Organizer

Pastel Journal and Artists Network

Location

Open globally (Due to SEC restrictions, entries from Syria, Iran, Sudan, or North Korea are not accepted)

Deadline

August 26, 2026

Competition Category

1. Animal + Wildlife

Any animal in any setting
Judging criteria include innovative treatment, expression, and rendering of the subject

2. Abstract + Non-Objective

Unlimited subject matter
Judged on the artist's use of design, texture, media, lighting, and special techniques

3. Landscape + Interior

Any landscape, from city scenes to imaginary horizons
Judged on the artist's use of form, space, lighting, and mood

4. Portrait + Figure

Individual or group portrait and figure entries
Judged on expressiveness and drawing skills

5. Still Life + Floral

Judging criteria include overall design, unique arrangement of subject matter, handling of medium, lighting, and mood

Eligibility

Open to artists worldwide aged 16 or older
Work must be at least 80% soft pastel (no oil pastel)
Nupastels and other "harder" pastels are considered soft pastel
Pastel pencils and hard pastels are eligible
Work must be original
Previous winning or published works are not eligible

Entry Fee

Super Early Bird Fee: $15 per image (until April 10, 2026)
Early Bird Fee: $25 per image (until June 10, 2026)
Regular Fee: $30 per image (from June 10 to August 26, 2026)
Entry fees are non-refundable regardless of results
Artists Network members enjoy discounted entry fees

Prizes/Awards

Top Prizes:

1st Prize: $3,000
2nd Prize: $2,000
3rd Prize: $1,500
4th Prize: $1,000
5th Prize: $750

Category Awards (25 category awards):

Top 5 winning works in each category
5 First Place per category
5 Second Place per category
5 Third Place per category
5 Fourth Place per category
5 Fifth Place per category

Other Awards:

70 Honorable Mentions (maximum one award per entrant)
Cash prizes and premium art materials from sponsors

Publication & Publicity:

All top prize winners and place winners will be featured in the Spring 2027 issue of Pastel Journal
Winner names and works published in Spring 2027 issue of Pastel Journal
Digital promotional badge for winners
International visibility through extensive promotion by Artists Network
High-profile media coverage and publicity

Core Introduction

The Pastel 100 is an annual international pastel art competition hosted by Pastel Journal, America's leading magazine devoted to pastel artists, and Artists Network. Now in its 28th edition, this competition is one of the most anticipated annual events in the pastel community, dedicated to celebrating excellence and mastery in pastel painting.