Texaco Children’s Art Competition: Submit the Work You Actually Made

Editorial overview

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition still centres the physical artwork. Entrants submit original pieces rather than photographs or scans, and current rules require a completed application form attached to each work. That makes preparation, packaging and documentation part of the entry—not administrative details to solve after the painting is finished.

The official 2026 winner announcement also shows how closely the judging looks. Chair Pauline O’Connell praised Aurianna Hanlon’s self-portrait Falling Up for its unusual perspective, controlled light and shadow, expressive colour and accurate yet fluid brushwork. The lesson is not that entrants should copy a self-portrait style; it is that technical control becomes persuasive when it serves a distinctive visual decision. CompeteMap sees this as a strong option for young artists who already make sustained work and are ready for competitive national judging. Families should read the ownership, copyright, return and publicity clauses carefully before sending an original, and should photograph the work accurately for their own records.

Quick Facts

Use the Texaco Children’s Art Competition page for current forms, categories and delivery instructions.

This guide was checked on 20 October 2026.

Choose the piece before adapting it for competition

Review several recent works and identify which one has the strongest relationship between idea, composition and technique. Do not add fashionable effects simply to make an entry appear more “competition-ready.” If a work uses source imagery, record and disclose it as required.

Prepare a physical submission carefully

Current rules specify flat format, size limits, forms and delivery. Avoid framing when prohibited. Photograph the front and any relevant details in neutral light before packaging, and keep copies of the form and delivery information. Remember that official ownership and return terms may differ from a gallery loan.

Learn from the judging language

The 2026 commentary on Falling Up connected perspective, tone, colour and brushwork to the emotional effect of the portrait. Use that as a review method: can the student explain how one technical choice changes the viewer’s experience? Technique should not be a list of skills; it should have a job.

Related competitions on CompeteMap

• RTÉ This Is Art! for an online all-Ireland entry with an artist statement.
• Rotary Young Artist for theme-led work through local clubs.
• Junk Kouture Ireland for wearable art built from discarded materials.

Key Takeaways

• Enter a resolved work with a personal visual decision, not a copied competition style.
• Follow the physical-format and application-form rules exactly.
• Photograph the original and retain submission records before sending it.
• Read copyright, ownership and return provisions with a parent or teacher.

Sources checked

• https://www.texacochildrensart.com/
• https://www.texacochildrensart.com/how-to-enter/rules-of-entry
• https://www.texacochildrensart.com/about-the-competition/judging-process