NEW YORK — The art world is buzzing with excitement as New Tang Dynasty Television announces the return of its prestigious International Figure Painting Competition, now in its seventh year. With a whopping $50,000 in prize money up for grabs, this celebration of classical realism is calling artists worldwide to showcase their finest hand-painted masterpieces.
Drawing inspiration from the Tang Dynasty’s golden age of Chinese civilization (618-907 C.E.), the competition champions traditional values while providing a global platform for artists to demonstrate their mastery of classical oil painting techniques.
Theme That Touches the Heart
This year’s competition invites artists to explore the powerful theme of “pure truth, pure kindness, and pure beauty” through figure painting. The emphasis on positive ideals reflects NTD’s mission to revive time-tested traditions and promote artistic excellence within the Western oil painting tradition.
“We’re looking for works that celebrate virtue, compassion, and beauty,” explains the organizing committee. “These timeless values have the power to inspire and uplift viewers across all cultures.”
Impressive Prize Structure
The competition offers substantial recognition for outstanding artistic achievement:
Grand Prize Awards:
- Gold Award: $20,000
- Silver Award: $10,000
- Bronze Award: $5,000
Special Recognition Awards:
- Outstanding Technique Award: $1,000 each
- Profound Humanities Award: $1,000 each
- Outstanding Youth Award: $1,000 each
- Multiple Honorable Mention Awards
Strict Standards Ensure Authentic Artistry
In an era of digital art and AI-generated images, the NTD competition stands firm on traditional craftsmanship. The rules are crystal clear:
What’s Required:
- Hand-painted oil paintings featuring human figures as the main subject
- Created entirely on canvas using traditional realist techniques
- Original works painted from scratch by the artist
What’s Not Accepted:
- Photography, digital, or AI-generated artwork
- Any work transferred to canvas using mechanical or digital methods
- Paintings created by printing photographs onto canvas and painting over them
While artists may use photographs as references or create reference mock-ups, the final artwork must be entirely hand-painted.
Competition Timeline: Mark Your Calendars!
Key Dates to Remember:
- February 1, 2025: Submissions open
- July 31, 2025: Final submission deadline
- August 10, 2025: Finalists notified
- September 10, 2025: Original paintings due in New York
- January 2026: Grand finale with awards ceremony and exhibition
New York City Awaits Finalists
The grand finale promises to be spectacular, with finalists invited to the Big Apple for:
- Finalist Exhibition showcasing the competition’s best works
- Awards Ceremony celebrating artistic achievement
- Educational seminars and museum tours
- Media coverage by NTD Television and The Epoch Times
All finalists will receive a complimentary art album featuring the competition’s highlights.
Easy Registration Process
Getting started is straightforward with an $80 registration fee covering up to six paintings. Artists can register online or email their materials to [email protected].
Required Materials:
- Valid identification (passport or driver’s license)
- High-resolution digital photos of artwork (under 30MB)
- Artwork description and creative inspiration statement (100 words max)
- Artist resume with education and accomplishments
- Optional: Painting process video for promotional use
Global Appeal with Practical Support
The competition welcomes artists worldwide, with special accommodations for international participants. Those needing U.S. visas can request official invitation letters, while the organizing committee provides hotel recommendations for the New York events.
For finalists shipping original works, the committee offers practical solutions including framing services in New York, with costs ranging from $150 for smaller pieces to $550 for large-format paintings.
A Platform for Artistic Legacy
Beyond the prizes and recognition, the NTD Figure Painting Competition represents something deeper: a commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich tradition of classical realism in an increasingly digital world.
As the art community eagerly awaits this year’s submissions, one thing is certain: the competition continues to serve as a beacon for artists dedicated to the timeless craft of figure painting, ensuring these traditional techniques and values continue to inspire future generations.
Ready to compete? Visit the NTD website to download registration forms and join this celebration of artistic excellence. With submissions open until July 31, 2025, there’s never been a better time to share your mastery of classical figure painting with the world.
