Art Challenge
What is the TOAG Art Challenge?
The TOAG Art Challenge is a creative competition open to all Australian artists - regardless of medium, experience or style. Each week in September a new subject is announced and artists are invited to create an original work inspired by it and submit a photo for judging.
It is about the joy of creating, the thrill of a challenge and the celebration of Australian art in all its wonderful forms. Whether you work in oils, watercolour, ceramics, sculpture, photography, textile art or anything in between - you are welcome here.
The inaugural challenge launches on Monday 31 August 2026 and runs for four weeks across four different subjects. Mark your calendars!
How It Works
Subject Announced
Every Monday a new weekly subject is announced on The Online Art Gallery Facebook page
Create Your Work
You have the full week to create an original artwork inspired by the subject in any medium you choose
Submit Your Photo
You have until Thursday evening of the following week to finalise your work and post a photo in the comments of that week's designated Facebook post. Multiple entries per week are accepted.
Winner Announced
Our judge Annette Burton announces the weekly winner every Saturday morning
List Your Work
Once framed or varnished you are welcome to list your challenge artwork on The Online Art Gallery for sale - entirely optional!
August - October 2026 Schedule
The inaugural Art Challenge kicks off on Monday 31 August and runs across four weeks with four different subjects. All mediums and styles are welcome - open slather!
Landscape
Winner: Saturday 13 September
Botanical & Nature
Winner: Saturday 20 September
Portraiture
Winner: Saturday 27 September
Animal of Your Choice
Winner: Saturday 4 October
Meet Our Judge
Annette Burton
Curator & Judge
Annette Burton has embraced a lifetime of creativity - from mastering fabric and yarn at her mother's knee to developing a rich multidisciplinary practice spanning watercolour, fluid acrylics, printmaking and patchwork.
A curator for local art shows and galleries, Annette works from her home studio in Mornington and is a familiar and beloved face in the Australian art community. She is known for her patience, generosity and deep knowledge across a wide range of artistic disciplines - a true believer that you are never too old to learn something new.
We are honoured to have Annette bring her expertise, warmth and discerning eye to the TOAG Art Challenge.
The Prize
Each weekly winner receives recognition and celebration across The Online Art Gallery social media channels. The overall winner - selected by Annette Burton from the four weekly winners - receives an extraordinary prize package.
Feature Artist Spot
Your work and profile featured on the TOAG homepage and dedicated Feature Artist page
Paid Facebook Advertising
Your winning artwork and artist profile boosted to thousands of art lovers across Australia
Paid Instagram Advertising
Your winning artwork and artist profile promoted to our engaged Instagram audience
Annette Burton Recognition
Personal recognition from our esteemed judge Annette Burton announced across all TOAG channels
Ready to Accept the Challenge?
Follow The Online Art Gallery on Facebook to be notified when the first subject is announced on Monday 31 August 2026. Have a question? We would love to hear from you.
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