The purpose of art is not to copy reality, but to create a world that belongs to the soul. -- Auguste Rodin
2026 is the Year of the Horse in the lunar calendar. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes strength, freedom, and hope. The 3rd Zodiac Painting Competition, themed "Year of the Horse," invites young people to pick up their brushes and depict their own horses and dreams—letting inspiration gallop through colors and allowing growth to shine through creation.
We believe that participating in the Zodiac Painting Competition is not about winning or losing, but about exploration; it is not for the awards, but for the love of art.
Young artists, please pick up your brushes and join us!
Let us use our brushes to illuminate a beautiful new chapter for the Year of the Horse. The 3rd Ottawa Youth Zodiac Painting Competition looks forward to your participation. Create your emblem, unleash the power of creativity at this special moment, and welcome an artistic carnival full of laughter! Let your creativity run wild, let your dreams blossom, and let culture continue to shine on the canvas of youth.
Our sponsors
All Submitted Works
Gold, Professional Group A
图腾与青铜马
Title: 图腾与青铜马
Artist: Chris Wang
Group A Gold
Group A: Ages 4—7
Tian Tian Art Class
Artist: Chris Wang
Group A Gold
Group A: Ages 4—7
Tian Tian Art Class
Description
本作品是两个远古文化的碰撞。以印第安图腾柱作为背景，将远古文明的神秘气息融入画面之中。画面主体是一匹具有中华三星堆风格的远古青铜马，小作者运用油画棒大胆而富有力量的线条与色块进行刻画，表现出青铜器特有的厚重质感与历史感。印第安图腾与中国古蜀文明在同一画面中相互呼应，展现了不同文明之间的想象性对话。作品体现了孩子对远古文化的好奇与探索，也表达了对人类文明多样性与艺术想象力的赞美。
Critique
- Strong and imaginative concept, combining the two cultures
- Effective use of bold lines and oil pastel
- Good composition and balance of images
- Expresses curiosity, creativity, and respect for cultural diversity
- Demonstrates strong potential for artistic growth
- Effective use of bold lines and oil pastel
- Good composition and balance of images
- Expresses curiosity, creativity, and respect for cultural diversity
- Demonstrates strong potential for artistic growth
Gold, Professional Group B
芍德白驹
Title: 芍德白驹
Artist: Stella Yuanliu
Group B Gold
Group B: Ages 8—12
Talent color art school
Artist: Stella Yuanliu
Group B Gold
Group B: Ages 8—12
Talent color art school
Description
黄芍药，色属中央，主仁与调和；
白马，性属正行，主守护与远行。
花以养心，马以载道，以柔为德，以正为行。
白马，性属正行，主守护与远行。
花以养心，马以载道，以柔为德，以正为行。
Critique
The composition uniquely combines 3D and 2D elements. The use of contrasting blue and yellow colours creates a harmonious, warm, and comfortable effect.
Even the abundance of yellow flowers doesn't overshadow the focal point—the horse's head.
The artist's technique is skillful, with fluid brushstrokes.
Even the abundance of yellow flowers doesn't overshadow the focal point—the horse's head.
The artist's technique is skillful, with fluid brushstrokes.
Gold, Professional Group C
双骏迎春展宏图
Title: 双骏迎春展宏图
Artist: Victoria Tsao
Group C Gold
Group C: Ages 13—15
Jade's Art Studio
Artist: Victoria Tsao
Group C Gold
Group C: Ages 13—15
Jade's Art Studio
Description
赤骥乌骊，相对奋蹄扬鬃，将共同驰骋在朝阳初生的回春大地上，大展宏图
Critique
1. 作品紧扣主题，两匹马昂首扬蹄，既展现了马的力量与昂扬精神，又暗含 “马到成功、奋勇争先” 的吉祥寓意。
2. 作者对马的肌肉结构、动态姿态把握的好，黑马的深邃质感与棕马的光泽层次分明，草地的蓬松感与远山的朦胧感形成远近层次，营造出清晨时分旷野的开阔与诗意。
3. 突破了常见的 “单马奔腾” 或 “群马奔跑” 的传统表现形式，采用双马对峙的动态构图，既形成了视觉上的对称平衡，又制造出强烈的张力，让画面充满戏剧感。
4. 开阔的旷野与渐变的天空，为故事提供了想象空间：这是两匹马在朝阳里初次相遇，还是在为自由而并肩抗争？留白式的表达让作品更具感染力。
2. 作者对马的肌肉结构、动态姿态把握的好，黑马的深邃质感与棕马的光泽层次分明，草地的蓬松感与远山的朦胧感形成远近层次，营造出清晨时分旷野的开阔与诗意。
3. 突破了常见的 “单马奔腾” 或 “群马奔跑” 的传统表现形式，采用双马对峙的动态构图，既形成了视觉上的对称平衡，又制造出强烈的张力，让画面充满戏剧感。
4. 开阔的旷野与渐变的天空，为故事提供了想象空间：这是两匹马在朝阳里初次相遇，还是在为自由而并肩抗争？留白式的表达让作品更具感染力。
Gold, Professional Group D
马的自述
Title: 马的自述
Artist: Rachel Gu
Group D Gold
Group D: Ages 16—18
美绘艺术工作室
Artist: Rachel Gu
Group D Gold
Group D: Ages 16—18
美绘艺术工作室
Description
一匹透过画布望向外界的棕马，透彻的眼中似乎有许多未说出口的话语。灰绿色的背景让它的毛发更加透亮，细腻的笔触让这匹马也染上了温和的性格。那些还未说出口的话或许是对作为2026年生肖的喜悦，也或许是想侃侃而谈自己的故事。
Critique
这幅作品是马的头部特写，淡绿色的背景下，一匹深棕色的马若有所思地望着前方，神态安定而祥和，目光里透着坚毅和对未来的期盼。
画头部特写需要很好的功力，特别是眼睛神态的表达，这幅作品成功地做到了这一点。毛发的刻画更是逼真而富有层次，强烈的明暗对比使画面充满了立体感。作品鲜活而富有生命力，作者已经具备了很好的西画基础。
整个画面没有一处多余的描写，精练和以少胜多是这幅作品的基本格调。
画头部特写需要很好的功力，特别是眼睛神态的表达，这幅作品成功地做到了这一点。毛发的刻画更是逼真而富有层次，强烈的明暗对比使画面充满了立体感。作品鲜活而富有生命力，作者已经具备了很好的西画基础。
整个画面没有一处多余的描写，精练和以少胜多是这幅作品的基本格调。
Gold, Amateur Group E
潮音骏马
Title: 潮音骏马
Artist: Mason Wang
Group E Gold
Group E: Ages 4—12
Tian Tian Art Class
Artist: Mason Wang
Group E Gold
Group E: Ages 4—12
Tian Tian Art Class
Description
本作品描绘了一匹戴着耳机、沉浸在音乐中的小马形象，整体风格潮流而富有时尚感。画面采用丙烯马克笔进行创作，通过反复叠加与细致描绘，营造出类似刺绣纹理的视觉效果，使画面更具层次与触感。音乐元素象征自由、节奏与自我表达，小马则代表纯真与活力，两者的结合展现了当代少年的个性态度与对多元文化的理解，表达出在艺术与音乐中勇敢做自己、享受当下的创作理念。
Critique
主题鲜明、风格独特、构思奇巧，有现代绘画的艺术元素，呈现出一种轻松活跃的文化表现力，有一定视觉张力，在多元化文化背景下展现出孩子勇于探索创新的创作理念。
Gold, Amateur Group F
The Mural of Her Horse
Title: The Mural of Her Horse
Artist: Isabel Jia
Group F Gold
Group F: Ages 12—18
other
Artist: Isabel Jia
Group F Gold
Group F: Ages 12—18
other
Description
A girl breathes deeply, feeling the magic in the air, and dreams of the day she’ll create a beautiful mural of her horse, bringing her vision to life with every brushstroke.
Critique
1. 作品以马为核心载体，将马的头部轮廓作为创作画布，在其中嵌入春日花朵、古代建筑和小溪的风景，更赋予其 “以马为媒、绘春迎新” 的深层寓意，让传统符号与创作精神完美融合，充满诗意与巧思。
2. 作者通过虚实结合的手法，让 “马头轮廓” 与 “内部风景、人物” 形成清晰的视觉层次，既保证了生肖符号的辨识度，又让内部的细节充满吸引力。花丛的粉、草地的绿、人物衣饰的蓝形成和谐的色彩搭配；马尾的排线、皮肤的质感都刻画得生动自然，展现了扎实的手绘功底。
3. 采用嵌套式构图，让 “马” 既是被描绘的对象，也是承载创作行为的舞台。这种 “画中画” 的设计，让作品同时拥有 “马年迎新” 与 “艺术创作” 的双重叙事，在业余组作品中极具先锋性与原创性。
4. 画面讲述了一个少女在马头上创作春日风景的故事，她用画笔描述着对马年的美好期许。
2. 作者通过虚实结合的手法，让 “马头轮廓” 与 “内部风景、人物” 形成清晰的视觉层次，既保证了生肖符号的辨识度，又让内部的细节充满吸引力。花丛的粉、草地的绿、人物衣饰的蓝形成和谐的色彩搭配；马尾的排线、皮肤的质感都刻画得生动自然，展现了扎实的手绘功底。
3. 采用嵌套式构图，让 “马” 既是被描绘的对象，也是承载创作行为的舞台。这种 “画中画” 的设计，让作品同时拥有 “马年迎新” 与 “艺术创作” 的双重叙事，在业余组作品中极具先锋性与原创性。
4. 画面讲述了一个少女在马头上创作春日风景的故事，她用画笔描述着对马年的美好期许。
Gold, Group AI
奔向梦想的马
Title: 奔向梦想的马
Artist: Dora Lu
Group AI Gold
Group AI: 18 years old and under
Lufeng Art Studio
Artist: Dora Lu
Group AI Gold
Group AI: 18 years old and under
Lufeng Art Studio
Description
在冬天的渥太华夜晚，我和朋友站在雪地里，看见一匹金色的马从钟楼里奔跑出来。
它跑得很快，好像能穿越时间，也能跨越很远的地方。
马在空中发光，把夜空点亮，我们举着中国和加拿大的国旗，一起为它欢呼。
我觉得这匹马代表着我们的梦想，只要勇敢向前，就一定能跑到很远很远的地方。
这幅画想告诉大家：
不管来自哪里，只要心中有目标，马就会带着我们走向成功的未来。
它跑得很快，好像能穿越时间，也能跨越很远的地方。
马在空中发光，把夜空点亮，我们举着中国和加拿大的国旗，一起为它欢呼。
我觉得这匹马代表着我们的梦想，只要勇敢向前，就一定能跑到很远很远的地方。
这幅画想告诉大家：
不管来自哪里，只要心中有目标，马就会带着我们走向成功的未来。
Critique
这幅作品通过生动的色彩和细腻的细节展现了“马”的主题，尤其是黄金马的设计在视觉上强烈吸引，象征着力量与速度。作品的创意构思将马与各国元素结合，具有很高的原创性，突破了传统生肖画的界限。然而，在构图方面，画面右侧建筑的细节较为堆砌，导致视觉重心略微不平衡，建议在未来创作中考虑主次分明的布局。此外，虽然整体技法运用出色，但在某些细节处理上仍显得略有欠缺，如马的动态感可以通过更夸张的姿态来强化，让整个画面更具生命力。总的来说，这是一幅极具潜力并具有多重文化意义的作品，展现了作者对马年生肖文化的理解与创造力。
Submit Your Work
Rules for the Year of the Horse Zodiac Painting Competition
- Submission Requirements: Original work on the theme of "Horse," in any medium (including a dedicated AI Group).
- Eligible Participants: Youth aged 4 to 18 years old.
- Size Range: 14 x 17 to 20 x 30 inches.
- Registration Method: Online registration or registration and payment (of $20) through the participant's school.
- Submit deadline: January 17, 2026 (1pm).
- Award Ceremony: January 31, 2026
- Awards: More detailed grouping than previous years, with richer awards and prizes. We encourage the active participation of all young people.
Number of Winners per Group
| Group | Age | First Prize | Second Prize | Third Prize | Excellence Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Group | 4-7 years old | 1 | 2 | 3 | 30 |
| 8-12 years old | 1 | 2 | 3 | 30 | |
| 13-15 years old | 1 | 2 | 3 | 30 | |
| 16-18 years old | 1 | 2 | 3 | 30 | |
| Amateur Group | 4-12 years old | 1 | 2 | 3 | 30 |
| 13-18 years old | 1 | 2 | 3 | 30 | |
| AI Group | 18 years old and under | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Prize Settings
| Prize Name | Content |
|---|---|
| First Prize | Trophy + $100 |
| Second Prize | Medal |
| Third Prize | Medal |
| Excellence Award | Commemorative Gift |
Work Authorization Terms / Requirements
Work Authorization Terms
The participant grants the Ottawa Chinese School Charity Foundation (OCLS) full authorization for the submitted work—the Foundation may display, use, market, publish, design, and produce merchandise and printed materials based on the submitted work. The participant guarantees that the submitted work is an original personal creation. The participant accepts the requirements and competition rules set by the Ottawa Chinese School Charity Foundation (OCLS) for the submitted work. The Ottawa Chinese School Charity Foundation (OCLS) Organizing Committee reserves the right to the final interpretation of this competition.
Entry Submission Conditions
The work must be the author's original creation; plagiarism or ghostwriting will result in immediate disqualification. The work's theme must be closely related to the competition's theme. For online submission, the work must be photographed as a high-definition image.
E-transfer / Online Payment
E-transfer
Please transfer the $20 CAD registration fee to the account below. Please indicate your Name and Email in the notes. Payment is required for eligibility.
E-transfer
office@ocls-ottawa.ca
Online Payment
Invitation Letter
Dear Principals and Teachers:
The 3rd Zodiac Painting Competition (Year of the Horse) is about to begin. Building on the foundation of the previous two editions, this year sees improvements and enhancements across all aspects. The Organizing Committee hopes to elevate this competition as a traditional project for promoting Chinese culture and art. The Zodiac Painting Competition conveys not only art appreciation but also the profound meaning and connotation of traditional Chinese culture. At the same time, we hope to provide a platform for various art schools (and classes) to showcase their achievements. Thank you for your support and participation!
To make this year's competition more organized and effective, the Organizing Committee has decided to invite Chinese schools and art schools (classes) to join as Partner Organizations to jointly promote this event.
The 3rd Zodiac Painting Competition (Year of the Horse) is about to begin. Building on the foundation of the previous two editions, this year sees improvements and enhancements across all aspects. The Organizing Committee hopes to elevate this competition as a traditional project for promoting Chinese culture and art. The Zodiac Painting Competition conveys not only art appreciation but also the profound meaning and connotation of traditional Chinese culture. At the same time, we hope to provide a platform for various art schools (and classes) to showcase their achievements. Thank you for your support and participation!
To make this year's competition more organized and effective, the Organizing Committee has decided to invite Chinese schools and art schools (classes) to join as Partner Organizations to jointly promote this event.
Partnership Content
1. Promotion & Organization: Partner schools/institutions will assist in promotion using posters and social media posts, and organize students to actively register and submit works.
2. Collection of Works: Partner schools/institutions will be responsible for collecting and registering works (using a unified form) and collecting registration fees.
3. Submission of Works: After collection and registration are complete, verify student ID numbers (provided by the Committee) and ensure personal information is correct. Submit to the Committee at the unified time. Additionally, all works must be photographed by the artist and uploaded to the Committee's website.
4. Selection Process: Divided into Preliminary and Final rounds.
Preliminary: Step 1: Online preliminary selection to screen top 50% of works based on scores. Step 2: Preliminary judges (drawn from 5 professional teachers from partner units) will select top 10% from the remaining works. 60% of works passing the preliminary round go to Final Review Judges (three renowned local artists) to select 1st, 2nd, 3rd Prizes, Excellence Awards, and Rising Star Awards (50% winning rate). All participants will receive a certificate.
5. Awards Ceremony: Schools are requested to organize students to attend the awards ceremony and view the on-site exhibition. The ceremony also serves as a platform for teachers and students from Ottawa's art community to network, exchange ideas, and learn.
6. Partnership Benefits: Partner units will be promoted in social media posts, on the website (where all past entries and partners are listed), in video promotions, and during the awards ceremony.
2. Collection of Works: Partner schools/institutions will be responsible for collecting and registering works (using a unified form) and collecting registration fees.
3. Submission of Works: After collection and registration are complete, verify student ID numbers (provided by the Committee) and ensure personal information is correct. Submit to the Committee at the unified time. Additionally, all works must be photographed by the artist and uploaded to the Committee's website.
4. Selection Process: Divided into Preliminary and Final rounds.
Preliminary: Step 1: Online preliminary selection to screen top 50% of works based on scores. Step 2: Preliminary judges (drawn from 5 professional teachers from partner units) will select top 10% from the remaining works. 60% of works passing the preliminary round go to Final Review Judges (three renowned local artists) to select 1st, 2nd, 3rd Prizes, Excellence Awards, and Rising Star Awards (50% winning rate). All participants will receive a certificate.
5. Awards Ceremony: Schools are requested to organize students to attend the awards ceremony and view the on-site exhibition. The ceremony also serves as a platform for teachers and students from Ottawa's art community to network, exchange ideas, and learn.
6. Partnership Benefits: Partner units will be promoted in social media posts, on the website (where all past entries and partners are listed), in video promotions, and during the awards ceremony.
Why Participate in the Ottawa Youth Zodiac Painting Competition?
1. Express Yourself: "Art is the washing of the dust of daily life off our souls." — Picasso
Picasso once said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." This Zodiac Painting Competition is an opportunity to rediscover your original intention, showcase innocence, and express yourself. Let the vividness in your heart bloom on paper and treat the creative process as a cleansing of the soul.
2. Unleash Imagination, Resonate with Van Gogh
Van Gogh said, "I dream my painting and I paint my dream." This is a journey of boundless imagination—with an open theme and unrestrained creativity, you can depict the Year of the horse (or Horse) in your heart on canvas. Let your painting be as brilliant and unique as Van Gogh's starry night, like a dream, turning the whimsy in your mind into reality.
3. Showcase Talent: "Life is the source of art." — Da Vinci
Da Vinci taught us: "We can observe all things in nature and draw inspiration from them." In this zodiac year symbolizing wisdom and agility, use your observation of life and your brush to interpret the New Year in your eyes. Condense your blessings and vision into a work of art, allowing your talent to shine brightly on this stage.
4. Hone Skills, Share & Interact with Art Lovers
Cézanne said, "Great art is always shared with others." Participating in the competition is not just a process of self-expression, but also an opportunity to communicate and progress with teachers and friends. Share creativity and exchange techniques with many students who love art, gain a sense of accomplishment, and spend an artistic New Year together!
5. Let Works Carry Blessings: A Tribute to Yeats
As the sentiment goes, "Do not just plant beautiful seeds in your heart, let them bloom." Let your painting become a warm blessing, conveying your wishes through colorful works. Regardless of size, your work can become a shared beauty for the New Year. Let your art, like a blessing, carry warmth to all directions.
Previous Winners (2025 2nd Edition - Year of the Snake)
Good & Evil · Karma
Title: Good & Evil · Karma
Artist: Xinyue Zhang
Group D First Prize
Group D: Grade 10—12
Talent Color Art School
Artist: Xinyue Zhang
Group D First Prize
Group D: Grade 10—12
Talent Color Art School
Critique
A snake slowly approaches the girl before the Buddha, as if the Buddha is protecting her. The concept is unique, and the image holds a mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of Miyazaki's animations, making the viewer curious about the story that follows.
2025 Pillar of Strength, Serpent of Light
Title: 2025 Pillar of Strength, Serpent of Light
Artist: Lisa Fan
Group C First Prize
Group C: Grade 7—9
Talent Color Art School
Artist: Lisa Fan
Group C First Prize
Group C: Grade 7—9
Talent Color Art School
Critique
The picture has the time-travel feel of a Jin Yong martial arts drama. The visual impact is very strong, seeming to radiate divine light. The concept and perspective are unique, and the technique is excellent.
Golden Snake Bearing Auspiciousness
Title: Golden Snake Bearing Auspiciousness
Artist: Avery Kwan
Group B First Prize
Group B: Grade 4—6
Lufeng Art Studio
Artist: Avery Kwan
Group B First Prize
Group B: Grade 4—6
Lufeng Art Studio
Critique
Colorful fireworks are blooming in the sky, and a beautiful golden snake sits coiled beneath them, presenting auspiciousness. The golden snake has beautiful gold and red scales. Beside it is a market full of happy people and delicious food: juicy kumquats, sweet candied haws, and soft glutinous rice balls, surrounded by flowers, ingots, lanterns, and red envelopes. Friends and family are wearing beautiful traditional clothes, talking and laughing on the street—a scene of prosperity and happiness.
Snake Shines in the Starry Sky
Title: Snake Shines in the Starry Sky
Artist: Mia Li
Group A First Prize
Group A: JK--Grade 3
Tian Tian Art Class
Artist: Mia Li
Group A First Prize
Group A: JK--Grade 3
Tian Tian Art Class
Critique
This realistic style has strong visual impact. The use of color is excellent, with sharp contrast between warm and cool tones. The composition is nearly perfect. The young artist possesses technical ability beyond their years, though the picture lacks some of the innocent imagination typical of children. We look forward to the child expressing themselves from the heart in the future.
2025 2nd Ottawa Youth Chinese Zodiac Painting Competition
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