Create a Free Account!
Welcome, ()

LOGOUT

Login

Create a Free Account

An account gives you access to even more great watermedia content!

Membership | Join

Members Only

Achievement Levels

Events Calendar

General Meetings

Workshops

Artist Zoom Room

Plein Air Group / Seattle

Camp Samish Paintout

Annual International Open

Waterworks Members Exhibition

Signature Members Exhibition

Permanent Collection

Healing Arts Program at Overlake Hospital

Recordings

Member Instructors

Links to Learn From

Critique Your Own Art

Hot Press Newsletter

Latest Hot Press Issue

Past Newsletters

Submission Guidelines

Display Ad Sizes

Our Patrons

About NWWS

Northwest Watercolor Foundation

Donate to NWWS

Leadership & Volunteers

Annual International
Open Exhibition

The NWWS Annual International Open Exhibition is the most notable juried exhibition sponsored by NWWS. Each year, a carefully chosen esteemed juror curates the exhibition, selecting outstanding work from across the U.S. and internationally. 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 in 2023 totaling over $13,000. 

The next exhibition will be in October of 2024, with the prospectus being available in the spring of 2024. The 2024 exhibition will be an online exhibition. The 2025 exhibition will be in-gallery, at the beautiful Yuan Ru Art Center / Bellevue, WA.

2023 AWARD WINNERS are listed below. To view the award winning paintings, click: AWARD WINNING PAINTINGS

FIRST PLACE – Christine Alfery, “Talisman”

SECOND PLACE – Carla O’Connor, “Dreamer” (sold)

THIRD PLACE – THOMAS SCHALLER, “FADE NYC”

NWWS PURCHASE AWARD – Lisa Pope, “Searching for a Seahorse” (sold)

TERRACOTTA AWARD – Chris Krupinski, “Off the Vine”

FASO/BOLDBRUSH AWARD – William Hook, “Johnson Plumbing Co”

DANIEL SMITH AWARD – Elaine Daily-Birnbaum, “Resting on Laurels”

SALIS INTERNATIONAL AWARD – Kathleen Mooney, “Ceiltigh”

FRENCH ESCAPADE AWARD – Yidan Guo, “Tibetan Woman Series, Grandmother”

BLICK ART MATERIALS AWARD – Liz Walker, “Backbeat #1”

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST AWARD – Lorraine Watry, “Looking Glass”

HOLBEIN ARTIST MATERIALS AWARD – Bev Jozwiak, “Line and Movement”

M. GRAHAM AWARD – Melanie Harman, “Ealing Broadway Blues”

SILVERBRUSH AWARD – David Amsellem, “Stuck in the Middle with You”

DR. Ph. MARTINS AWARD – John E. James, “Sometimes the Past Comes Through”

NWWS MEMBERSHIP AWARD – Grace Haverty, “The Bikers”

 

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

 

Upcoming International Open

2023 Prospectus
ACCEPTED ARTISTS
About the Purchase Award
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.

Sorry. You must be logged in to view this form.