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Art Battle brings night of live painting competition to The Marquee Ballroom

On Thursday, Nov. 7, Art Battle, a live painting competition series, hosted an event at The Marquee Ballroom in Halifax. Art Battle is an international live art competition that has captivated audiences in over 20 countries, hosting more than 2,000 events since 2001.

Art Battle is an art competition featuring 12 artists, each of whom competes in three rounds of live painting — all paintings are done in real-time, as quick-fire creations. These battles are typically held in event venues or pubs, creating an inclusive space where people can hang out, enjoy the event and participate in the voting process. Each artist has only 20 minutes to complete each painting before the timer runs out and it’s “brushes down.” The winner is decided by audience votes. 

Artists get ready to start painting and are introduced by organizer Andre Samson at Art Battle held at The Marquee Ballroom in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Image by V. Patterson.
Artist Michelle Raine (@michelleraine.acts) prepares to compete at Art Battle at The Marquee Ballroom in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Image by V. Patterson.

Typically, Art Battle artists are positioned in the centre of the room in a circle, with the audience forming an outer circle around them. This layout invites spectators to move freely as they watch the paintings come to life in real time. 

However, tonight’s battle is a little different — the audience voters have become the inner circle, featuring many returning Art Battle fans who understand the rhythm of the event. They know the drill: keep moving around the artists so everyone can see how the paintings are created, up close and personal, in just 20 minutes.

Artists begin painting at Art Battle at The Marquee Ballroom in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Audience participation is just as involved in the event as the artists work. Image by V. Patterson.

The artists at this event come from all walks of life, are of all ages and paint in a variety of styles. But, they all have one thing in common: a deep love of art. During round two, a lot of encouragement came from both the audience and fellow artists. Throughout the room, artists brought their visions to life on the canvas. There was lively conversation as people discussed the artists and their creations.

Artists Siyeon Sung @siy.sung and Gabriela West @bottleofwhiteroses create their works for Art Battle at The Marquee Ballroom in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024.  Image by V. Patterson.
Organizers and spectators look on as artists compete in Art Battle at The Marquee Ballroom in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Image by V. Patterson.

The talent is undeniable, and it’s impressive to see what can be produced in just one 20-minute window. Once it was “brushes down,” the audience voted through a link,  and this determined which artists would move on to the next round. When the rounds were completed, audience members could place a bid in a silent auction to take home any of the pieces created that night. 

Artist Kirstie Power @kirstie.power competes at Art Battle at The Marquee Ballroom in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Image by V. Patterson.
Artists Corey Strong (@maris_an_effie) and Joanne MacLennan (@joannemaclennan) competed at Art Battle at The Marquee Ballroom in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Image by V. Patterson.

Andre Samson, who has organized and hosted Art Battle events across Atlantic Canada, also promotes the events on Facebook. Artists interested in participating can apply for upcoming events in their area, and those curious if a battle is happening in their city can visit  www.artbattle.com.

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