Art lovers rejoice! Get ready for an explosion of color and creativity at the National Watercolor Society’s (NWS) 104th International Open Exhibition, a dazzling display of watermedia mastery that you won’t see anywhere else. Held at the NWS Gallery in San Pedro, this prestigious event is open through November 3rd, 2024, bringing together a global selection of artists who are pushing the boundaries of one of the oldest art forms on Earth.
From its founding in 1920 by a pioneering group of Los Angeles artists, the NWS has stood as a leader in promoting excellence in watermedia, remaining a cornerstone of the art world for more than a century. The exhibition showcases not only the versatility of watercolors but also the cutting-edge innovations that have transformed the medium into the broader category of watermedia.
“This exhibition is truly a celebration of the medium. It’s about showing the world just how versatile and powerful watercolors can be,” says NWS Vice President Judy Salzman. “Every year, we are blown away by the talent, and this year is no exception.”
This year’s collection is a blend of breathtaking landscapes, thought-provoking abstract pieces, and everything in between. Artists from around the globe have submitted their best work, competing fiercely for inclusion in this juried event. Only the most unique, technically skilled, and impactful pieces make the cut, chosen based on a combination of objective factors including design, composition, and technical expertise and the elusive subjective feel-it-factor.
Some of the pieces will make you laugh, others will make you think, and a few may even challenge your sense of comfort. The emotional punch behind many works is part of what makes this exhibition so compelling. As Salzman puts it, “This is not just a local event; it’s an international celebration of art. The works on display offer something for everyone, from seasoned collectors to casual gallery-goers.”
One of the crowning moments of the exhibition is the selection of a single standout piece to join the NWS Permanent Collection, a hall of fame for the watermedia elite. Inclusion in this collection is a coveted honor, marking the chosen work as a symbol of excellence. Adding to the excitement, thousands of dollars in purchase awards, cash prizes, and merchandise are up for grabs, supporting the continued work of these talented artists.
The bar for this exhibition is set high. Becoming a signature member of NWS is no easy feat. Of the many selected for the exhibition, only 19 artists will earn the right to append “NWS” after their name, a designation that significantly enhances the value of their artwork and establishes them as leaders in the field.
If you think watercolor art is still the soft, delicate medium it once was, think again. Since the 1990s, advancements in water-based paints and tools like pencils, crayons, charcoal, and ink have transformed watercolor into a powerhouse of texture, brightness, and depth. These technological leaps allow for genre-blending experimentation, turning traditional watercolor painting into dynamic watermedia art.
And perhaps the NWS owes some of its magic to its location. San Pedro, with its breathtaking coastline, vibrant art scene, and ever-changing light, provides inspiration for local and international artists alike. The society’s presence in this coastal town is no accident, its natural beauty has long been a muse for watermedia.
As the exhibition rolls out its 104th iteration, it serves as a reminder that San Pedro is home to one of the most influential and venerated institutions in watermedia art. This exhibition offers a perfect opportunity to discover the power and potential of watermedia in all its forms.
The National Watercolor Society’s 104th International Open Exhibition is a thrilling testament to the evolution of a time-honored art form. Don’t miss your chance to see the work of artistic titans and witness the ongoing watermedia revolution in action.
The NWS Gallery
915 S. Pacific Ave. San Pedro, CA
www.nationalwatercolorsociety.org
(310) 831-1099
