Registration for International Figure Painting Competition Opens

A detail of "Vivian” by John Darley (US). Oil on linen; 14 inches by 14 inches. The bronze award-winning work of the 6th NTD International Figure Painting Competition. Courtesy of the NTD International Figure Painting Competition

The 7th NTD International Figure Painting Competition (NIFPC) invites oil painters around the world to enter their uplifting, traditional figure paintings.

Fine artists—amateurs, students, and professionals alike—can compete for the $10,000 gold award, two $3,000 silver awards, three $1,500 bronze awards, and several $1,000 award categories for profound humanity, outstanding youth, and outstanding technique.

Finalists will be invited to a series of expert seminars and museum and gallery tours. The finalists’ oil paintings will be featured online and in an exhibition at the Salmagundi Club in New York City. The award ceremony will be held at the club in January 2026; the exact date is to be confirmed.

Since 2008, the NIFPC has been championing its mission for the “pure truth, pure kindness, and pure beauty of traditional oil painting.” It’s one of a series of international arts and cultural events hosted by NTD Television, The Epoch Times’ sister media. All these events celebrate time-honored traditions.

Art Inspiring Hope

The NIFPC encourages entrants to create figure paintings that highlight hope, traditional values, and universal ideals such as beauty, virtue, and compassion.

In an NTD interview, accomplished sculptor and competition jury chair Zhang Kunlun explained why the NIFPC focuses on realistic figure painting:

“Painting the human figure is the hardest. It can best test one’s abilities. There is also a spiritual perspective. Various faiths say that divine beings created human beings in their own images. Therefore, using authentic, academic realist painting techniques is a way to show respect for humanity.”

He also said: “Art can hasten either the elevation or degeneration of people’s moral standards. Good artwork can broaden people’s minds and make them nobler people.”

The Last NIFPC

Hundreds of international oil painters entered the 6th NIFPC. The competition judges selected 50 finalists from some 20 countries. They painted a wide range of subject matter including self-portraits, family gatherings, and religious persecution, as well as themes of salvation and damnation.

"The Infinite Grace of Buddha" triptych by Chen Hung-Yu (L), Li Yuan (not pictured), and Tsai Shao-Han, won the silver award at the 6th NTD International Figure Painting Competition on Jan. 18, 2023, at the Salmagundi Club in New York City. Each artist painted one of the panels. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times

Taiwanese artist Chen Hung-Yu won a silver award along with two other artists for their triptych (three-panel painting) “The Infinite Grace of Buddha.” They depicted the spiritual salvation of mankind, a belief shared across many cultures. On winning silver, she said: “When I received the medal, I felt that I was carrying the weight of the mission to continue traditional painting.”

Brazilian artist Clodoaldo Geovani Martins’ rustic genre scene “Bath Time” won one of several bronze awards. He felt honored just to participate in the competition, “which is so prestigious, so important, and so recognized all over the world.”

“Bath Time” by Clodoaldo Geovani Martins (Brazil). Oil on Canvas; 36 inches by 40 inches. The bronze award-winning work of the 6th NTD International Figure Painting Competition. Courtesy of the NTD International Figure Painting Competition

American artist John Darley won a bronze award for his portrait "Vivian," at the 6th NTD International Figure Painting Competition. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times

Winning a bronze award for his portrait “Vivian” encouraged American artist John Darley. “When someone appreciates your work and gives you an award, especially a monetary award, it really adds fuel to the fire [to keep painting],” he said.

Oil painters have until July 31, to register for the 7th NTD International Figure Painting Competition.

To find out more, visit OilPainting.NTDTV.com

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