Dongyi He (successful exhibitor 2024), It Doesn't Matter How You Are Loving Me II, watercolour & collage, 21 x 30cm
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Submitting multiple works
Please be aware you'll need to enter details of your first artwork then make payment for it before adding further submissions. You can pay for just this first artwork or you can pay at this point for multiple submissions, then add the artwork details for further works after.
If you have trouble submitting an additional artwork after payment, try refreshing the page or logging out and then back in. Don’t worry—anything you’ve already submitted or started will be saved as a draft.
Adding my address
If your address isn't recognised then you will be given an option to "Create A New Location".
If you need help, Zealous has a live chat feature (during office hours) or email info@zealous.co for help
What happens if my work is accepted?
If any of your works are selected by the judges you will be contacted via email and asked to deliver the framed piece(s) to Bankside Gallery which will then be installed and exhibited in the RWS Open exhibition alongside other successful entries. You will be invited to attend the private view at the beginning of the exhibition where you can meet your fellow exhibitors and prizes will be announced.
Are there any prizes available?
Yes. Prizes will be chosen from the selection of exhibited works and winners will be announced at the private view.
Do I need to deliver my work(s) for the selection?
Works for the exhibition are selected from digital images uploaded as part of the online application form. You only need to deliver your work if it is selected for the exhibition. You will be notified of this via email after the selection day in January.
How should I choose which of my paintings to send in?
Remember that the judges are looking at many works in a short time. They will be more likely to be captivated by work(s) with something special to say and with a personal point of view. They are looking for artists with a clear style and identity in all the works that they submit rather than lots of different styles of painting.
Are there rules about watercolour techniques - should I only send work in that conforms to traditional ideas of watercolour?
The judges will be looking for ideas, competence and integrity - as long as the materials conform to those stipulated in the submission guidelines, they will be interested in how you choose to use them and will be excited by both innovation and expertise in traditional methods in using water-based media.
My work includes media that isn't all water-based (i.e. pastel, pencil, collage). Is this allowed?
We accept works made in all water-based media including (but not limited to) watercolour, acrylic, ink, gouache, and mixed media pieces featuring non-water-based materials as long as a water-based-media is the main component of the work.
Do any particular subjects for paintings have a better chance of being selected?
No. There are no restrictions on subject matter.
What sized painting is usually most often accepted?
In previous years, artworks in a range of sizes have been accepted, however due to limitations of space, works must not exceed 200 x 200cm when framed.
How does the digital submission affect the decisions the judges make?
If the original digital photograph is of a good quality, and the image well presented - that is, cropped to the edge of the painting and straight, the judges will be able to make a decision in much the same way as looking at the actual painting.
If I am successful, can I send my work to Bankside Gallery using Royal Mail, Fed Ex or similar?
No, we do not accept works from non-insured non-art couriers. We realise this is a more expensive way of transporting your work but we want to reduce the risk of loss or damage to your work.
How can I send work to Bankside Gallery if I live outside of the UK?
If you live outside of the UK and would like to submit work to the competition, please contact your chosen professional art courier directly beforehand so they can advise you on timings. They should deliver your work(s) on time on your behalf and make sure all the packaging is taken away. You can also arrange collection of work with these companies.
What if I cannot deliver or collect my work on the designated days?
You can either nominate a friend to deliver/collect the works for you (please inform Bankside Gallery via info@banksidegallery.com of who this will be) or you can use one of the couriers above. Works not delivered on time will not be hung and works not collected on time will be removed by an art storage service and fees will be applied (see submission guidelines for details).
If your query is not answered in the details above, please check the submission guidelines. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please email submissions@banksidegallery.com