18/05/2026
In a perfect world we would have unlimited space and could manage and hang every entry to the Doyle’s. But the reality is we get nearly 1000 entries every year and hang close to 600. It is an enormous workload for the team of volunteers who give up large portions of their lives to make the exhibition a reality each year.
The committee worked hard at creating a system that was fair to handle selections. 3 judges look at works separately without artist names attached and if 2 agree that artwork becomes a finalist.
It is impossible to give feedback to artists individually.
Today we post an article by SA artist Mike Barr - he was not an entrant or finalist with the Doyles, but an artist who has shared the difficulty of not being selected.
By Mike Barr, posted to Artworx Gallery.
‘Umbrellas on Picnic Hill’ ~ My latest art-show rejection this year.
“When it comes to art, once we get out of the comfortable bubble of family and friends and into the wider art world – rejection is ready and waiting for us.
It’s pretty much unavoidable and no artist likes it.
Rejection takes a few forms and on top of the list is the fact that not everyone will like what we do. Actually, if we’ve been softened up by those closest too us into believing our paintings are fabulous, it can come as a real shock when we find out that our stuff is not everyone’s cup of tea!
It starts when we get into some kind of group exhibition and we eagerly await to see if our creations interest onlookers. Sometimes it’s as if our work is completely invisible when people walk passed it without missing a stride – it then dawns on us dramatically that what we paint is not for everyone.
Worse still, is overhearing comments that might not be favourable – many artists will have stories to tell about that! We quickly have to grow a thicker skin and accept that a particular piece of art does not speak to everyone.
Formal rejection from galleries and juried exhibitions is more common than you might think, but it can be the hardest to take. I can safely say that most artists have experienced it and I personally still get rejections today. It’s just a part of how things are.
When it comes to getting into galleries or group exhibitions, we are in competition with many other artists. The world is thick with them! There is not enough space in exhibitions and not enough galleries to accommodate all artists. As much as we might not like to think of art being competitive, in real life it is and rising above the average (if we desire it) and being original is important in getting noticed.
As for art competition/exhibitions, it is often the case that numbers will be limited and there will be judging just to get into the show. It’s a hard fact of life, but there is no other way – if we do get rejected it is a matter of being persistent – there is no progress in art without this.
Also, we may notice the same artists getting prizes. Again, there is no other way, the best paintings should always get the nod. After all, who would want an award just out of pity – it would be worth nothing. On the other-hand there is a time for artists who win often to step down from the smaller shows and set their sights higher.
Rejection is actually the way forward. It sharpens resolve to lift our game and look for even more opportunities. When success does arrive no matter how small or in what form, it will be the sweetest and most encouraging thing of all.
I remember my own first little merit award back in 2004 – I’ve never looked back!
Happy Painting!”
- Mike Barr
