Fantasy Realism

Face Painting Competition 1​

Theme: Fantasy Realism - Face, neck and decolletage painting competition

​

1st Place: £250 Cash & Goodie Bag 
2nd Place: Goodie Bag

3rd Place: Goodie Bag
 

Professional Technique-Based Competition

​

A high-level face painting competition designed exclusively for professional artists, celebrating technical excellence, refined brush control, and imaginative realism.

The Fantasy Realism theme invites competitors to blend believable anatomy and structure with fantastical elements, creating designs that feel immersive, cohesive, and visually powerful while remaining grounded in strong face painting technique.

This category is not about cartoons, costume characters, or theatrical special effects. Instead, it celebrates illusion, depth, and refined painting technique, where fantasy emerges through realism rather than exaggeration.

Licensed, trademarked, or copyrighted characters, designs, or recognisable properties are strictly prohibited.

 

Competition Overview

• Theme: Fantasy Realism

• Duration: 2 hours

• Eligibility: Professionals only

• Entry cost: £25

• Entry limit: One entry per delegate

• Model limit: One model per artist

• Assistants: Not permitted

 

Awards

• 1st Place: £250 & Goodie Bag

• 2nd Place: Goodie Bag

• 3rd Place: Goodie Bag

 

Competition Schedule

• Date: Sunday 22nd March 1300 - 1500 2026

• Competition duration: 2 hours 
   

Artists must be ready to begin at the official start time.
No extensions will be granted.

 

Judging & Voting

• Entries will be evaluated by a panel of professional judges

• Judges will be announced in advance of the competition

Judging decisions are final.

 

Category Focus

This competition evaluates the artist’s ability to create a cohesive fantasy-inspired design or visual story using advanced face painting techniques.

The emphasis is on:

• Technical execution

• Clean, confident brushwork

• Seamless blending

• Strong composition

• Overall visual impact

 

Areas Judged

Judging will be limited strictly to the following areas:

• Face

• Neck

• Décolletage

Any work completed outside of these areas will not be judged.

 

Judging Criteria

Artists will be assessed on:

• Interpretation of the Fantasy Realism theme

• Strength and clarity of concept

• Creativity and originality

• Blending and colour transitions

• Brush control and line work

• Technical skill

• Overall impact and finish

 

Permitted Preparations (Before Competition)

The following may be completed prior to the official start time:

• Hair styling

• Wigs

• Imitation bald heads

• Nails

• Painted hands

• Pre-made headpieces worn by the model

No paint, base, or cosmetic colour may be applied to the judged areas before the competition begins.

 

Materials & Safety Requirements

• Any brand of paint may be used, provided all products are cosmetic grade and compliant with UK cosmetic regulations

• Only cosmetic-grade products may be applied directly to the skin

• Fluorescent or neon pigments are considered SFX products and must not be applied directly to the skin

• No base, colour, or cosmetic products may be applied prior to the official start time

• All supplies must be provided by the artist

CAP Expo is not responsible for missing, delayed, or faulty products.

 

Permitted & Prohibited Techniques

Permitted:

• Fake eyelashes

• Decorative nails

• Contact lenses

• Wigs and imitation bald heads

• Loose or spray glitter

• Decorative accessories worn on the head or shoulders

Not Permitted:

• Masks or mask components

• SFX pieces

• Glued-on facial elements

• Prosthetics

• Airbrush techniques

Any prohibited materials or techniques may result in disqualification.

 

Workplace Hygiene & Professional Conduct

Artists are expected to maintain the highest professional standards:

• Brushes and sponges must be clean and disinfected

• Water must be clean and changed regularly

• Work surfaces must remain tidy and organised

• No products may be placed directly on the floor

• Waste must be disposed of appropriately

• Artists and workspaces must appear neat and professional

• Artists are responsible for the model’s comfort, including access to food, drink, and toilet breaks

Failure to comply may impact judging or result in disqualification

 

Model Requirements & Consent

• Artists must supply their own model

• Models must be 18 years or older

• Both artist and model must sign a consent form allowing photography and video recording for promotional use

 

Competition Area

Each competitor workspace will be provided with:

• One table

• Access to water

• Protective plastic covering

Artists must supply all additional materials, tools, and equipment required for the competition.

 

The results of the competition will be announced on Monday 23rd March at 1500

​

​