The BP Portrait Award still remains the most prestigious portrait painting competition in the world and represents the very best in contemporary practice. With a first prize of 35,000 GBP (approx. 45,320 USD), the Award is aimed at encouraging artists to focus upon and develop portraiture in their work.

The work entered must be predominantly painted in oil, tempera or acrylic on canvas or board. No watercolours, pastels or works on paper will be considered.

To enter the BP Portrait Award 2020, artists should upload a digital image of their work via the website for the first round of judging. All images will be viewed by a panel of judges and the entrants who are successful in this round will be invited to deliver their work to a venue in London for the second round of judging and final exhibition selection.

You are required to upload one photograph of your entire portrait. You also have the option to submit an extra photograph of a detail of the work. This may be a good opportunity to show the level of detail, the texture of the paint or a particular area of interest in the composition.

If your work is not entirely complete at the time of registration you can still enter the competition. The first round of judging will be based on the image that you upload. Entry is limited to one entry per artist.

Entry fee is 40 GBP (approx. 52 USD).

Eligibility

Open to everyone worldwide aged 18 or over.

Prize

• First Prize: a cash award of 35,000 GBP (approx. 45,320 USD), plus, at the judges' discretion, a commission worth 7,000 GBP, to be agreed between the National Portrait Gallery and the artist.

• Second Prize: 12,000 GBP
• Third Prize: 10,000 GBP
• BP Young Artist Award: 9,000 GBP
• BP Travel Award 2020: 8,000 GBP