Q: Do you only accept painting?
A: Yes, but we define “painting” very broadly. For our purposes, painting encompasses anything from drawing to three-dimensional constructions that involve the activity of painting. We also consider monoprints and monotypes. Editioned prints, digital paintings, photographs, photograms and sculpture are NOT eligible.

Q: Do the personal questions on the site effect the juror’s decision to choose my work for the publication?
A: No. We use a “blind” jurying process which means that the only materials presented to the juror are images, media and dimensions of your work. The juror will have no knowledge of your name, gender, age, level of education or any other personal information. We use answers to these questions for internal research use only.

Q: What styles do jurors usually look for?
A: The jurors are given strict instructions to consider all of the work that has been submitted, regardless of any personal preferences that they may have Although each edition of New American Paintings is shaped by the likes and dislikes of a given juror, every book covers a wide range of aesthetic viewpoints.

Q: What else do I need to prepare in order to submit online?
A: Nothing! All you need are the four images and credit card to pay the fee. Resume and written statements are no longer required.

Q: Do I need to have a BFA or MFA to enter a competition?
A: No. While many featured artists do have some form of academic training, there is absolutely no educational requirement for being published in New American Paintings. Because of our “blind” jurying process, the juror will not know your background.

Q: Can I apply to the MFA Annual if I am not currently enrolled as a student?
A: No, you can only apply to the MFA Annual if you are currently enrolled as a student.

Q: If I applied to my regional competition, can I also apply to the MFA Annual?
A: Yes, you may apply to any regional competitions in addition to the MFA Annual if you are currently enrolled as an MFA student.

Q: Can I submit a detail? Will that count as one of my 4 entries?
A: Yes. You may submit a detail of your work, however it will count as one of your four images.

Q: Other than the submission fee, are there any additional fees if I am chosen for the publication?
A: No. Winners of our competition earn free placement in New American Paintings and are not obligated to pay any additional fees.

Q: Which region should I enter?
A: Artists should only submit their work for the region in which they currently reside.

Q: How often can I enter?
A: You may submit work to your region once every year. However, artists featured in New American Paintings may not appear in back to back editions.

Q: Do I need gallery representation to enter?
A: No. You may enter the competition regardless of whether you have representation.

Q: How long does it take to get a response and how will I be notified?
A: Results are usually announced within two to six weeks of the deadline. You will receive an email to the address listed on your online account.

Q: Does New American Paintings take a commission if I sell any work from the publication?
A: No. We fund the magazine through subscription and newsstand sales and do not make money from the sale of artwork.

Q: How do artists benefit from being published in New American Paintings?
A: The results of being featured in New American Paintings differ for every artist, but most report a significant amount of contact as a direct result of publication. For some artists, being published results in sales, for others it results in new gallery representation or the inclusion of work in an exhibition. As our readership grows, the possibilities for artists increase exponentially.

Q: How recenly should I have completed the paintings I would like to enter into the competition?
A: Because we feel it is beneficial to have recent work in the publication, we recommend that you submit work less than two years old.

Q: I am not a US citizen. Can I enter the competition?
A: Yes, however, you should have residency within the united states. Your account information should reflect your permenant address.

Q: How often can I enter?
A: You can only submit your work to your region every year. However, artists featured in New American Paintings may not appear in back to back editions.

Q: How long does it take to get a response and how will I be notified?
A: If you submit work online, results are given within 4-6 weeks after the deadline. All artists that enter online will be contacted by email once the selections have been made.

Q: On your call for entry, it says the work must be “singular.” What does that mean?
A: It means that we accept unique works of art only. No multiple editioned prints, digital works, photographs, or sculpture are eligible for the competition.

Q: If I am selected, will you be using my low resolution image from the submission?
A: No. We will need high resolution images. Winners will have the opportunity to send us high resolution files.

Still have a question?  Email jess@newamericanpaintings.com or call 1-888-235-2783.