Getting Ready for Art Battle Bristol: A Creative Duel Against the Clock
Getting Ready for Art Battle Bristol: A Creative Duel Against the Clock
"Let’s get ready to ruuuuuumble!" Well, maybe not a battle in the traditional sense—but it's definitely a challenge. Yes, I’m back in the art battle arena, and it’s not just my nerves that have changed since the last time I was here; the whole setup has had a bit of a makeover.
For those who haven't seen an art battle, here’s the rundown: Each round, six artists go head-to-head, painting live in front of an audience with only 20 minutes to create something from scratch. In each of the first two rounds, two artists are chosen by the audience to move to the final showdown, where the top four face off and one ultimate winner is crowned. During the evening, all the artwork goes into a silent auction, and anyone in the crowd can place a bid. The highest bid wins the piece, and as an artist, you get 50% of the sale. While it may sound like a huge cut, for 20 minutes of work it’s fair and a great opportunity for new people to discover your art.
Stood awkwardly poised ready for round 1, 2019
But the time crunch is real. My 20-minute paintings have been a bit… let’s just say "janky" in the past, although one Art battle I relaxed and it just worked that night (see below) making me reach the final round for the first time. Without a reference, my work tends to veer off into strange naive territory, no matter how much I practice. Since then however I have themes I revisit often and make alterations to, so we shall see if anything has changed. The pressure to perform while creating is another layer; it’s a performance, and the art itself is part of the act. It can feel rushed but even in 20 mins, its best to start the first 10 minutes off nice and steady as you normally would. You can always cover the rest of the canvas when the half way mark is called.
The cost of Conformity by Chris Shopland. on Art battle promo flyer.
The New Rules and Tools
The setup has shifted a bit since my last art battle, though. This time, we’re allowed to bring a printed reference, which might just be a game-changer—if I can avoid letting it slow me down with checking it too much. Another big change: artists can now bring their own materials, which offers way more creative freedom than before, when we were limited to just the sponsor-supplied acrylic paints, then our own brushes, and masking tape. Now, we can add in our own acrylics, non-toxic oils, paint markers, pencils, and even odourless spray paint.
With these tools at our disposal, the possibilities open up. Although I doubt we have time to use most of those, its nice to have the option.
My first-round plan? I’ll start with one of my popular “maze heads”—a design I can adapt without a reference, and one that seems to resonate with people. five have sold so far, plus many stickers. If I make it to the next round, I’ll try something a bit more intricate using a reference. But I’ll need to watch myself. It’s easy to get ambitious, but in a 20-minute timeframe, simplicity and sticking to a single subject focus is key. There’s no room for complex details, and entire worlds that I’d struggle with even in a longer session without any limit.
It’s a Show, Not a Showcase
One thing I remind myself constantly: this isn’t about showcasing the full range of my skillset. I really hope the event doesn’t give people the idea that art is "quick and easy." Sure, I’ve sold pieces created in under an hour, but they’re rare exceptions. All the while it is many years, hours hoping to find those moments where “it just worked”. Usually, my work takes hours with plenty of considerations reflection, contemplation, and sometimes even days, weeks or more, to reach its final form. So, while the art battle is exciting, it’s more of a performance—a chance to let the audience see the creative process in action, to spark conversations, and maybe even for someone to take home a piece of that night as a memento. Or perhaps commission for a more labour of love, hours spent piece inspired by the rushed 20 minute one, who knows!
What I hope most is that people will remember me, take a card, maybe follow my work online, and one day bring home a piece that speaks to them or very least tell friend and family “I saw this artist…”. These fast-paced events may not show the full depth of what I can do, but they’re an opportunity to connect and build a following and be out in the community, even if the final piece is just a snapshot of my broader skillset or perhaps not even show it at all, maybe even make it seem like I can’t paint. Art battle isn’t for everyone, but I am looking forward to giving it another go now that I am further along within my painting ability, and have much more tried and tested themes I naturally revisit. As I definite am not the sort to practice multiple of the same painting, making sure I can create it in 20 minutes, because by the time I step up to the painting, I won’t want to paint it, the energetic muse that wanted the painting will have long left. So a revisited theme, but not practiced for the 20 minutes in mind. Best not to take it too seriously and have fun.
Excitement, Nerves, and the Bristol Stage
This time, we’re in the new “We the Curious” space in Bristol. I used to go there when it was At Bristol. I don’t think I have been on their second floor event space. The layout is a change from past events, and fingers crossed I won’t get lost trying to find the event room. But can I hold my nerves? Or will performing in front of a crowd push me into producing one big, chaotic mess again?
There was however one art battle I did well in and got into the final round, amazed I didn't win that one but I think they had a lot of their fans there that night.
So Mess or Masterpiece?
Only one way to find out! If you’re around, come see the showdown:
Art Battle Bristol
23rd November
Doors open at 6:30 pm
Painting kicks off at 7:00 pm
Here’s hoping for a night of creative energy, connection, and a little controlled chaos. See you there!
tickets and info can be found at Art Battle Bristol here
