San Diego Watercolor Society brushes up for 43rd annual International Exhibit in Point Loma
The show, running throughout October at the society’s gallery at Liberty Station, will feature 105 accepted artworks from more than 800 submitted.
The San Diego Watercolor Society’s largest and most competitive show of the year is just around the corner. The 43rd annual International Exhibition will feature artists from San Diego County and across the globe in a display of multimedia water-based art.
This year, more than 800 pieces were submitted, with 105 accepted. The show will open to the public Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Watercolor Society’s gallery at Liberty Station in Point Loma. It runs through Tuesday, Oct. 31, with an anticipated $20,000 in cash and merchandise awards.
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“It is a cross-section of traditional watercolor and water media,” said longtime Point Loma resident and Watercolor Society member Roberta Dyer. “This year, for the very first time, the work does not have to be exclusively on paper. It can be on wood or canvas as well, which is a big deal for us.”
The San Diego Watercolor Society is approaching its fifth decade with a full staff of volunteers. The organization is one of the nation’s most active water-media groups and provides its members access to distinguished figures in the art community.
Proceeds from entry fees for this year’s International Exhibition and a percentage of sales of the artworks will go to fund the society’s activities, including its community outreach program, which last year gave art supplies to more than 300 artistically underserved elementary school students, foster youths and senior citizens.
Dyer, who will have her art on display at the show, said she submitted three pieces for consideration.
“Each artist can have one submission accepted, and one of mine was accepted,” Dyer said. “I am very excited about it. This is such a wonderful organization. We have grown and grown over the years.”
Dyer’s painting, titled “Ruminating,” will be hung for the entire exhibit.
“I like to call myself an expressive, figurative artist,” she said.
Point Loma resident Ken Goldman also has been deeply involved with the society and is excited to showcase his artwork in the exhibition.
“I gain inspiration from day-to-day life,” he said. “I began exhibiting with the San Diego Watercolor Society in the late ‘80s. I have been in the international show several times. I have been a freelance artist and have always enjoyed doing watercolor.”
Goldman’s work includes detailed paintings of linemen on the job. While the backgrounds of the paintings are abstract, there is intense detail and accuracy in the wires, telephone poles and workers depicted.
The piece Goldman will have in the exhibition is titled “Line and Space 10.”
“I have immense respect for the society. This is one of the most well-oiled watercolor organizations in the world. This group really has it together,” Goldman said.
The International Exhibition is a chance for artists from all over the world to show a slice of their work in San Diego. All artwork accepted is shipped and displayed in the gallery.
Michele Joyce, the show committee chairwoman, said the exhibit also is a chance for the San Diego community to come together.
“The international shows represent the top levels of painting, but there aren’t a lot of them because they take a full year to organize and hang,” Joyce said. “The entire arts community comes out to celebrate, share and enjoy the talent. It really is a once-a-year community celebration that we all look forward to.”
See the full list of this year’s accepted artists at bit.ly/45WXcsO.
Joyce said she hopes the October exhibit will spark interest for those not yet familiar with the Watercolor Society.
“I am hoping the gallery visitors go home with an appreciation for all that SDWS offers and represents,” she said. “It really is a place where artists of all levels come together to learn, collaborate, celebrate and grow together as a community.”
San Diego Watercolor Society International Exhibition
When: Sunday, Oct. 1, through Tuesday, Oct. 31; public reception Friday, Oct. 6
Where: San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, Liberty Station, 2825 Dewey Road, Point Loma
Cost: Free
Information: sdws.org/shows.php?ID=39, (619) 876-4550, ishowinformation@sdws.org