National Watercolor Society: Open Watermedia Exhibition

The National Watercolor Society presents the best of water media painting, representing a wide range of directions and technique, from experimental to traditional, and encourages support for watercolor as a vital, enduring and expressive medium.

The 2013 Annual Open Exhibition runs November 9, 2013 to January 11, 2014 at NWS Gallery, 915 South Pacific Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731. The exhibition is open to all artists. Paintings must be primarily water-based media on a paper surface and unvarnished (Yupo & Tyvek are permitted). Other media, if used, must be in conjunction with water media. Water media must be the dominant element. No digital media, photography, prints or reproductions may be used anywhere in the painting. No work that has been previously exhibited in any national show may be entered. Work must have been completed within the last two years. Paintings done in a class or workshop setting may not be submitted. Source material must be original and not derived from any published images.

Entry fee is $25 for Signature Members and Associates with current dues, and $40 for non-members. Digital entry deadline is July 27. Accepted artists will be notified on August 20, with paintings due September 2. The exhibition features more than $32,000 in Purchase, Cash and Merchandise awards. A traveling exhibition of 30 paintings will be selected for a one-year national tour. All work must be for sale; the National Watercolor Society retains a 30% commission. Minimum image size is 9" x 12"; maximum frame size is 40" on longest side. The frame must be simple but sturdy, with the painting ready for hanging with wire and secured under rigid Plexiglas. No glass will be accepted. Mats, if used, must be white or light neutral color unless an integral part of the artwork. For questions, contact Penny Hill, NWS Exhibition Director, at [email protected] or (760) 908-3389.