The RP Award 2023

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The RP Award 2023

The £2,000 RP Award is given to the artist whose work best represents the year’s chosen theme

2023 Winner: Zac Lee ’Sunday Afternoon’

This year’s theme was ”Clothing’

Category: Past Prizes

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Royal Society of Portrait Painters

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Royal Society of Portrait Painters

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To promote the practice of and further excellence in painted portraiture

Royal Society of Portrait Painters

2 weeks ago

#RPCriticalWritingPrizeWhat does portraiture mean to you?There’s still time to put your ideas into words and enter the RP Critical Writing Prize.We’re looking for original perspectives on contemporary portrait painting — from reflections on individual artworks and artists to wider questions around identity, representation, tradition and the role of portraiture today.You don’t need to be an established writer. No formal qualifications or previous writing experience are required, and entry is free.The prize offers:£500 First PrizeTwo £250 Special MentionsPublication in the RP Annual Exhibition Catalogue 2027Deadline: midnight, 2 November 2026If portraiture sparks a question, an argument or an idea you’ve been wanting to explore, this is your opportunity to develop it.Find out more and enter at www.therp.co.uk or via the link in our bio. Images: @antonywilliams1410 ...

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Royal Society of Portrait Painters

3 weeks ago

Drawing Prize Exhibition 2026...Open to the public:Friday 18 Sept – Sunday 18 Oct 2026University of Hull Art GalleryThe entries may be in, but the opportunity to experience the work is still to come. We look forward to welcoming you this autumn.www.therp.co.ukImage: @benhopeartist ...

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Royal Society of Portrait Painters

3 weeks ago

#RPCriticalWritingPrizeDON’T MISS THE NEW DEADLINE — 2 NOVEMBER 2026Entries are still open for the RP Critical Writing Prize, but there’s limited time left to submit your ideas on contemporary portrait painting.Whether you’re a writer, artist, student or simply passionate about portraiture, we want to hear your perspective.£500 First PrizeTwo £250 Special MentionsAll three winning essays published in the RP Annual Exhibition Catalogue 2027Entry is free, with no formal qualifications or previous writing experience required.Deadline: midnight, 2 November 2026.Have an idea? Now’s the time to put it into words.Enter now at www.therp.co.uk or via the link in our bio. Image: @anthonyconnollyrp ...

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Royal Society of Portrait Painters

3 weeks ago

#RPCriticalWritingPrizeENTRIES ARE STILL OPEN — NEW DEADLINE: 2 NOVEMBER 2026There’s still time to enter the RP Critical Writing Prize and share your perspective on one of art’s most enduring genres.We’re inviting writers, artists, students and anyone with a passion for portraiture to explore the ideas, questions and practices surrounding contemporary portrait painting.What does portraiture mean today? How can we understand the relationship between artist and sitter, identity and representation, or tradition and contemporary practice? We’re looking for fresh, engaging and thought-provoking perspectives that contribute to the wider conversation around portraiture.Three entrants will be shortlisted to develop their essays, with £500 awarded for the First Prize and two £250 Special Mentions.The three winning essays will also be published in the RP Annual Exhibition Catalogue 2027, sharing your writing with an audience of artists, collectors and art enthusiasts.There are no formal qualifications or previous writing experience required, and entry is completely free. Essays must be written in English and can explore any aspect of contemporary portrait painting.NEW DEADLINE: Midnight, 2 November 2026If you’ve been thinking about entering, now is the time to start developing your idea.Find out more and submit your entry at www.therp.co.uk or via the link in our bio.Previous winning essays are also available to read on our website for inspiration. Image: Hero Johnson RP ...

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Royal Society of Portrait Painters

4 weeks ago

#RPCriticalWritingPrizeEntries are still open.There’s still time to share your perspective on one of art’s most enduring genres through the RP Critical Writing Prize.We’re looking for fresh, engaging ideas on contemporary portrait painting, whether you’re a writer, artist, student or simply passionate about portraiture.With a £500 First Prize and two £250 Special Mentions, the three winning essays will also be published in the RP Annual Exhibition Catalogue 2027.New deadline: midnight, 2 November 2026.No formal qualifications or previous writing experience are required, and entry is free.Find out more and enter at www.therp.co.uk or via the link in our bio. Images: @emma_hopkins_artist ...

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