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Annual International
Open Exhibition

 2023 is the 83rd NWWS Annual International Open Exhibition, the most notable juried exhibition sponsored by NWWS. Esteemed artist, Stan Kurth, is the 2023 esteemed juror. 

Click on the exhibition dates and the Awards Reception event buttons (to the right) to learn more, and please join us as we return to an in-gallery exhibition at the beautiful Matzke fie Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden  / Camano Island, WA..

Painters in water media, including watercolor, acrylic, gouache, egg tempera, and mixed media are eligible to enter the Open Exhibition. The exhibition has grown tremendously in size and reputation since its inception in 1940, with annual awards totaling over $10,000. It attracts talented painters from across the US and internationally.

The full color catalog produced to accompany the exhibit showcases the beautiful and wide range of water-based media being created by both traditional watercolorists and contemporary artists who are juried into the exhibition.

 

THE  2023 EXHIBITION IS A GALLERY EXHIBITON AT THE BEAUTIFUL MATZKE FINE ART GALLERY AND SCULPTURE PARK ON CAMANO ISLAND, WA.

Upcoming International Open

Enter the Exhibition
AWARDS RECEPTION VIDEOS
FAQS
Why can’t I paint from magazine photos or photos I’ve purchased?
There are many skills used and decisions made when one creates a painting, with the selection of subject matter being one of the first. An original painting includes originality of inspiration and is not borrowed from someone else’s photograph. Read a larger article about this topic here: Understanding Originality for Exhibitions
When and how will I know if my painting has been accepted?
Look at the “important dates” in the prospectus and find the date that the accepted entries will be posted on the website. If your name is on the accepted entries list on the website on that date, you will also be sent an acceptance package through email with additional information. Only those who are accepted are specially notified.
How do I increase my chances for being accepted into an exhibition?

NWWS seeks out the best, most respected jurors to curate exhibitions. While each juror has personal criteria, each knows that the most successful exhibitions are a balance of subject matter and style while showcasing the most worthy paintings. This article, written by NWWS member Sarah Love, provides insight into the jury process. How to Get into a Juried Show: Tips from Six Well Known Jurors.

What are framing guidelines that will enhance a painting?
Paintings sold during an NWWS online-only exhibition are sold at the unframed price. When a painting is sold as an unframed piece, the buyer may request that the artist provide the piece framed and ready to hang. Framing costs are additional, and the artist coordinates and receives payment for framing directly from the buyer. These guidelines will assist both artist and buyer in making the esthetic decisions that will provide a professional appearance that enhances the painting and meets the buyer’s budget.

  • MATERIALS – Choose framing, mounting, and matting materials that are archival to protect the buyer’s investment.
  • FRAMING A PAINTING WITHOUT GLASS – Paintings framed without glass should always have a protective sealant and/or varnish and be mounted on a rigid substrate to help prevent puncture damage. Ensure that all the edges are tight to the substrate.
  • FRAMING WITH GLASS – NWWS recommends shipped paintings be framed using plexiglass. A painting being hand-delivered might have either glass or plexiglass, depending on the client’s preference.
  • MATTING – A 2” minimum mat is recommended, with a wider mat likely being a better choice. White or nearly white is best. Some “white” mat colors will enhance the painting more than others. You may choose to add a double mat, with the inner mat being no more than 1/4” and of any color that complements the painting. Avoid wide, colored mats.
  • FRAMING PROFILE – A simple profile is suggested; however, your client may prefer something specific. Some frame designs and color will complement the painting better than others.
  • INSPECT – Before shipping the framed painting, inspect it to ensure there is no damage or any surface marring.