SAA Artist of the Year 2026

I have entered this competition every year, since it started I think, some 20 years ago and without fail, I have never got anywhere.

A sensible artist might take this as a sign and give up, but no – not me, I tried again this year. For a change I actually got a commendation for this picture:

I then got quite excited for a while when these 2 pictures made the long list, but sadly not the short list.

They do have an option to vote for your favourite work in the artist choice award (voting deadline is the 17th August 2026) and it’s always interesting looking through other artist work and to see who won the artist of the year award.