MANILA, Philippines (Reuters) — Filipino artists faced off in an on-the-spot timed painting competition in Manila on Saturday (November 18) as part of an international contest called “Art Battle.”
A dozen illustrators and artists painted on white canvasses using acrylic paint for 20 minutes while spectators circled around them to observe and, later on, vote on the best work.
The contest challenges artists to think creatively under time pressure and helps them practise various art techniques, said Art Battle Manila organizer Fiona Lazaro.
Digital illustrator Nico Pelaez, who painted two works depicting his girlfriend’s face in bright red, blue, green and yellow, won the three-round tilt, making him eligible for the national finals to be held in 2018.
Competitive painting under Art Battle is also held in major cities in Canada, Tokyo and the United Kingdom.
