Portrait Society Of America

Brief Description

The Draper Grand Prize Competition is a prestigious international contest celebrating excellence in portraiture and figurative art. Open to all artists, it encourages diverse mediums in painting, drawing, and sculpture. Finalists will exhibit their original works and attend The Art of the Portrait conference in Washington, D.C. in May 2025, where over $160,000 in awards will be distributed, including a $50,000 Grand Prize.

Information & Application Details

Eligibility: Open to all artists (members and non-members)
Accepted Mediums: Painting, drawing, sculpture (no photography, digital, or AI art)
Entry Fee: $55 (non-refundable; covers up to three submissions)
Submission Method: Online via the Portrait Society of America’s secure site
Submission Requirements:
- Up to three digital images (JPG or TIFF, max 3MB each)
- Artwork created independently after March 2021
- CV and artist’s original concept
Size Restrictions:
- 2D: Longest side max 60”
- 3D: Under 50 lbs, max 8′ height (preferably under 6′)

Theme

Portraiture and Figurative Art

How to Apply

Submit digital entries online through the Portrait Society of America’s website
Payment via credit card (non-refundable)
Deadline: February 17, 2025

Selection Process

Evaluated by the Portrait Society of America’s Executive Board
Finalists announced on March 17, 2025
Winners selected during The Art of the Portrait conference (May 8-11, 2025)

Program Benefits / Awards

Grand Prize: $50,000 cash + feature in International Artist Magazine
Additional Prizes: Over $160,000 in total cash and awards
Recognition: Feature in The Art of the Portrait journal and website
Complementary Tuition: Access to The Art of the Portrait conference for finalists

Contact & Resources

Contact: Portrait Society of America, 1109 S. Magnolia Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA

Website: https://www.portraitsociety.org/the-international-portrait

Competition Education Exhibition