Local artist competing in North American makeup competition

Summer Stockwell has an interesting hobby: the 25-year-old uses her body to paint unique and elaborate illustrations. So she didn't think twice about signing up for a North American makeup competition that encourages contestants to do just that.

• Windsor artist turns her face into a canvas

What did surprise her was being one out of hundreds selected to compete. Stockwell is now in her third round of competition and with only 12 contestants left, she is fighting for a final spot.

"I can't believe it, it feels crazy. I have been working so hard for it, so I am just so excited and I just want to see what it is next," said Stockwell, who lives in Essex.

The Freedom and Artistry for Creative Expression Contest is run by an American makeup brand, NYX Cosmetics. Contestants spend hours designing a unique, themed look and then paint it onto their body.

Artists then upload their look in video format to the competition website where the public has a chance to vote for their favourite look.​

Check out her past creations

The themed look for the first round was called "The Power of Makeup."

The themed look for the second round was called "The Machinist." Watch the video here:

Stockwell says the makeup alone takes her about 13 hours to apply to her body. She has also dedicated hours of time to making costumes, props, filming and editing videos.

Stockwell, who by day works as a dental hygienist, says this is a competition that could potentially change her life.

"[Body art] is 100 per cent me, this is what I want to do," she said. "I love everything about it."

Stockwell spent Sunday evening filming her third look, which is based upon icons. Due to competition rules, she will only be releasing her next creation Friday.

If Stockwell wins the next round, NYX Cosmetics will fly her out to Los Angeles where she will compete against the final six contestants in front of celebrity judges. 

"I just can't believe this," said her father, who helped her build and transport large props to the filming studio.

He is just one of many family members who Stockwell credits for her success.

"I am just really happy and thankful everything is paying off," she said.

Check out Stockwell's Instagram page for more of her artwork.