The Show Goes On: A Theatre of Portraits

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The Show Goes On: A…

Artist & Illustrator are the first to publish information on our forthcoming show

‘The Show Goes On: A Theatre of Portraits’

Category: exhibition17th October 2019

Cover for Royal Society of Portrait Painters

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Royal Society of Portrait Painters

To promote the practice of and further excellence in painted portraiture

Royal Society of Portrait Painters

5 days 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 ... See MoreSee Less

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Royal Society of Portrait Painters

7 days 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 ... See MoreSee Less

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Royal Society of Portrait Painters

1 week ago

#DrawingPrizeExhibition2026The open call may be over, but the RP Drawing Prize Exhibition 2026 is just getting started.This autumn, we’ll be bringing together a selection of exceptional contemporary drawings at the University of Hull Art Gallery, showcasing the diverse ways artists explore portraiture and the human subject through drawing.With up to 120 works selected by our distinguished panel of judges, the exhibition will feature a compelling range of approaches, from powerful and expressive drawings to works that challenge and expand our understanding of portraiture.The exhibition will also celebrate this year’s prize winners, including the £5,000 RP Drawing Prize, the De Laszlo Foundation award, the Daler-Rowney Materials Prize and the Almenara Collection Prize.@the_de_laszlo_archive_trust@dalerrowney1783@almenaracollection Open to the public:Friday 18 September – Sunday 18 October 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.Find out more at www.therp.co.uk or via the link in our bio. Image: Alan Flood, '97th Birthday' ... See MoreSee Less

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Royal Society of Portrait Painters

2 weeks ago

#CallForEntriesNEW DEADLINE: 2 NOVEMBER 2026There’s still time to enter the RP Critical Writing Prize, but the new deadline is fast approaching.We’re looking for fresh and original perspectives on contemporary portrait painting. Whether you’re a writer, artist, student or simply passionate about portraiture, this is an opportunity to develop your ideas and contribute to the wider conversation around one of art’s most enduring genres.Three entrants will be shortlisted to develop their essays, with £500 awarded for the First Prize and two £250 Special Mentions.All three winning essays will be published in the RP Annual Exhibition Catalogue in May 2027, reaching an audience of artists, collectors and art enthusiasts.Entry is free, there is no age limit, and no formal qualifications or previous writing experience are required. Essays must be written in English and can explore any aspect of contemporary portrait painting.The new deadline is midnight, 2 November 2026 — don’t miss your chance to enter.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 for inspiration. Image: @peterkuhfeld ... See MoreSee Less

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Royal Society of Portrait Painters

2 weeks ago

#CallForEntriesplease note our new closer DEADLINE: 2 NOVEMBER 2026!RP Critical Writing Prize 2026...Could you bring a fresh perspective to portrait painting? We’re inviting writers, artists, students and portrait enthusiasts to explore the ideas, practice and significance of contemporary portraiture.£500 First PrizeTwo £250 Special MentionsAll three winning essays published in the RP Annual Exhibition Catalogue 2027Entry is free, with no age limit or formal qualifications required. Essays can explore any aspect of contemporary portrait painting and must be written in English.Submit your entry by midnight, 2 November 2026.Find out more and enter at www.therp.co.uk or via the link in our bio.Previous winning essays are also available to read for inspiration. Image: @frances_bell_paintings ... See MoreSee Less

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The Show Goes On: A Theatre of Portraits

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