Short Description
The San Diego Watercolor Society was established in 1965 and is one of the largest and most active
water-media societies in the United States. Its International Exhibition is recognized globally for the
highest standard of excellence in water-based art. The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery is in Liberty
Station at 2825 Dewey Road, Suite 105, San Diego, California 92106, (619) 876-4550.
Eligibility
• Open to artists 18 years and older.
• Entries must be original, created entirely by the artist
The source of the idea, design, and composition must be wholly original and painted by hand,
not derived from any published images.
Photo reference material must have been taken by the artist and not copies or likenesses of
another artist’s work.
• Paintings must be water-based media (watercolor, acrylic, gouache, casein, or tempera) on paper,
synthetic paper, paperboard, wrapped canvas, or cradled wood panel.
• No water soluble (miscible) oils are allowed.
• Collage, using papers painted in water-based media by the artist, is acceptable.
• Non-water-based media may be integrated but cover no more than 20% of the painting (no oils).
• Works of art divided into panels (ex. Diptychs and Triptychs) are not permitted.
• No digital art, AI generated, workshop/class art, art created under supervision, photography, prints, or
reproductions will be accepted.
• The painting submitted must have been completed on or after January 1, 2023.
• The painting may not have received an award in any national or international shows.
• Painting may not have been in any previous SDWS International Exhibition.
• Artists are responsible for ensuring their paintings and entry images are free of copyright
infringement and for resolving any copyright issues that arise.
• Paintings altered in any way after entry is submitted will be disqualified.
How to Apply
• All entries must be submitted through the website www.sdws.org.
• Up to three entries are allowed. Follow the instructions on the International Exhibition entry page.
• You must have an SDWS account to enter.
Program Benefits & Awards:
The Exhibition will be held in our beautiful Gallery in the Arts District, Liberty Station. This year’s juror is award-winning artist Kathleen Conover, AWS, NWS, TWSA. $20,000 in cash and merchandise awards are anticipated. $6,000 First Prize.
Entry Fee:
The Entry Fee (non-refundable) is payable through the SDWS.org entry screen with PayPal or Credit Card
• Members: $45 first entry; $15 each additional entry
• Non-Members: $55 first entry; $15 each additional entry
• You may choose to join SDWS before beginning the entry process to take advantage of member
pricing. Link: https://www.sdws.org/membership-join.php
Location:
San Diego, US
Timeline:
Application Deadline: 18 May 2025
Exhibition Time: September 28 – October 31, 2025