medium: Oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other traditional mediums
Entry Fee: £18 per work
Prize: Various awards and prizes, including the Ondaatje Prize for Portraiture (£10,000) and the Prince of Wales’s Award for Portrait Drawing (£2,000)
Submission Period: Typically opens in October and closes in January
5. The National Oil and Acrylic Painters' Society (NOAPS) International Online Exhibition
NOAPS hosts multiple exhibitions annually, including an international online exhibition that allows artists to showcase their work without the need to physically ship their paintings. This competition is open to artists worldwide and includes various categories.
Eligibility: Open to all artists
Medium: Oil and acrylic
Entry Fee: $30 for the first image, $10 for each additional image
Prize: Cash prizes, merchandise awards, and certificates
Submission Period: Various deadlines throughout the year
6. The PleinAir Salon Competition
The PleinAir Salon Competition, organized by PleinAir Magazine, celebrates plein air painting, which involves painting outdoors. This competition is open to oil painters who capture the beauty of natural landscapes and cityscapes.
Eligibility: Open to all artists
Medium: Oil, acrylic, pastel, and watercolor
Entry Fee: $38 for the first entry, $16 for each additional entry
Prize: Over $30,000 in cash prizes, including a $15,000 Grand Prize
Submission Period: Monthly and annual competitions
7. The Chelsea International Fine Art Competition
The Chelsea International Fine Art Competition, organized by the Agora Gallery in New York, is open to artists from around the world and provides an opportunity to exhibit in a professional gallery space in the heart of the art world.
Eligibility: Open to all artists 18 years and older
Medium: Oil, acrylic, and other traditional and contemporary mediums
Entry Fee: $45 for up to five images
Prize: Exhibition opportunities, cash prizes, and online promotion
Submission Period: Typically opens in February and closes in March
8. The John Moores Painting Prize
The John Moores Painting Prize, held biennially in Liverpool, UK, is one of the UK’s most prestigious painting competitions. It aims to showcase the best in contemporary painting and offers substantial cash prizes.
Eligibility: Open to UK-based artists
Medium: Oil, acrylic, and other painting mediums
Entry Fee: £30 per work
Prize: £25,000 for the first prize, with additional prizes for shortlisted artists
Submission Period: Typically opens in October and closes in January (every two years)
9. The Hunting Art Prize
The Hunting Art Prize, based in Texas, USA, is one of the most generous art prizes for oil painters in North America. It is open to artists residing in Texas and provides a substantial cash award for the winning work.
Eligibility: Texas-based artists 18 years and older
Medium: Oil and acrylic
Entry Fee: Free
Prize: $50,000 for the winning work
Submission Period: Typically opens in November and closes in January
10. The National Portrait Gallery's Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition
The Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, held by the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., celebrates excellence in contemporary portraiture. This triennial competition offers significant exposure and substantial prizes.
Eligibility: Open to artists in the United States
Medium: Oil, acrylic, photography, sculpture, and other portrait mediums
Entry Fee: $50 per entry
Prize: $25,000 for the first prize, plus additional cash awards and exhibition opportunities
Submission Period: Typically opens in the fall and closes in January (every three years)
Conclusion
Participating in art contests and competitions can provide oil painters with invaluable exposure, recognition, and career advancement opportunities. Whether you're an emerging artist or a seasoned professional, these competitions offer a platform to showcase your talent, connect with fellow artists, and gain visibility in the art world. From prestigious international awards to local exhibitions, there are numerous opportunities for oil painters to shine and achieve artistic success.
Comments