Top 10 International Painting Awards

From the world's most famous portrait prize to grants for emerging talent—these are the competitions every painter should know.

Painting remains the most collected medium in the art world, but it is also the most competitive. Winning a reputable award does more than just provide prize money; it offers a "seal of approval" that can bypass years of networking, instantly validating your price point and technical skill to collectors.

The following list highlights ten of the most prestigious opportunities available to painters today, covering realism, contemporary styles, and open-submission exhibitions.

1. Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award (visit site)

Formerly known as the BP Portrait Award, this is arguably the most prestigious portrait painting competition in the world. Hosted by the National Portrait Gallery in London, it sets the global standard for contemporary portraiture.

  • Focus: Portraiture (Oil, Tempera, Acrylic).
  • Why enter: The £35,000 first prize and the immense prestige of exhibiting at the National Portrait Gallery.

2. Jackson’s Painting Prize (visit site)

Organized by the major art materials supplier, this award has quickly become a favorite for artists due to its accessibility, low entry fees, and massive online reach.

  • Focus: Painting (Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache).
  • Why enter: It is free from the "elitism" of some gallery awards and offers substantial cash and material prizes.

3. Royal Academy Summer Exhibition (visit site)

The world’s oldest open-submission exhibition, held annually since 1769. Anyone can enter, and if selected, your work hangs alongside Royal Academicians in London.

  • Focus: Open (All styles, very strong on painting).
  • Why enter: It is a "selling exhibition." Thousands of visitors attend specifically to buy art, making it a major commercial opportunity.

4. The Almenara Art Prize (visit site)

A global online competition based in Spain that celebrates figurative painting. It is known for its massive prize pool (over €27,000) and connections to the Living Masters community.

  • Focus: Figurative, Realism, and Plein Air.
  • Why enter: Offers "acquisition awards," where collectors commit to buying winning works, guaranteeing sales.

5. Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize (visit site)

The premier award for "Pop Surrealism" and contemporary representational art. If your work is dark, stylized, or fantastical, this is your home.

  • Focus: Contemporary, Dark Art, Pop Surrealism.
  • Why enter: Unmatched social media exposure (1M+ followers) and coverage in *Beautiful Bizarre Magazine*.

6. Boynes Emerging Artist Award (visit site)

An artist-run competition designed specifically to support career growth. Unlike many prizes that just give cash, Boynes focuses on marketing, interviews, and long-term mentorship.

  • Focus: Emerging talent (International).
  • Why enter: The prize package includes a robust marketing campaign to help you build a sustainable career.

7. BBA Artist Prize (visit site)

Hosted by BBA Gallery in Berlin, this prize looks for artists with a unique voice, regardless of their background or education.

  • Focus: Contemporary Painting and Mixed Media.
  • Why enter: Finalists exhibit in Berlin during Gallery Weekend, one of the most important events in the European art calendar.

8. ModPortrait (visit site)

Organized by Galería Artelibre and the MEAM (European Museum of Modern Art) in Barcelona. It is one of the most technically demanding competitions for realistic portraiture.

  • Focus: Hyper-realism and Figurative Portraiture.
  • Why enter: Winning works are exhibited at the MEAM, a pilgrimage site for realism fans worldwide.

9. Sunny Art Prize (visit site)

A culturally diverse prize based in London that aims to bridge the art markets of the East and West.

  • Focus: Contemporary Painting and Fine Art.
  • Why enter: It offers a unique touring exhibition that travels from London to major galleries in China.

10. Art Gemini Prize (visit site)

A London-based celebration of international contemporary art, known for discovering new talent and promoting them to a global audience.

  • Focus: Painting and Photography.
  • Why enter: Exhibiting in a central London gallery and the potential for cash prizes and public voting awards.
Pro Tip for Painters:
For painting competitions, color accuracy in your digital file is critical. A photo that is too yellow or has glare (flash reflection) will be rejected immediately. Shoot your work in indirect natural daylight or hire a professional with a polarized lens setup.

The right award can change your career trajectory overnight. Select the competition that fits your style—whether hyper-realist or abstract—and submit your best work.