Competition Format
- Sixteen artists will be selected.
- Artists will be randomly assigned to one of four preliminary heats.
- Four artists will compete in each heat.
- Each heat will feature a live portrait model viewed from different vantage points.
- Artists will have four hours to complete their portrait.
- Three judges will provide feedback and select one winner from each heat.
- The four preliminary winners will compete in the Grand Finale under the same format.
Competition dates:
- October 10, 2026 - Notta Gallery (Lakeland)
- November 7, 2026 - Depot Arts District (Lakeland)
- November 14, 2026 - Vosler Art Studio (Brandon)
- November 21, 2026 - Red Calliope (Plant City)
- December 10, 2026 - Finale at the AGB Museum
Competition Rules
- Any non-digital media is welcome.
- Portraits must depict a human subject, includes self portrait
- Artists may work in any artistic style.
- An 18" × 24" substrate is recommended but not required for 2D artwork.
- Substrates may be toned and gridded before arrival. Sculptures may begin from a raw substrate that has been preformed into a ball.
- No preliminary drawing or sketching is permitted before the competition. No features may be present in sculpture substrates.
- Sculptors may begin with the primary substrate or structural foundation of a portrait sculpture consisting of the armature and the basic skull shape covered in clay. No features should be depicted.
- All substrates will be inspected by the judges before the event begins.
- Reference photographs may be taken during the competition for artist reference.
- Artists must provide their own substrate and art materials.
Event Expectations
Selected artists must remain for the duration of their assigned competition, including:
- Pre-competition filming
- The full four-hour competition
- Judge critiques and feedback
- Winner announcement
- Additional interviews, as needed
Each heat will be filmed, and selected artists will be required to sign a media release.
Artists may not change or swap their assigned competition heat. If an artist withdraws, their position will be offered to an artist from the waitlist.
Artwork Sales
Portraits created during the live competition will remain with the Florida Art Masters through the Grand Finale and a subsequent exhibition.
Competition artwork must be available for purchase.
Artists determine their own sale price.
Unsold artwork will be returned to artists by March 1, 2027.
Payments for sold artwork will also be distributed by March 1, 2027.
Copyright
Artists retain full copyright to all artwork created during the competition.
By participating, artists grant the Florida Art Masters permission to photograph, film, and use images of the artwork and competition for promotional, educational, and marketing purposes.
