How to Win an Artists Network Competition

✓Showcase your talent and win big in Artists Network prestigious art competitions! Discover competitions in a variety of media and enter for your chance to win cash prizes, publication in leading art magazines, global exposure, and rewards for your hard work. Plus, gain valuable feedback from renowned jurors. Let your passion shine through - enter an art competition today!

5 Brilliant Tips from Past Jurors

Artists Network annual competitions spotlight outstanding art from various categories, bringing greater visibility to awarded artists. There are often thousands of submissions from extremely talented artists, and jurors often refrain that they wish they could choose more! While every submission has great qualities, there are certain aspects that land a piece in the awarded categories. From interviews in several fine arts competitions over the last few years, here are five winning qualities that jurors are seeking.

1

Command of the Essentials: Jurors are paying attention to the mastery of basics like draftsmanship, color and value, knowledge of relevant anatomy to the subject, and overall composition. Artist and former juror Cuong Nguyen said, “… hands can portray almost as much emotion as a face; a poor rendering of the hands can undermine the entire portrait.” Demonstration of the artistic essentials serves as a stronger support for experimental elements.

2

Photographic Elements: If the submission is based on a source photo, jurors discourage the use of Photoshop or other retouching tools and maintain the purity of the visual source. Remember, this photo is not the one being submitted. However, when it is time to submit, artists are encouraged to utilize a professional photographer for their submissions and keep the background clear. Former juror Brian Rutenburg said, “No iPhone shots of a painting leaning against your closet door.” The canvas you’re most proud of deserves the best presentation possible.

3

In Your World: The top contenders consistently display a clear sense of narrative and emotion that immediately creates a connection between the artist and the viewer. Submissions should impart an enticing opening into the artist’s unique worldview. Juror Colette Odya Smith said, “Every element of the design must be believable in context and support the effect of the whole.” Jurors suggest submitting recent work that you keep coming back to and feel great pride in; consider yourself your own competition judge.

4

Catch the Eye: Primary visual impact should work in harmony with attention to detail. It’s important to balance boldness in color, lighting, and subject matter with background knowledge to ensure proportions and values are cohesive. Several jurors have said, “Composition is king!” However, the jurors say it—impact, thrill, truth, harmony, or originality—they seek something special that keeps them returning to certain canvases.

5

Off Canvas: Enjoy the privileges of being an artist and pursue human development outside of the studio. A well-built portfolio of diverse experiences and skills will shine through confident, eye-catching compositions. Trying new things and challenging yourself in different areas are great practice for applying the same bravery to the canvas.