‘Ready to Start’

The prestigious, new Sir William Orpen Prize will offer a first prize of £5,000 to the artist whose self-portrait best expresses a moment of considered, meaningful reflection in their artistic career to date.

The launch of this competition coincides with the opening of ‘A Family Legacy’ – a six-month exhibition of paintings, artworks and memorabilia of the Orpen family at Farmleigh Gallery, in Dublin, including many rarely seen items from the Orpen Research Archives.

RECOGNISING IRISH TALENT

As a painter of portraits, Sir William Orpen created many striking expressions of identity for the well-to-do of Edwardian times. During the First World War, he also became a prolific war artist – capturing the plight of ordinary soldiers, and the tragedy and triumph of human endeavour. But one painting traverses both genres: ‘Ready To Start.’

‘Ready to Start’ was painted just after Orpen arrived in France. It shows him as an artist in military uniform, studiously reflecting on his own image, contemplating what lies ahead. The-oil on-panel painting has all the vivid colours, textures and embellishments that define Orpen’s inimitable style.

A PRESTIGIOUS, €5,000 FIRST PRIZE

The Sir William Orpen Prize invites entries from individuals who are now, or have been in the past, ‘ready to start’ their own careers as artists. It warms to the theme of self-reflection – representations of the artists themselves in changing times, looking to the future. The competition is open to individuals across the island of Ireland, and Irish artists living abroad. There are no limitations to the expression of artistic talent, subject to the artwork being ‘a painting or piece of flat media that reflects the materials used by Sir William Orpen’.

The winner will receive a cash prize of €5,000, and there will be runner-up prizes for highly commended works.

Closing date: November 27, 2024.

To find out more and apply: http://www.sirwilliamorpen.com/orpen-prize/