LIVERPOOL.- A painted canvas smeared in beeswax and another daubed in coffee beans are among the 2,880 entries bidding to win Britain’s biggest painting competition. Now in its 53rd year, the John Moores Contemporary Painting Prize is one of the most prestigious events in the British art world. With a first prize of £25,000, it’s entered anonymously and open to all UK-based artists working with paint. Previous winners include David Hockney, Peter Doig and Michael Raedecker. Reyahn King, director of art galleries National Museums Liverpool, said: “This is one of the largest number of entries we’ve had since the John Moores prize started more than half a century ago. “What’s so special about this painting competition is that anyone can enter. We have the best established artists alongside emerging talent. Today’s prizewinners really are the future stars of the art world. “The illustrious history and ongoing vigour of the John Moores make