Artists shortlisted for largest portraiture award which 'captures life in Scotland'
A total of 187 artists are on the shortlist.
It is Scotland’s largest awards in portraiture, giving new artists the chance to showcase their work alongside the likes of Sir Henry Raeburn and Wendy McMurdo in the national collection.
Now, over 180 artists from Orkney to Dumfries and Galloway and beyond, including some who have never publicly shown their work before, have been shortlisted for the Scottish Portrait Awards 2026.
A total of 187 works were chosen from 2,500 entries across three categories including Fine Art, Photography and the free to enter, Scotland Now! Phone Portrait Awards. These include nine nominations for the Young Fine Artist Award and nine nominations for the Young Photographer Award.
Judges said shortlisted artists “captured the imagination” and in collaboration with their sitters, have shone a spotlight on diverse stories and experiences in Scottish society.
The exhibition of shortlisted work at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in Edinburgh will feature dynamic works from vibrant paintings of family members, to moving photographs of athletes, uplifting moments of celebration, unique fashion portraits and LGBTQ+ communities.
Robyn Jenkins, an animation student at Edinburgh College of Art, who at 18 is one of the youngest artists to be selected, said: “To walk into the Great Hall and know my work is hanging in the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait is an absolute dream. After visiting the galleries so many times, it feels surreal to have my work share the space of the incredible art I’ve admired for so long.”
Each shortlisted artist will have the opportunity to win the John Clark Motor Group Scottish Portrait Awards in Fine Art or the MPB Scottish Portrait Awards in Photography plus £5,000 and a commission from the National Galleries of Scotland to make a portrait for Scotland’s national collection.
Open to anyone over 16 years, born, living or studying in Scotland, regardless of experience, the Scottish Portrait Awards brings together well-established artists as well as newcomers working in many different styles - not only in painting and sculpture but also, for the first time, animated portraits will feature in the exhibition.
Gordon Mitchell, director of the Scottish Portrait Awards and Fine Art chair, said: “We’re bringing the country's biggest and most prestigious portrait awards to a world-class national stage. Nothing compares to standing in a major gallery and experiencing the breadth and intimacy of the artworks firsthand.”
Simon Murphy, chair of photography, said: “Showcasing established and emerging artists together in a single exhibition isn't just about sharing gallery space, it creates a powerful dialogue and democratic opportunity.
“Add a major national collection as a backdrop and you create an electric energy that is rarely experienced.”
Anne Lyden, director general of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “Portraiture shows us what it is to be human – to connect and foster empathetic relationships. This year’s entries embody this and more, capturing life in Scotland in the most beautiful way. It has been inspiring and moving to experience the work of artists who have previously entered and to see how participating has furthered their practice.
“The judges were enthralled by the range of submissions and captivated by the artists skill, storytelling and personal statements. We are delighted to have the opportunity to share this with our visitors in November and hope everyone can join us in celebrating the incredible artistic talent Scotland has to offer.”
Since its inception, the awards have discovered and recognised almost 500 artists whose work features in the Scottish Portrait Awards online archive. Many of the artists have continued to advance their careers with exhibitions and commissions. Previous award winners include Helen Wilson, Robin Gillanders and Graeme Wilcox.
The portraits will be on display at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait from 18 November.
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