Submissions

Submissions, we are looking for portraits that can be crafted in a live situation to show your skill and knowledge so your submission should reflect this.

So for example we are accepting submissions of.

Oil and Acrylic, watercolour paints etc.

Pencil and pen work, charcoal etc, or a mix.

Sculpture.

Lino cut or print making.

Digital, now we do accept digital entries, however here is my thoughts, you must be able to sit in the venue and draw from your tablet with referencing the sitter, I will not accept a taken photo, which is then layered over and traced. I am looking for raw painting, drawing or technical mechanical skill.

Submission Size. No larger than A1, we can only accept one submission per artist.

If you applied last year you can reapply this year, except Aidan, lol. No offence Aidan x

You will be asked to bring your submission to your heat so they can be displayed on an easel. So with that in mind if you work either digitally or on paper or its a sculpture, you will have to be able to display it in this fashion, so bring a mount!/frame, if sculpture then a stand.

When you enter your submission think about the lighting for it, take the best possible photo, keep it under natural light if possible, if it has a background then keep it uncluttered. All you are doing is reducing a possible entry if the image is poor.

We will be showing the winning creations from the heats at The Royals Shopping Centre after the final for one week so please make sure your creations can be hung on a wall for the show if you are successful.

You can apply from anywhere in Essex, you will need to prove your home address via, driving licence, utility bill or ID card.

IMPORTANT, this must be a new and current self portrait, if I have seen it before or find it on the internet and its older than 12 months from the 1st heat date your entry will be rejected.

Photography, unfortunately we will not be accepting photography in this competition.

Spray cans, unfortunately, due to the indoor environment, we cannot include this medium.

To keep judging impartial all submissions will be independently judged by artists from all over the world.

Heat Breakdown

All Heats, The Final, the Show and Auction are held at The Royals Shopping Centre, Southend.

All contestants will be required onsite by 10am, no later.

Each Heat will consist of two sessions starting at 11am, you will get till 1pm to create, then we have 45 minutes lunch break, afternoon session commences 1:45pm till 3:45pm, so you get 4 timed hours at the easel.

If you finish within the 4 hours then please work on a new piece or stay at your work station.

The sitter for each session will be anonymous until that very morning.

3:45pm time is called, judging commences and the heat winner announced.

Same time schedule for the Final.

This is a live competition so you will be painting in front of an audience. Be aware there will be filming and photos being taken of the day.

Timeline

10th February 2025 Submissions Open

9th April 2025 9pm Submissions Close

10th - 12th April 2025 independent judging takes place.

14th April 2025, all successful artists notified.

19th April 2025 Lineup Announced on Social Media platforms.

Heat ONE April 26th 2025

Heat TWO May 3rd 2025

Heat THREE May 10th 2025

Heat FOUR May 24th 2025

THE FINAL June 7th 2025

7th June - 14th June 2024. Southend Portrait Artist 2025 Show.

The Auction 14th June 2024 2pm, The Royals Shopping Centre.

• Questions Questions

• Do I need to bring my own materials?

  Yes, we only provide you with a chair and easel or table.

• Can I park on site?

  Yes the Royals has its own multi storey car park, unfortunately it is independent so you will still have to pay.

• Can i use a photo reference In the heat?

  You can paint from a taken photo reference on the day, however remember this is about your skill creating from a live sitter, your phone, ipad will automatically adjust the light. There are areas at The Royals for you to charge, however we cannot run charging leads around the venue because of trip hazard. Also if it came down to a tie, we would favour the artist that hasn’t used any photo reference.

• If I am chosen can I swap heat dates?

  Unfortunately no. Your place will be offered to another artist.

• If I have to pullout at any point will I be refunded?

  No your entry fee is non-refundable to cover admin costs.

• Is food available at the venue?

  Yes there is a superb menu catering for all requirements at a cafe nearby.

• Whats the lowest age for the contestants?

  16 years old on the 1st April 2025 and above.

• Postal applications from anywhere in Essex are welcome to Apply.

Supporting Public

We urge you to tell all your friends and get them involved, the fantastic venue will be open for drinks and food. We will be supplying paper and pencils if they wish to have a doodle too.

Charities

We proudly support Gold Geese and Trustlinks Charities.