6th Annual Women in Watercolor International Juried Competition

This is an online-only competition for women watercolor artists, sponsored by Holbein Artist Materials. The exhibition is open to all female artists working in watercolor on paper, synthetic paper, watercolor board, Yupo or other two-dimensional surfaces. Transparent and opaque watercolors, casein, watercolor gouache (not acrylic gouache) or water-soluble inks are allowed. Medium must remain water soluble after drying. Acrylic, egg tempera, permanent inks, pastels, colored pencil, collage or any form of print or reproductions are not permitted. Watercolors sealed with spray or wax after completion are allowed as long as it does not alter the original image. Artist's original work only is accepted; no class work, work done under supervision, copies or likenesses of another artist's work are permitted. Photo reference material must have been personally photographed by the artist. No AI of any kind may be used in reference photos or painting images; any use of AI will ban the artist from all future competitions. No work previously entered or accepted in past Women in Watercolor exhibitions or competitions may be submitted. Paintings of nudes are acceptable with Women in Watercolor reserving the right to refuse entries depicting undue violence or obscenity. There are no restrictions on painting size, year completed, or prior exhibition in other shows outside of Women in Watercolor.

Entrants may enter once in each of five categories for a maximum of five paintings total. One entry per artist per category; multiple entries per category will be exempt from judging. Entry opens April 1, 2025 and closes June 22, 2025. Entry fees are $35 USD for the first entry and $15 USD for each additional entry. Digital images must be correctly oriented, show only the painting without frame, mat or border, and cannot be digitally enhanced. Entry grants Women in Watercolor permission to reproduce work for records and promotional purposes.

Five award categories are offered: Abstract, Animal & Wildlife, Landscape & Water, Portrait & Figure, and Still Life & Floral. Best in Show award is $2500 USD. First Place awards are $1400 USD (5 winners), Second Place awards are $800 USD (5 winners), Third Place awards are $450 USD (5 winners), and Judges Favorite awards are $150 USD (9 awards given). Winners in every category will be shared on the Women in Watercolor website, Facebook and Instagram page. Top winners will have a featured article in a major watercolor magazine. Award winners receive hard copy certificates and gold coin awards. Winners will be notified via email and posted on the Women in Watercolor website. Accepted entries and award-winning images will be posted on the Women in Watercolor website indefinitely. No entry may be withdrawn once submitted. No refunds will be given. If an entry does not follow guidelines, all prizes will be forfeited and the entrant may be banned from future competitions.