Welcome to Oil Painters of America’s Fifth Annual Student Art Competition
An online fine art exhibition for students
With over 3,500 artists, Oil Painters of America is one of today’s leading professional art organizations in North America. OPA is pleased to announce its Fifth Annual Student Art Competition, which is open to all high school and collegiate-level students living in North America. OPA aims to raise awareness of representational art and allow students to learn more about this beautiful art form.
Who:
Students between 14 and 23 are invited to submit up to three oil paintings for award consideration. Students are encouraged to work under the direction of a teacher or faculty member, although it is not required.
What:
Paintings must be created in oils in the representational style. This includes a broad spectrum of styles ranging from realistic to impressionist – or your style, as long as it is representational. Both plein air and/or studio work are acceptable. All submissions will be displayed online with the artist’s name, painting title & size, school name, and age on OPA’s website. All entries must depict family-friendly subject matter (any portrayals of graphic nudity, violence, or other non-family-friendly subject matter will not be accepted).
When:
Student submissions will be accepted online through OPA’s website from January 1, 2025, through April 4, 2025. The competition results will be notified to winners directly on April 11, 2025.
Where:
The top three award winners in each division will be invited to exhibit their work in conjunction with OPA’s National Exhibition of Traditional Oils at Herrig Center for the Arts in Bradenton, FL, from May 30 – June 28, 2025. Note: winners who elect to exhibit their artwork will be responsible for shipping to and from the exhibition. All paintings must be framed and wired for hanging.
Submission Fee:
$10 per entry. Maximum three entries.
How: OPA Membership is free to all students ages 14 – 23. New student members must complete the online student membership application to enter the student competition. 2024 Student Members must renew their membership by logging into their account before entering the Student Competition.
AWARDS
High School Division – ages 14 to 18 years
First Place: $500 cash/$500 Blick Gift Certificate
Second Place: $250/$250 Blick Gift Certificate
Third Place: $100/$100 Blick Gift Certificate
AWARDS
College Division – ages 19 to 23 years
First Place: $500 cash/$500 Blick Gift Certificate
Second Place: $250/$250 Blick Gift Certificate
Third Place: $100/$100 Blick Gift Certificate
Both divisions will receive 3 Award of Excellences which will receive a $50 Blick Gift Certificate each.