I managed to catch the exhibition at OXO Tower Wharf, London at the last minute, so I can share some of my favourites with you.

The Derwent Art Prize was established in 2012 and this year it attracted over six thousand submissions from 77 countries. It’s worth noting that 12% of submissions came from artists aged between 18-25, which is great to see. The submitted works had to be either 2D or 3D,  created using any pencil, including colour, graphite, water-soluble, charcoal and pastel pencils.

Among the 68 shortlisted works quite a few were created in realistic or hyper-realistic styles, and a large number were portraits. Landscapes and natural world were quite well represented too. A few works used mixed-media, in addition to pencils, and unusual supports, such as salvaged concrete. It was great to see many artists pushing a humble pencil to new heights.

Here are some of my favourites:

Overall the works included were of the highest quality and standards. Seeing them left me truly inspired. For all the artists out there – the next edition of the competition is scheduled for 2026, so get your pencils ready!

The 2024 winners are:

June Collier (First Prize)

Polly Townsend (Second Prize)

George Metu-Onyeka (First Student Prize)

Bethan Harris (Second Student Prize)

Melissa Ling – Submission (New Artist Award)

Read more:

The Derwent Art Prize website https://www.derwentart.com/en-gb/c/inspiration/competitions

Check the socials: Facebook: @DerwentArtPrize
Instagram: @DerwentArtPrize