BP Portrait Award 2013. Submission.

"I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it."  ~Pablo Picasso

For the past four months, I have been contemplating if I should send my painting to  BP Portrait Award 2013 competition, Details-->  http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/bp-portrait-award-2013.php

Finally after long hours of research and long hours of work, I decided to submit my entry. What I was not expecting was the challenge of shipping this huge painting to LOndon.  After many many many costly and disappointing quotes from different shipping companies, I was back to square one, contemplation. My chances are 1% to get selected, is it worth the time and my hard working Money!     
  "Go Big or Go Home" RIght?  
I decided to go with an offer that was better than the rest, UPS $1500 (which later I will find that the offer was too good to be true, I was charged 3X as much).   

Cost of shipping to London: 

$350.00 (crate) + $4260.00 = More Artist Debt

Be that as it may,

I had the greatest feeling when UPS Freight (after two weeks of calling everyday) told me my Painting was at the place of destination one day before the deadline, that was my triumph! I was to wait, exactly 16 days before the results. 

Did I WIN? So unfortunate--No. I wanted this so so badly. 

However, I am happy (optimistic) I failed. I learned a lot. How great a feeling it is, to fail; gives you a base to build upon.

[ Although I will now have to ship this painting back to the US,

 which will cost me more headache and so much more money.]

I felt like shipping this painting was much harder than, painting the painting :)
Imagine that. 

Cheers to, beautiful rainbows after the rain!

AND

Without the element of uncertainty—the bringing off of even—the greatest triumph would be dull, routine, and eminently unsatisfying. – J. Paul Getty

After two months of crate research, I was lucky to find Mr. King to built me this beautiful 7x6 feet Crate for my large painting. 

     

It was flawless!!!

My Final goodbyes with 4 moths of hard labor. 

Taking it to Aladdin Rugs, for packaging. 

Right before wrapping it up. 

All set in, wishing it is sufficient enough to travel to London!

After waiting for UPS fraight for two days, with deadline right around the corner-- finally arrived.

At 284 pounds, it wieghted so much :/.  AND there it went. 

Out of my hands now. With only 11 days left until the deadline. 

The Painting. Detail. 

BP Portrait Award 2013 Painting Submission
The Painting. Done entirely with Oil paints.
Titled : Architecting Space, No.1 Azadeh.
Size: 61.5 X 76.5 cm