An Israeli painter is in the running to winning a prestigious award worth £35,000.

Matan Ben-Cnaan is one of three artists shortlisted for the BP Portrait Award.

He was chosen for his oil painting Annabelle and Guy, inspired by the biblical story of Jephthah

If he wins, he will take home the first prize of £30,000 and a £5,000 commission to paint a work for the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection. Artists Michael Gaskell and Borja Buces Renard are also in the running to win.

Some 2,748 portraits by artists from 92 countries were submitted to the competition.

The second prize winner receives £10,000 and the third prize winner will receive £8,000.

Mr Ben-Cnaan is from northern Israel and studied fine arts at Haifa University.