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An event that asks artists to capture the spirit of London in just one day seems like the sort of challenge you'd need to be Tony Hart to relish. But more than 400 artists of all skill levels took part in last year's inaugural Pintar Rapido, competing to win prizes of up to £1,000 with their speedily created works. The event was inspired by a painting contest organiser Roger Beckett spotted in in Horta De Sant Joan, Spain, where Pablo Picasso painted some of his earliest cubist works (pintar rapido means 'painting quickly' in Spanish).
This year's event takes place on July 11. Paintings can be of any size, medium or subject, as long as said subject is located in London. If you fancy yourself a capable painter under pressure, sign up for an artist's pass (£19.50) before July 1 and start hunting for a winning view. With just ten hours to complete your masterpiece you won't want to waste any precious time lugging your materials around aimlessly.
The day following their creation (July 12) all the completed artworks go on sale in a public exhibition at Chelsea Town Hall, with artists getting half of the sale price. If the results of your efforts are less spectacular than you had hoped, you can always give your painting a pity price to shift it, or take it home yourself to hide behind a wardrobe somewhere. If, on the other hand, it turns out you're a dab hand at this speedy painting lark you can sign up for the Glasgow (Aug 15-16) or Amsterdam (Sep 5-6) competitions.
Those looking to purchase art rather than create it can claim free entry to the exhibition in advance by emailing tickets@pintarrapido.com. Tickets on the door will cost £5.