Man you're a real one. I love that you filmed your raw reaction to being rejected like that. Not an easy thing to do im sure. Keep going Matthew, your work is amazing. You're sure to be accepted eventually.
Really appreciate you having the courage to put this out there. I think any of us that follow your channel would agree that you are just as worthy as any other artist in getting in but there are so many artists and so few spots that there is probably a lot of luck involved in this. Keep doing your thing and you will no doubt have luck swing your way. I have personally learned a great deal from your videos so thank you for doing what you do for the rest of us!
Goodness, it's incredible how these selection panels work and that they refused your beautiful painting. You are so brave to have documented this process with the world. I really appreciate your honesty and generosity of spirit.
I enjoy your videos. Just a distinction that may help you to shape your journey. Your art wasn’t rejected. It simply wasn’t selected. Subjective evaluation by others doesn’t establish the value and quality of your watercolor. The journey is sharing your art.
As someone had already said here in their comment, it takes courage to accept your rejection and use it as stepping stones. I thought nobody has ever thought about making a video on this subject. So I really appreciate. I wish you better luck next time. Number of rejections decide how big your achievement will be, so keep trying until you make it.
wow. I've probably never felt my own heart so strongly during a video as I did at the moment when "we read together" the answer from AWS. I can't even put into words the many emotions that took place at the same time - watching you look into the camera and try to express your feelings. I think we are all so immensely grateful to you for this kind of openness and experience you give us. I booked your class a few months ago because I wanted to finally start painting again. But I still haven't started it. And this video just opened my eyes to why I still don't do something even though I want it from the bottom of my heart. And that is fear. I'm actually afraid that starting again won't feel as good as I hope it will, because I haven't grab a paintbrush since years and I will mess it up. And today I learned: Yes. That's exactly how it will probably be. BUT: It's not bad. It is a first step of many that can come after. Now I'm not so afraid of the fear anymore. Thank you so so so much for everything you give us with your personality. All the best and love for you from Germany.
Your work is beautiful. You are a wonderful teacher. Don’t put too much weight on this decision. This is 1 entity. You have thousands of people who love your work.
Your artwork is incredible - the way you capture the light so beautifully, the expert technique, the emotion your work conveys. Keep submitting! You told us not to give up , so don't give up! They will eventually select you, I'm sure!
Thank you for sharing this video with us. Humility is a beautiful attribute to possess.Your paintings are beautiful and your teaching is amazing. I feel many of us who follow you think you are a winner in not only your work but also for your very informative videos.I come from a family of artists and I have seen this rejection often. You will pick up a brush and keep moveing forward because we have all seen this in your progression of talent as you have shared your old works which graduated into beautiful paintings. Thanks for taking us on this journey and for giving me hope for my journey in watercolor. Mary Lee
That was hard to watch for us, but I can’t imagine how it felt for you. I admire your courage, persistence and your amazing talent Matthew. Thanks for your wise words and your great teaching.
You are a true artist who does not feel shy to show the failure part of a journey that most successful artists go through. I am so inspired with your words and I know many of us feel the same . Thank you for your beautiful advices.
Man, I’ve submitted a number of pieces for consideration, with only “special mention” results. I don’t know if my work is worthy, but I do know that you’ve taught me SO MUCH about watercolor painting. Your work is phenomenal. Do not be constrained by what “others” think is valuable. Your work is amazing. Screw them and their judgement. I doubt most of those judges can perform at the level you do - thus their narcissistic inability to properly judge your talent. Kick ass, Pal!
Matthew....even if you never get accepted ( and I believe you will!) you are admired and extremely talented. I have taken up painting a little over a year ago now that I am retired. I am obsessed..and I love old barns, small town scenes, landscapes. I post my work on Facebook and get nice results. I even have a few artists follow me on Instagram! That really thrills me and keeps me toiling on. Capturing light still eludes me but your work gives me hope. Thanks!
You are a true atrist. It takes real courage and immense control of one's own self, one's own emotions, to share raw feelings in front of the entire world. I couldn't fight back my tears while you went through the letter of rejection. And believe me, we all stood by you, feeling the same painful rejection at that very moment. It's cloudy today in Kolkata, India. The monsoon has already started. I'm sitting by the window. Can hear the birds' call. And, I'm sending all my regards and respect to you. Thank you for being you, being an inspiration.
Keep putting your name and work in front of the judges. You will be remembered by someone and who knows what can come of that piece of memory they have. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Cheer up Matt. You are a good teacher, that's more important, that what you do with your post are usefull for others. Your knowledge are accessable for free in youtube. So many learn better painting from you.
Dear Matthew, I am Romy from Italy, I just discovered you thanks to this wonderful video! I am beginner painter and I chose to learn from some seasoned teacher in watercolor. Last week, I spoke with my future teacher who is very well known in Italy since he is one of the founder of Fabriano Watercolor. He is an hyper-realistic painter. He told me that he tried do enter in American Watercolor Society for 7 years before they could accept him. I liked that you studied the catalogue before applying the painting, it was a good strategy. But when I saw the painting that you selected, I knew inside me the competition would have been so high for you get accepted. I think you should start planning your submission at least 8 months in advance, making different versions of the composition until you are totally sure of the result. Enterring in a society like that, requires a LOT of strategy and a super astonishing painting. Said that, I really appreciated the fact that you showed us all the struggles a painter or a wannabe painter should pass through everyday!
I liked the painting right after the one you decided to repaint and submit. The one with the village and the field. It's such a bold and vibrant painting. I think that would've made it into the show. But you definitely belong in the American Watercolor Society. I guess it depends on the personal taste of the judges.
Thank you so much for sharing this journey, Matthew, and for your honesty and vulnerability. You are truly inspiring, and I feel encouraged by you. Thank you again!
Had a few thoughts: (1) You might be right on the precipice of taking your art to a place that *will* be what they want, (2) art is subjective (to heck with them-keep doing what you love, (3) my personal favorite of yours is set in a community by an ocean at low tide - the sun is strong and warm and there’s a vibrancy to it. Anyway thank you for sharing with us and encouraging all of us!
I am sure you will be there, the world belong to those who persevere. Thank you for sharing your struggle, frustration and vulnerability. We tend to only see the moment the peak of the mountain but never think about the work, the struggle, and the time it took to get there. You are inspiring in every way Matt, and I admire you deeply.
Your work is so great and I appreciate you so much. I honestly wished you had chosen a different painting. Maybe NEXT YEAR you could crowd-source the choice for submission! You deserve to be in the show; your day is coming!
I am sorry your painting was not selected. I follow you because I admire your skill as an artist but also because of the way that you speak about art and the grace you give to yourself and others. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this. I think everyone needs to hear the part about celebrating rejections, not only artists. Whatever you do in life, there come the times when you're just sick and tired of trying, rejection after rejection. At these times, every single one of us needs a reminder that you're not a failure as long as you keep trying.
Disappointment is such a difficult emotion to deal with. It hurts in a deeply profound way. I loved this video. You show what it means to be an artist: to put yourself out there and risk rejection. Well done, Matthew. And I love your work.
What a great attitude! With watercolour, you need that way of thinking, otherwise, because it’s such a difficult medium to do well, many of us would just throw the towel in.
Great video, and all I can say is that your painting course is great Matt. It's getting me to the point where I am beginning to feel confident enough to start getting out there and sharing my work. I doubt this journey ever ends, any aspiring artist's output will always trail behind their ambition, and that's just the way it should be.
Matthew, you are a great artist ! You don't need a certificate for that from anyone! We assess you not based on what others say or view your works! Keep going. We are eager to see more great paintings from you! A big salute from me!
You are amazing!!! Yes, how we choose to think about "rejection", change the outcome of our future. What a stunning painting that I would battle to stop looking at. You are a warrior
really amazing to see you trying and waiting for the results, it's like you are not trying to push yourself far from the people who are following you here and there. you have to try again next time & good luck. God bless you
You are so inspiring to me and I am sure, so many others. I think THAT is the biggest accomplishment of all. I love your videos. I am a total beginner and you have a way of calming me down.
Thank you for sharing this experience; it solidified my conviction that I made the right decision to be one of your 'students' both on this channel and when I signed up for your online course; you are a great painter and an awesome teacher
Hello, Matthew! You are a wonderful painter and this is not going to change because of not being accepted to AWS exhibition. But you already know that ! I wish your dream come true soon!
I just found your page. You are an amazing artist and fantastic teacher. You speak words that lift and inspire. Thanks for being vulnerable, real and kind. I'm learning so much from you.
Dear Matthew, Thanks for sharing everything with us, and especially this. I truly wish you will succeed in that quest. I wanted to thank you for your excellent work teaching us all how to paint watercolors. I havent found any artist that teaches the way you do, with such dedication, patience, précision and enthusiasm. You have helped me improve so much. So thanks a lot. Kind regards, Eliot following you from France
Wow - that is a difficult and powerful message for any creative. Thank you for sharing so openly. Your instruction has made my watercolor better, but more importantly more enjoyable and I thank you.
Wow thank you. I am an stuck artist. I feel alone in my proces and do not have a goal that gives me power to go on. This is waking something up in me. The edge that scares me... THnk you.Groeten uit Nederland
Okay! Here I am 2 months later. I went and looked at AWS, web site, and checked out the entry's. {entries?} Any who! .........there is a lot of negative I could spew about this but I won't. Keep at it if you want, your art is good enough .....no it is great enough. You got this! Try, try again. You are a great instructor/teacher too. Great Art speaks for itself. < PERIOD.
Matthew, your work is lovely. For me, there were 2 paintings that stood out from the selection you showed us. 2.07 and 2.11 (time stamps). There is just something about them I can't describe. Plus there was more, you didn't show us the close-up! :D So can't say anything about those. What you say about an artist sharing part o their identity, personality and emotions through paintings via social media so resonates with me, it is so nerve-racking! As artists we are usually very emotional and sensitive, what's important is to work on accepting the rejection. Not everyone will like our work, and we might not be accepted for a long time. But each painting teaches us something new, and each rejection makes us stronger ( I hope). You are a wonderful human being producing beautiful and evocative work. One day your career will skyrocket and then people will say ... "Where did he come from!" :) What they usually don't see, is how many rejections and not-so-nice days we have to go through to get where we want to be. Thank you for being here for us and sharing this very emotional moment with us! Sending you best wishes and hugs from the UK!
Thank you for sharing this special moment. you are so talented artist. No need to get disappointed. Your audience value you. People love you for your work. Celebrate every day of your live. No need to wait for any exhibition to celebrate. Much love and congratulations for your hard work. Keep going. ❤
I felt your pain Matthew. Thank you for this inspiring video. I hope and pray you get in to AWS one day. I also hope that one day I will have enough courage to send my work for some exhibition.
I love your paintings and vids. I always have new knowledge about watercolor to take away. The textures on the old building in shadow are so fun to look at.
Thank you so much for your honesty. The ongoing inspiration you provide with you instruction as well as your clear instruction have been a great find for me as I try to learn more about watercolor. I am sure you touch more people than you can imagine. You are a success as far as I can see.
Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. Thanks for the artistic guidance and coaching…keep on painting. I’m just now sharing my beginning art with other artists.. It is scary and vulnerable feeling as many of my artist friends are much more advanced than I. It’s a very insecure feeling to expose your art in public, especially among much better artists. I’ve also discovered that some of my art ( I feel) is as good as some others and what sets us apart is our own individual style of painting…
Matt- thank you for your vulnerability. I submitted this year too and got that same rejection email :) I related to so much of what you said in this video. It can be tough. Anyhow- man. I'm excited for when you get accepted in the future. I'm going to be cheering all the louder from your corner when you do.
You are a very positive and inspirational teacher! Love your message about pushing yourself and to keep going. Life is a journey and can take you to unexpected but wonderful places if we keep growing and moving forward. I’ve always admired your work and look up to you to capture the beautiful scene with light and clouds. Keep going Matthew!! You are an inspiration to us all. ❤
I enjoy your painting and videos very much. Don’t know if your painting was accepted, but of the ones you showed, my vote was for the street scene - white steeple in back on left and person in red sweater crossing the street. Love the color and composition!
Thankyou Matthew, great word i needed to hear. Win or lose you a great artist. Although I'm an amateur, and ive got a late start on life painting. I would like to be like you. I had an art scholarship in high school but choose another path. Now just trying to get back. Thanks for the advice Mathew, greatly appreciated.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I've applied to many show's over the years, and it's still hard getting the rejection notice's! I have applied this specific Exhibition the (Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour) CSPWC's 2022 International Open Water Juried Exhibition a few times now and I FINALLY got excepted for the last show in December. All I make sure to keep in mind is that, all art is subjective & that just because I wasn't chosen doesn't mean that my work is lacking. It just means they didn't see what they were looking for at that particular time. I completely understand your disappointment though! There's always next year!!!☺
I love your work and I know you’re going to be a part of that exhibition someday. I appreciate your generosity in sharing your skills with your videos! I have learned so much! Thank you!
Very useful video, thanks for sharing. If I might make a suggestion: your paintings of suburban scenes are truly unique. So many artists are painting cityscapes that they are becoming cliche. I am always amazed by how beautiful you are able to make a simple scene of suburban street with a cars in the driveways, at various times of day and weather. Just sayin'
Very inspiring video, thank you! I dont regard this as a rejection. 100 were selected from thousands. You just didnt make it into the pool yet. If they were selecting 100 works and only received 80 and still didnt select yours that would be rejection.
Well that' a bummer but keep trying! I love your art! I don't share with anyone except a few friends I might gift something on a birthday or special occasion. Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
What a great video. I'm much eailer in my watercolor journey than you are. Obviously, at this stage I produce many more disasters, but I wonder if you're at a stage in which you feel more pain. You've developed enough skill to start having expectations of yourself. To me, all failures are expected and don't sting much yet.
Sorry you were rejected. I have tried out AWS and several other Society shows. I had multiple rejections too, but I look at it as a challenge to push myself further. I have now been accepted twice to MOWS show. Although, I have 2 rejections since those acceptances. Good luck!
I liked the most your painting with the snow of all shown. I like your logical approach and this is really goot to explain how to do things. But if i was at the place of that jury, I would not look at the details in the picture at all, but that there should be something memorable in it.
I’m sorry you didn’t get it this year. I think you are very talented though and I personally loved the painting of the man watching the person playing the double bass (large string instrument). I would buy that!
I love your art!!! I'm sorry that you didn't get selected. As you were showing all of your art on the table and looking at your selections. I was drawn to some of your works over others. I'm wondering if next year you would let your followers choose which painting is selected. Maybe you are too attached to some of your works. Maybe we as viewers, not the creator, will better choose which piece should be submitted. Just an idea. Best of luck.
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Man you're a real one. I love that you filmed your raw reaction to being rejected like that. Not an easy thing to do im sure. Keep going Matthew, your work is amazing. You're sure to be accepted eventually.
❤
Really appreciate you having the courage to put this out there. I think any of us that follow your channel would agree that you are just as worthy as any other artist in getting in but there are so many artists and so few spots that there is probably a lot of luck involved in this. Keep doing your thing and you will no doubt have luck swing your way. I have personally learned a great deal from your videos so thank you for doing what you do for the rest of us!
Matthew, not only should you get a spot in the AWS catalog, but your precious teaching, per se, deserves a special prize!
Thank you!!
Goodness, it's incredible how these selection panels work and that they refused your beautiful painting. You are so brave to have documented this process with the world. I really appreciate your honesty and generosity of spirit.
I enjoy your videos. Just a distinction that may help you to shape your journey. Your art wasn’t rejected. It simply wasn’t selected. Subjective evaluation by others doesn’t establish the value and quality of your watercolor. The journey is sharing your art.
As someone had already said here in their comment, it takes courage to accept your rejection and use it as stepping stones. I thought nobody has ever thought about making a video on this subject. So I really appreciate. I wish you better luck next time. Number of rejections decide how big your achievement will be, so keep trying until you make it.
Thank you!
wow. I've probably never felt my own heart so strongly during a video as I did at the moment when "we read together" the answer from AWS.
I can't even put into words the many emotions that took place at the same time - watching you look into the camera and try to express your feelings.
I think we are all so immensely grateful to you for this kind of openness and experience you give us.
I booked your class a few months ago because I wanted to finally start painting again. But I still haven't started it. And this video just opened my eyes to why I still don't do something even though I want it from the bottom of my heart. And that is fear. I'm actually afraid that starting again won't feel as good as I hope it will, because I haven't grab a paintbrush since years and I will mess it up. And today I learned: Yes. That's exactly how it will probably be. BUT: It's not bad. It is a first step of many that can come after.
Now I'm not so afraid of the fear anymore. Thank you so so so much for everything you give us with your personality. All the best and love for you from Germany.
Good for you for putting it out there!!!
It's beautiful work! YOU ARE PART OF IT! You made yourself part it!!!
Excellent! I"m inspired!!!!
Your work is beautiful. You are a wonderful teacher. Don’t put too much weight on this decision. This is 1 entity. You have thousands of people who love your work.
Never mind Matthew, please take heart in the
Fact you're a true WINNER when it comes to helping others on line. 😉
Your artwork is incredible - the way you capture the light so beautifully, the expert technique, the emotion your work conveys. Keep submitting! You told us not to give up , so don't give up! They will eventually select you, I'm sure!
Thank you for sharing this video with us. Humility is a beautiful attribute to possess.Your paintings are beautiful and your teaching is amazing. I feel many of us who follow you think you are a winner in not only your work but also for your very informative videos.I come from a family of artists and I have seen this rejection often. You will pick up a brush and keep moveing forward because we have all seen this in your progression of talent as you have shared your old works which graduated into beautiful paintings. Thanks for taking us on this journey and for giving me hope for my journey in watercolor. Mary Lee
You create beauty, you teach beauty, you give pleasure and inspiration to thousands. A superb achievement.
That was hard to watch for us, but I can’t imagine how it felt for you. I admire your courage, persistence and your amazing talent Matthew. Thanks for your wise words and your great teaching.
You are a true artist who does not feel shy to show the failure part of a journey that most successful artists go through. I am so inspired with your words and I know many of us feel the same . Thank you for your beautiful advices.
Man, I’ve submitted a number of pieces for consideration, with only “special mention” results. I don’t know if my work is worthy, but I do know that you’ve taught me SO MUCH about watercolor painting. Your work is phenomenal. Do not be constrained by what “others” think is valuable. Your work is amazing. Screw them and their judgement. I doubt most of those judges can perform at the level you do - thus their narcissistic inability to properly judge your talent. Kick ass, Pal!
Dear Matthew, I will pray for you to succeed in your dream....You have inspired so many artists, thank you!
Matthew....even if you never get accepted ( and I believe you will!) you are admired and extremely talented. I have taken up painting a little over a year ago now that I am retired. I am obsessed..and I love old barns, small town scenes, landscapes. I post my work on Facebook and get nice results. I even have a few artists follow me on Instagram! That really thrills me and keeps me toiling on. Capturing light still eludes me but your work gives me hope. Thanks!
You are a true atrist. It takes real courage and immense control of one's own self, one's own emotions, to share raw feelings in front of the entire world. I couldn't fight back my tears while you went through the letter of rejection. And believe me, we all stood by you, feeling the same painful rejection at that very moment.
It's cloudy today in Kolkata, India. The monsoon has already started. I'm sitting by the window. Can hear the birds' call. And, I'm sending all my regards and respect to you. Thank you for being you, being an inspiration.
Keep putting your name and work in front of the judges. You will be remembered by someone and who knows what can come of that piece of memory they have. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Cheer up Matt. You are a good teacher, that's more important, that what you do with your post are usefull for others. Your knowledge are accessable for free in youtube. So many learn better painting from you.
Dear Matthew, I am Romy from Italy, I just discovered you thanks to this wonderful video! I am beginner painter and I chose to learn from some seasoned teacher in watercolor. Last week, I spoke with my future teacher who is very well known in Italy since he is one of the founder of Fabriano Watercolor. He is an hyper-realistic painter. He told me that he tried do enter in American Watercolor Society for 7 years before they could accept him. I liked that you studied the catalogue before applying the painting, it was a good strategy. But when I saw the painting that you selected, I knew inside me the competition would have been so high for you get accepted. I think you should start planning your submission at least 8 months in advance, making different versions of the composition until you are totally sure of the result. Enterring in a society like that, requires a LOT of strategy and a super astonishing painting. Said that, I really appreciated the fact that you showed us all the struggles a painter or a wannabe painter should pass through everyday!
I liked the painting right after the one you decided to repaint and submit. The one with the village and the field. It's such a bold and vibrant painting. I think that would've made it into the show. But you definitely belong in the American Watercolor Society. I guess it depends on the personal taste of the judges.
Thank you so much for sharing this journey, Matthew, and for your honesty and vulnerability. You are truly inspiring, and I feel encouraged by you. Thank you again!
Don’t give up Matt, thousands of submissions for 100 spots is really hard. I’m almost certain you will get in one day!
Had a few thoughts: (1) You might be right on the precipice of taking your art to a place that *will* be what they want, (2) art is subjective (to heck with them-keep doing what you love, (3) my personal favorite of yours is set in a community by an ocean at low tide - the sun is strong and warm and there’s a vibrancy to it. Anyway thank you for sharing with us and encouraging all of us!
They were wrong,you deserve a spot.
Thank you. I understand the judging cannot be easy. I'll keep plugging away!
I am sure you will be there, the world belong to those who persevere.
Thank you for sharing your struggle, frustration and vulnerability. We tend to only see the moment the peak of the mountain but never think about the work, the struggle, and the time it took to get there. You are inspiring in every way Matt, and I admire you deeply.
Your work is so great and I appreciate you so much. I honestly wished you had chosen a different painting. Maybe NEXT YEAR you could crowd-source the choice for submission! You deserve to be in the show; your day is coming!
I am sorry your painting was not selected. I follow you because I admire your skill as an artist but also because of the way that you speak about art and the grace you give to yourself and others. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this. I think everyone needs to hear the part about celebrating rejections, not only artists. Whatever you do in life, there come the times when you're just sick and tired of trying, rejection after rejection. At these times, every single one of us needs a reminder that you're not a failure as long as you keep trying.
Wow. Talk about making yourself vulnerable. Thank you. I can't remember watching a video that so inspired me. I believe you will make it.
Disappointment is such a difficult emotion to deal with. It hurts in a deeply profound way. I loved this video. You show what it means to be an artist: to put yourself out there and risk rejection. Well done, Matthew. And I love your work.
What a great attitude! With watercolour, you need that way of thinking, otherwise, because it’s such a difficult medium to do well, many of us would just throw the towel in.
Wow, thank you for taking us along on this journey. Artists have to have such a thick skin!
I'm sorry Matt. Next year will be your year. You are doing so much teaching us. THANK YOU SO MUCH for that!
Great video, and all I can say is that your painting course is great Matt. It's getting me to the point where I am beginning to feel confident enough to start getting out there and sharing my work. I doubt this journey ever ends, any aspiring artist's output will always trail behind their ambition, and that's just the way it should be.
So glad to hear that Paul. Thanks for sharing!
Matthew, you are a great artist ! You don't need a certificate for that from anyone! We assess you not based on what others say or view your works! Keep going. We are eager to see more great paintings from you! A big salute from me!
You are amazing!!! Yes, how we choose to think about "rejection", change the outcome of our future. What a stunning painting that I would battle to stop looking at. You are a warrior
really amazing to see you trying and waiting for the results, it's like you are not trying to push yourself far from the people who are following you here and there.
you have to try again next time & good luck.
God bless you
The rejection part of being an artist is always part of the learning process. Thanks for this video, it’s very inspiring ❤
Aww, Bless yer. I loved the one with the cellist. It was so different.
You are so inspiring to me and I am sure, so many others. I think THAT is the biggest accomplishment of all. I love your videos. I am a total beginner and you have a way of calming me down.
Thank you for sharing this experience; it solidified my conviction that I made the right decision to be one of your 'students' both on this channel and when I signed up for your online course; you are a great painter and an awesome teacher
Thankyou for sharing, I love your explanations, honesty and keeping it real. Keep up the great work, really appreciate it 👍 🙏
Props for posting this even though you didn't get through. Really refreshing.
Hello, Matthew! You are a wonderful painter and this is not going to change because of not being accepted to AWS exhibition. But you already know that ! I wish your dream come true soon!
One day you‘ll make it in there!
You are such a talented artist, just keep being patient.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
I just found your page. You are an amazing artist and fantastic teacher. You speak words that lift and inspire. Thanks for being vulnerable, real and kind. I'm learning so much from you.
Hugs, Matthew. Your bravery and vulnerability are inspiring.
Dear Matthew,
Thanks for sharing everything with us, and especially this.
I truly wish you will succeed in that quest.
I wanted to thank you for your excellent work teaching us all how to paint watercolors. I havent found any artist that teaches the way you do, with such dedication, patience, précision and enthusiasm.
You have helped me improve so much.
So thanks a lot.
Kind regards,
Eliot following you from France
Thank you Matthew! Best of luck to you for your next submission! 1:18 - the snow painting on the right middle is stunning! 😍
That one caught my eye as well! The light just caught my eye and wouldn't let go. It's such a simple painting but so powerful.
I too was very drawn to that painting!
Keep trying!! Your work is beautiful and the right piece will eventually get in. Keep opening yourself up and it will pay off eventually!
Wow - that is a difficult and powerful message for any creative. Thank you for sharing so openly. Your instruction has made my watercolor better, but more importantly more enjoyable and I thank you.
Wow thank you. I am an stuck artist. I feel alone in my proces and do not have a goal that gives me power to go on. This is waking something up in me. The edge that scares me... THnk you.Groeten uit Nederland
Greetings from Scotland. I love your submission painting. Better luck NEXT time 💪
Goodluck next year 🍀😊🍀
Thank you for making this video and posting it, "putting it out there" you will be successful and will have a painting accepted. Never give up
Your videos are so inspiring. Love your style of painting and your style of teaching and sharing. Thank you.
Thank you so much!
YOU MADE US HAPPY WITH YOUR VDO ! Thats your great achievement !
A TEd-Ed talk on rejection appeared on exactly the same day as your video!
Okay! Here I am 2 months later. I went and looked at AWS, web site, and checked out the entry's. {entries?} Any who! .........there is a lot of negative I could spew about this but I won't. Keep at it if you want, your art is good enough .....no it is great enough. You got this! Try, try again. You are a great instructor/teacher too. Great Art speaks for itself. < PERIOD.
Thank you Eva!
Matthew, your work is lovely. For me, there were 2 paintings that stood out from the selection you showed us. 2.07 and 2.11 (time stamps).
There is just something about them I can't describe. Plus there was more, you didn't show us the close-up! :D So can't say anything about those. What you say about an artist sharing part o their identity, personality and emotions through paintings via social media so resonates with me, it is so nerve-racking!
As artists we are usually very emotional and sensitive, what's important is to work on accepting the rejection. Not everyone will like our work, and we might not be accepted for a long time. But each painting teaches us something new, and each rejection makes us stronger ( I hope).
You are a wonderful human being producing beautiful and evocative work. One day your career will skyrocket and then people will say ... "Where did he come from!" :) What they usually don't see, is how many rejections and not-so-nice days we have to go through to get where we want to be.
Thank you for being here for us and sharing this very emotional moment with us!
Sending you best wishes and hugs from the UK!
Thank you Marta! I appreciate that. Best of luck to you as well!
Thank you for sharing this special moment. you are so talented artist. No need to get disappointed. Your audience value you. People love you for your work. Celebrate every day of your live. No need to wait for any exhibition to celebrate. Much love and congratulations for your hard work. Keep going. ❤
Such a wonderful person...Love you Mathew...😍
I felt your pain Matthew. Thank you for this inspiring video. I hope and pray you get in to AWS one day. I also hope that one day I will have enough courage to send my work for some exhibition.
Thanks for everything Matthew, you are a great watercolor painter, besides being human, I have learned a lot from you, thanks again!!!

Thank you for sharing this. Definitely keep going.
I love your paintings and vids. I always have new knowledge about watercolor to take away. The textures on the old building in shadow are so fun to look at.
Thank you so much for your honesty. The ongoing inspiration you provide with you instruction as well as your clear instruction have been a great find for me as I try to learn more about watercolor. I am sure you touch more people than you can imagine. You are a success as far as I can see.
Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. Thanks for the artistic guidance and coaching…keep on painting.
I’m just now sharing my beginning art with other artists.. It is scary and vulnerable feeling as many of my artist friends are much more advanced than I. It’s a very insecure feeling to expose your art in public, especially among much better artists. I’ve also discovered that some of my art ( I feel) is as good as some others and what sets us apart is our own individual style of painting…
Good for you! Thanks for sharing that. Keep going.
Thanks for this. So encouraging!
Matt- thank you for your vulnerability. I submitted this year too and got that same rejection email :) I related to so much of what you said in this video. It can be tough. Anyhow- man. I'm excited for when you get accepted in the future. I'm going to be cheering all the louder from your corner when you do.
You are a very positive and inspirational teacher! Love your message about pushing yourself and to keep going. Life is a journey and can take you to unexpected but wonderful places if we keep growing and moving forward. I’ve always admired your work and look up to you to capture the beautiful scene with light and clouds. Keep going Matthew!! You are an inspiration to us all. ❤
Best of luck next year and thanks for the extras!
I enjoy your painting and videos very much.
Don’t know if your painting was accepted, but of the ones you showed, my vote was for the street scene - white steeple in back on left and person in red sweater crossing the street. Love the color and composition!
Thankyou Matthew, great word i needed to hear. Win or lose you a great artist. Although I'm an amateur, and ive got a late start on life painting. I would like to be like you. I had an art scholarship in high school but choose another path. Now just trying to get back. Thanks for the advice Mathew, greatly appreciated.
You are a great artist and I am learning a lot from you🙏🏼
I love your artwork! And you are a great teacher! Keep going! ❤️
I love water color painting ..... your paintings are good 👍👍 All the best with your paintings. Greetings from Indonesia 🌻🌻🌻
Gracias ⭐️
I love your watercolor videos and paintings!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I've applied to many show's over the years, and it's still hard getting the rejection notice's! I have applied this specific Exhibition the (Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour) CSPWC's 2022 International Open Water Juried Exhibition a few times now and I FINALLY got excepted for the last show in December. All I make sure to keep in mind is that, all art is subjective & that just because I wasn't chosen doesn't mean that my work is lacking. It just means they didn't see what they were looking for at that particular time. I completely understand your disappointment though! There's always next year!!!☺
I love your work and I know you’re going to be a part of that exhibition someday. I appreciate your generosity in sharing your skills with your videos! I have learned so much! Thank you!
Thank you so much!
Matthew. You have a lot of fans out here. More than will ever look at an overpriced exhibition catalog.
Very useful video, thanks for sharing. If I might make a suggestion: your paintings of suburban scenes are truly unique. So many artists are painting cityscapes that they are becoming cliche. I am always amazed by how beautiful you are able to make a simple scene of suburban street with a cars in the driveways, at various times of day and weather. Just sayin'
Thank you Janet!
Thank you for your videos! Best of luck!
Very inspiring video, thank you! I dont regard this as a rejection. 100 were selected from thousands. You just didnt make it into the pool yet. If they were selecting 100 works and only received 80 and still didnt select yours that would be rejection.
Thank you so much for sharing this
I would like to see the street scene with orange sunset! Your paintings are beautiful!
Well that' a bummer but keep trying! I love your art! I don't share with anyone except a few friends I might gift something on a birthday or special occasion. Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
I remember that feeling so I just don’t anymore😢
What a great video. I'm much eailer in my watercolor journey than you are. Obviously, at this stage I produce many more disasters, but I wonder if you're at a stage in which you feel more pain. You've developed enough skill to start having expectations of yourself. To me, all failures are expected and don't sting much yet.
Sorry you were rejected. I have tried out AWS and several other Society shows. I had multiple rejections too, but I look at it as a challenge to push myself further. I have now been accepted twice to MOWS show. Although, I have 2 rejections since those acceptances. Good luck!
I liked the most your painting with the snow of all shown. I like your logical approach and this is really goot to explain how to do things. But if i was at the place of that jury, I would not look at the details in the picture at all, but that there should be something memorable in it.
Matthew, if I recall, Vincent Van Gogh never sold any of his paintings during his life time…
Good like, I wish you the best
I’m sorry you didn’t get it this year. I think you are very talented though and I personally loved the painting of the man watching the person playing the double bass (large string instrument). I would buy that!
I love your art!!! I'm sorry that you didn't get selected. As you were showing all of your art on the table and looking at your selections. I was drawn to some of your works over others. I'm wondering if next year you would let your followers choose which painting is selected. Maybe you are too attached to some of your works. Maybe we as viewers, not the creator, will better choose which piece should be submitted. Just an idea. Best of luck.