London Art College - Competition 2026
We are delighted to reveal the winners of this year’s London Art College Art Competition. Every year we are amazed by the dedication of our students, and this year was no exception. Choosing just two pieces from such a wonderful collection of entries was no easy task, and we would like to say a huge thank you to every student who took the time to share their work with us.
Our winning pieces could not be more different, but both share something special - they were created with love for their subject. Sally Hall’s watercolour ‘Lady Jan’ carries a lovely personal story, from a set of paints given to her by her Dad to a title that pays tribute to her Mum. Our runner up, Lucy Jayne, has captured her lurcher Sanau in beautifully layered coloured pencil, gazing up at her favourite peanut butter biscuit with a look every dog owner will recognise.
Read the full stories behind both pieces below. Congratulations to Sally and Lucy, and to everyone who entered!
Winner - Sally Hall
'Lady Jan'
I decided to repaint this lady as I had previously completed her in a pen and wash format that subsequently sold in a small art shop in Clevedon, Somerset. However I hadn’t expected her to sell and realised I’d quite like to have one for my own wall at home. So set about redoing her in a slightly brighter palette than the previous one. She’s drawn from a picture a friend at my local art group had given me and I have drawn her initially using the grid method. I painted her in watercolours using a set of pans given to me by my Dad many years ago....the name Lady Jan is a nod to my Mum who was a big supporter of my art ‘attempts’!
Sally Hall
Runner Up - Lucy Jayne
For the Love of a Peanut Butter Biscuit. Coloured pencil on paper.
This drawing is of my lurcher Sanau (whose name means “socks” in Welsh). One lunchtime walk, she suddenly stopped and refused to move. After a tug of war, I let her lead the way, and she took me straight to her favourite café, where they sell peanut butter dog biscuits. She sat eagerly in front of the biscuit tin, so I bought her one and took some photos of her staring up lovingly at her prize.
I used these photos, alongside Sanau herself, as references for the drawing. I began with a light sketch, spending time to capture her character. I tested colours in a separate sketchbook to create my palette and plan the layers. Then came the fun of making her come to life. I gradually built up the colour through layering, using a variety of techniques to create texture including short strokes for the fur, scumbling for the eyes and stippling for the nose. I also used a sharp craft knife for fine details such as her whiskers.
I’m super surprised and delighted to have been awarded second prize in this competition. I draw what I love (and love to draw) and am so happy the judges enjoyed the piece too.
Lucy
