Sam B. Kennedy shortlisted for SAA Artist of the Year Award 2026
I'm absolutely thrilled to share the exciting news that three of my paintings have been shortlisted for SAA’s Artist of the Year 2026 competition!
The shortlisted works are:
The Persistence of Hope
Mulberry Dreams
Fortune Flames
I've been fortunate enough to be a finalist in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and each year has helped build my confidence as an artist. Last year, I put forward one of my portrait paintings on a whim- Cooking with Gas. At the time I wasn’t fully confident in sharing my portrait pieces, but that was the one they took forward, out of all of the pieces I submitted. It made a huge difference to me, encouraging me to explore portraits more confidently, which is exactly what I’ve been doing this past year.
The team at the SAA have always been so warm, encouraging, and genuinely supportive, and they’ve played a significant role in my artistic journey. They've celebrated my work at every stage and, perhaps most importantly, given me the confidence to keep pushing myself creatively. It was back in 2022 when they printed an oil pastel drawing of mine in Paint & Create magazine- my first ever published work! I am so grateful that they’ve had me back several times to produce articles and online content for them.
When I first began exploring portraiture, it felt like stepping into unfamiliar territory. Moving away from the wildlife subjects that many people know me for was both exciting and daunting. These three shortlisted paintings are all part of that newer body of work, making this recognition feel like a real milestone. It's incredibly reassuring to know that the direction I'm exploring is resonating with others.
What next?
The competition isn't over just yet. The shortlisted works will now go through the final round of judging, with finalists being announced in August. If selected, the paintings will be exhibited as part of the SAA Artist of the Year 2026 Exhibition this October.
Excitingly, my artworks have been entered into the People's Choice Award, with public voting opening on 13th July. I'll be sure to share the voting link once it's live, and I'd be incredibly grateful for your support if you'd like to cast a vote for me!
For now, I'm simply taking a moment to celebrate. As artists, it's easy to move straight onto the next painting without pausing to acknowledge how far we've come. Looking back over the last few years, from exhibiting as a finalist for the first time with the SAA in 2023 to now having three portraits shortlisted in one year… I'm feeling immensely grateful.
Fingers crossed that I get through next round!
Sam B. Kennedy at the SAA Artist of the Year exhibition in 2024, beside her highly commended piece ‘London Calling’