Art Battle is a timed, three-round live painting competition consisting of two Preliminary Rounds and a Final Round.

Each artist is provided with the same canvas, acrylic paint, basic equipment, and their easel. Artists bring only their brushes or other non-mechanical tools. No at-easel references. No outside material or tools (ex. tape) may remain on the canvas. No pre-made stencils.

At the end of each Preliminary Round, the audience votes for their favorite painting. The top two artists from each will compete in a four-way Final Round for the title of Ottawa City Champion and an invitation to the Art Battle Canada National Championship.