Royal Society of Marine Artists 2026 | Award Winners
/ Royal Society of Marine Artists
On behalf of the Royal Society of Marine Artists, congratulations to the award winning artists at the RSMA Annual Exhibition 2026:
The Charles Pears Award
For an outstanding work in any medium by a non-member. Presented by the RSMA in memory of Charles Pears, founding member and first President. Value £500.
Winner: Mark Bradford, Gannet
“Through meticulous attention to detail I invite the viewer to focus in on this majestic marine bird, that lives at the raw edge of vision and instinct.”
The Baltic Exchange Award
For an outstanding work related to the maritime industry, selected by the Society’s President and the Chairman of the Baltic Exchange. The Baltic is an historic membership organisation at the heart of the international shipping industry, providing services relied upon by shipping markets worldwide. Value £2,000.
Winner: John Scott Martin RBA PPRSMA, Time for Departure at Sunset - Sheerness
‘John Scott Martin’s oil painting wonderfully encapsulates the intense activity at this busy Kentish port on the Isle of Sheppey. Having witnessed the port in operation, tug boats and pilot vessels are constantly on the move and this work so vividly portrays a tug heading towards a Danish Reefer Container vessel to assist it out to sea on the evening tide. This area of Kent is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and these warm colours perfectly reflect the sometimes mystical colours experienced at certain times of year accentuating the contrast to the giant steel grey port side cranes.’ - Chair, Baltic Exchange
The Murray's Commercial Fishing Award
For a work in any medium depicting commercial fishing. First prize £500 and second prize £100.
First Prize: Peter Barker RSMA, Mevagissey Outer Harbour
Second Prize: Ross Van Nairn, Newlyn Fishing Fleet at Sundown
Daler-Rowney Prize
Where the Sea meets the Land: A prize of £500 worth of art materials, to be chosen by the winner. The prize will go to an outstanding work inspired by the sea as it ends its long journey towards the seashore.
Winner: Cathy Veale, Low Tide Reflection
The Kenneth Denton Award
For a work on the theme 'The Sea in all its Moods'. Made possible by the generosity of late member Kenneth Denton. Value £500.
Winner: Brian Collins RSMA, Force of Nature
Robert Abraham Memorial Prize
For the best oil painting by a full member of the RSMA at the bequest of the late member Lorraine Abraham. The annual award is dedicated to her husband Robert. Value £500.
Winner: Gareth Brown RSMA, Beached Root IX
The RSMA New Generation Award
Awarded by the Society, the successful artist will receive £500. Open to all artists aged 35 or under at the close of submissions.
The Sonia Robinson Award for the Best Small Painting
For a work in any medium measuring no more than 30 cm along its longest dimension, excluding frame. Value £400.
Winner: Nataliya Zozulya, Portland Bill
The Topbond Marine Award
For works depicting marine engineering or construction activities in harbours, estuaries or marine waters within the UK. Value £250.
Winner: Benjamin Hope NEAC PS ROI RP RSMA, Lambeth Bridge, October
'We chose this painting for how it captures the character of Lambeth Bridge and its place in the ever changing London landscape. Lambeth Bridge has a particular significance for us; having been part of our own journey through the work we were privileged to undertake there. This painting will serve as a lasting reminder of that time and of a place that became very familiar to us. We are delighted to present the Topbond Marine Award in recognition of the artist’s skill in capturing a view that holds such special meaning for us.' - Topbond PLC
The Winsor & Newton Prize
£250 worth of Winsor & Newton art materials to be chosen by the winner.
Winner: Emma Ray, Portane
Mall Galleries / FBA Award
Ten free submissions to exhibitions by the Federation of British Artists at Mall Galleries for an exceptional work by a non-member exhibitor.
Winner: Sarah Lake, Ocean Soul
The Painters Online Award
For the most deserving work, as judged by the magazine. The winner will be interviewed for a feature in The Artist magazine, print and digital edition.
Winner: James Bartholomew RSMA, Moorings, St Ives
The Classic Boat Prize
The winner will receive a year’s subscription to Classic Boat and a profile feature in Classic Boat Magazine.
Browse and Buy
These award winning works are available to browse and buy online, alongside many more works at the RSMA Annual Exhibition 2026.
