Chicago AB4100

Art Battle Rules

Art Battle Open Materials Rules

1. Artists have 20 minutes to create their competition artwork (30 minutes in some championship rounds)
2. Artists must use the blank canvas provided at the competition as the surface for their artwork
3. The artwork must be placed on the easel as provided at the conclusion of the round
4. Artists are encouraged to bring their own mediums and tools. A limited set of acrylic paint is provided by local Art Battle producers. Artists are encouraged (but not required) to bring outside medium — Allowed mediums include: acrylic paint, ink, oil paint, charcoal, pen, pencil, watercolor, and more. Water based aerosol, airbrush, oils with solvent are permitted only at some venues, but restricted at others - audience safety and comfort is the main consideration in materials being allowed or not
5. The use of reference images are permitted, but not required. Any reference images must be printed or prepared on paper
6. Pre-made images (collage), including stencils, are not permitted. Creation of stencils 'at the easel' and during competition time is permitted
7. The local/global audience votes for the best artwork in each round, and the winner(s) advance to further rounds/events

Regular Season Event Format

Round Structure

• All rounds: 20 minutes per round
• Number of artists: Typically 12 artists
• Format: 2 preliminary rounds of 6 artists each, followed by a final of 4 artists
• Advancement: Top 2 from each preliminary round advance to the final
• Canvas size: 16" × 20" (standard)

Schedule

Artists should arrive 30 minutes before the event start time for setup and briefing.