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  

Website Link: San Diego Watercolor Society 45th International Exhibition