Organizer Information
The San Diego Watercolor Society (SDWS) was founded in 1965 and is internationally recognized as one of the largest and most active watermedia art societies in the United States. Dedicated exclusively to excellence in water-based media, SDWS has built a global reputation through its exhibitions, educational programs, and professional support for watercolor and watermedia artists.
A cornerstone of the organization’s activities is its annual International Exhibition, now in its 46th edition, which attracts submissions from artists worldwide and is widely regarded for its rigorous jury standards and high artistic quality. The SDWS Gallery, located in Liberty Station, San Diego, provides a professional exhibition venue that connects artists with collectors, curators, and the general public. Through exhibitions, awards, and publications, SDWS continues to foster innovation, professionalism, and visibility for watermedia artists at all career stages.
Title & Description
San Diego Watercolor Society 46th International Exhibition 2026 – Open Call
The San Diego Watercolor Society invites submissions for its 46th International Exhibition, taking place from 27 September to 31 October 2026. This prestigious open call is dedicated to water-based painting practices and welcomes original, conceptually strong, and technically accomplished works created using watercolor and related watermedia techniques.
The exhibition is open to artists aged 18 and over and seeks to present a diverse and high-quality selection of contemporary watermedia paintings. All accepted works will be exhibited at the SDWS Gallery in San Diego, with selected pieces eligible for a wide range of cash and merchandise awards totaling more than USD 30,000. The exhibition offers artists significant professional exposure, inclusion in the official exhibition catalogue, and opportunities for sales within an internationally respected platform.
Categories
- Watercolor
- Watermedia Painting
- Fine Art Painting
- Contemporary Visual Art
- Acrylic, Gouache, Casein, Tempera (water-based only)
Eligibility
- Open to international and national artists
- Artists must be 18 years or older
- Open exclusively to watermedia artists
- Only original works created solely by the artist are eligible
- No AI-generated work permitted
- Paintings must not have received awards in previous national or international exhibitions
- Works must not have been shown previously in an SDWS International Exhibition
Program Benefits & Awards
The San Diego Watercolor Society 46th International Exhibition 2026 offers one of the most substantial award packages for watermedia artists worldwide.
Awards & Financial Benefits:
- Anticipated USD 30,000+ in cash and merchandise awards
- Multiple juried awards were presented during the official Awards Gala
- Professional recognition within a globally respected exhibition
Professional Exposure:
- Exhibition at the SDWS Gallery in San Diego
- Inclusion in the official printed exhibition catalogue (complimentary copy for accepted artists)
- Visibility on the SDWS website and social media platforms
- Exposure to collectors, galleries, and curators
Sales Opportunities:
- Minimum sale price: USD 500
- SDWS commission: 30% of the sale price
Application Fee
- SDWS Members: USD 45 (first entry) + USD 15 (each additional entry)
- Non-Members: USD 55 (first entry) + USD 15 (each additional entry)
- Accepted artists: USD 66 exhibition fee (mandatory, payable before shipping or delivery)
Artists are responsible for all shipping costs. Failure to include return shipping labels will incur a USD 25 administrative fee.
Application Requirements
- Online entry via SDWS website
- High-resolution JPG images (maximum 4 MB, up to 1,920 pixels on either side)
- Images must show the painting only (no frame, mat, or text)
- Up to three entries per artist (only one work may be accepted)
- Paintings must be rectangular or square, minimum size 11 inches, maximum framed size 48 inches
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 8 May 2026
- Acceptance Notifications: 8 June 2026
- Shipping/Delivery Period: 13 July – 2 August 2026
- Awards Gala: 26 September 2026 (invite only)
- Exhibition Opens: 27 September 2026
- Exhibition Closes: 31 October 2026
Location
San Diego, California, United States
Additional Details
- Only water-based media are permitted; oil paints and oil-based sealants are strictly prohibited
- Collage and non-water-based media may not exceed 20% of the artwork
- Diptychs and triptychs are not accepted
- SDWS does not insure artworks; artists are responsible for insurance during shipping and exhibition
- Juried by Ana Laura Salazar, an internationally acclaimed watercolor artist and educator