Emerging artists from across Canada have been named as finalists in the RBC Canadian Painting Competition.

The nominees are all working artists in the first five years of their careers.

Nominees from Toronto include Aleksander Hardashnakov and Vanessa Maltese.

One national winner will earn $25,000 and two runners-up will each receive prizes of $15,000. The winning painting also becomes part of the RBC national art collection.

The 2012 winner and honourable mentions will be announced in Toronto on November 29th. Paintings by all 15 finalists will be exhibited at the Power Plant contemporary art gallery in Toronto