Art Competition

Winner: Ioan Mikael Nedelcu, aged 6, Avenor College (Romania)

Title: Magical Moments

Description: The work was made with acrylic paints on an A3 canvas. The artist explored the concept of the unknown, the feeling of awe in front of the entire universe's beauty and mystery. He sits in the middle of the expanding beauty and wonders on a cliff, gazing towards new beginnings.

Judges' comments: "We couldn’t stop looking at this wonderful artwork – it seems to sum up all the feelings of a magical moment so eloquently in paint! Reminiscent of Van Gogh’s starry night this scene has literally come to life, with the use of expressive brush marks and colour it has real impact. We loved the limited palette choice of blues and yellows. There is a real sense of light and wonderment in this powerful and beautiful composition. We could imagine this painting as a film, book illustration or animation!"

Runner up: Yassin Laithy, aged 6, Maadi British International School (Egypt)

Title: Magical Night

Description: The work is an A2 mixed media collage using paint and found objects such as leaves, twigs and glitter stars.

Judges' comments: "We loved the tranquil, calming atmosphere created by this artist and were immediately transported to their wondrous magical night. The effective use of mixed media stood out to us – the use of natural found elements work beautifully alongside the chosen paint palette of blues and pinks." 

Winner: Kunhee Yun, aged 10, Reigate Grammar School (Saudi Arabia)

Title: Lost in a book

Description: This vibrant and imaginative painting captures the essence of a magical moment where a young boy is lost in the pages of a book, sitting at the top of giant mushroom in a fantasy forest.

Judges' comments: "A charming painting: the composition is magical with a great use of painterly marks and strong layering of vibrant colour. The use of light creates a mesmerising sense of luminosity. Great storytelling in the artwork capturing the theme of getting lost in the pages of a book. We loved the imaginative approach and playful use of art materials."

Runner-up: José Maria Pirrón, aged 10, The Edron Academy (Mexico)

Title: A Boy's Best Friend

Description: The painting depicts a boy sharing a magical moment with his cherished dog. The careful brushwork brings to life the delighted expressions on the faces of both characters in the painting.

Judges' comments: "We both immediately felt the mutual love and trust portrayed in this painting, that special, magical bond between the boy and his dog.  The painting captures a special, still moment in time with the subjects both displaying peace and happiness in their expressions. The careful brushwork and rich, vivid greens really bring this work to life."

Winner: Elly Goh, aged 12, Prince of Wales Island International School (Malaysia)

Title: Light in the dark

Description: This artwork shows us that there will be light, even in the darkest times. The girl in yellow is using a wand to light up the dark forest, and this is quite magical, especially since the light reveals that there are more children in the background, just like her.

Judges' comments: "Almost illustrative in style this artwork is both original and delightful. We enjoyed exploring the artist’s use of art materials, of colour and contrast alongside added texture in the mark making, all executed with sensitivity and finesse. A really positive message which is uplifting and beautiful."

Runner-up: Shadi Scalet, aged 13, British International School Ljubljana 

Title: Magical Moments: Captured but Forgotten

Description: By inviting viewers to contemplate their own relationship with technology, this work emphasizes the importance of cherishing real-life moments over the curated iperfection of online interactions.

Judges' comments: "We were deeply moved and lost in thought while reading this submission. The simplicity of the phone screen images contrast effectively with the careful, pencil drawing of the hand and the complex message which they portray. Life is full of magical moments that seemingly get lost with the advancement of technology and the desire to live through the screen. This artwork communicated a strong message to its viewers."

Winner: Summer Lin, aged 14, Wellington College International Shanghai (China)

Title: Womb

Description: Womb takes the viewer into an magical interior space where creation and nature intermingle in rhythmic waves and convulsive patterns with the beauty of water, butterflies and insects weaved around organic tendrils. Life and death become one and the circle of life continues.

Judges' comments: "A highly accomplished work of art with depth, which really invites the viewer in to look at every detail. This magical theme is described quite beautifully with the sensitive use of art materials. There is a tranquil flow to the composition which leads you around the ‘canvas’ to observe and take note and move on again. We particularly liked the almost decorative use of imagery which is both powerful and gentle."

Runner-up: Lynn Kim, aged 15, North London Collegiate School Jeju (South Korea)

Title: Portal of Wonder

Description: A magical moment unfolds as a girl enters a surreal world, encountering a winged tiger, watchful flowers, and twisting, dreamlike architecture.

Judges' comments: "Wow! We loved the unusual and very original perspective created by this artist, it’s such a magical, mysterious, surreal composition! Our eyes were led all around the canvas from one point of interest to another! From the winged tiger to the twisting trunk of the tree, this artwork had us lost in its fairytale like dreamworld."

Winner: Anita Ramos, aged 17, St. Julian's School (Portugal)

Title: Gifted by the Sea

Description: This oil painting, 80cm x 80cm, encapsulates the magical moment of gathering shells from the seashore, where one is mesmerized by the various shapes and colours. The objects glisten as the water reflects and refracts.

Judges' comments: "A highly skilled artwork where tricky subjects are expertly described in oil paint. Both the hands and water here have been beautifully painted. This is a striking painting, a clever composition with a calming colour palette that captures the simple pleasures and magic of observing shells through sunlight and water. We believe the artist has beautifully captured a moment in time that serves as a reminder for us all to recognize the magic hidden in life's smallest moments."

Runner-up: Aislinn Hickey, aged 18, St George's International School, Luxembourg

Title: Memories

Description: 120cm x 85cm acrylic on cardboard with lino print and oil pastel

Judges' comments: "We were drawn to this interesting submission. The choice of cardboard as a canvas has created an unusual background and the mixed media approach provided us with lots to discuss and think about. The simple oil pastel and print work images are playful and childlike in contrast to the serene, delicate capture of the child, lost in a moment, beautifully depicted in acrylic paint. We could feel the sun on our skin and hear the birds singing in the trees as we got lost in the scene!"