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: How does the online application work?
A: First, you will go online and create an account. This account will remain indefinitely and you will log into it in the future to apply to competitions. Once you have set up an  account, you will then will have the ability to enter your regional competition. Until the deadline of the competition, you will also be able to login and your entry.

Q: Do I need to upload a statement or resume?
A: The system does not allow you to upload a resume or statement. There are questions that you can answer before uploading your image. These are optional and used only for research purposes. The juror is only presented with your images and their captions.

Q: I noticed there is no "submit" button after uploading my 4th image. Do I need to do anything else?
A: No, once you have uploaded your 4th image, you are automatically entered. No further action is necessary. You may view and edit your entry until the deadline by clicking the "view history" option.

Q: What should I have prepared for the online application?
A: Please have four jpegs of your work, no larger than 1200 pixels as its largest dimension. You will also need a credit card to make a payment to enter the competition.      

Q: Does my resume 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, accompanied by the reference number that you are assigned. The juror will have no knowledge of your name, gender, age, level of education or any other personal information. Some of the questions in our online application are required, and some are not. Items that are required are for internal purposes 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: 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 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. When you apply online, your regional competition will appear at the top of the list.
 
Q: I am not a US citizen. Can I enter the competition?
A: Yes, however, you should have residency within the United States.
 
Q: How often can I enter?
A: You may submit work to your region 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 four weeks of the online deadline. Selected artists will be notified by email, and then a follow-up phone call if we have not heard from you.
 
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: Can I still send slides or printouts?
A: We encourage you to become familiar with our online application process. However, if you would like to submit printouts you may (we are no longer accepting slides). There is an additional $10 fee to send work to us. Please review the "competitions" section of our website for information on how to submit via mail.

Q: I only have slides, what should I do?
A: Almost all photo labs now have slide scanning services at very low cost.
 
Q: On your postcard and website, 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'm selected, will I have an opportunity to submit a high resolution image or new slide for the publication?
A: Yes, if you are chosen to appear in New Americn Paintings, you will work closely with our editor to insure that we have the highest quality image available before going to press.

If your question wasn’t answered, please email alexa@newamericanpaintings.com and we will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.

For more general FAQs click here.