Academy accepts wet canvas for first time in its history . Portrait painted in 5 1 / 2 hours . For the first time in its long history , the Royal Academy has allowed a wet canvas to be sent in . The picture is a portrait of Miss Claire Luce , the film actress , painted in only five and half hours by the Hungarian artist M Antonio Schwartz de Megyes . Today ( Tuesday ) was the last day for sending in to the Academy and M de Megyes only decided to paint the picture five days ago . Photo shows , M Antonio Schwartz de Megyes leaving Carlton House Terrace with his we canvas of Claire Luce , for the Academy . 30 March 1937