The California Watercolor Association's 55th International Exhibition has drawn 425 entries, showcasing a strong desire for in-person art experiences among watercolor artists. Opening Saturday, this highly anticipated event at the Piedmont Center for the Arts features the work of 85 selected artists on display until March 23. In a marked increase from last year's submissions, Jessica de Jesus emphasized the value of experiencing artwork physically, as watercolor requires an appreciation for texture and color that cannot be fully captured online. The exhibition celebrates both traditional and contemporary styles, with about $16,000 in prizes at stake for the artists.
"When we announced it would be in-person, we saw entries double. People really want to see the actual paintings... you can't see the effect of how wet the paper is online."
"There's definitely a mix of traditional representational watercolor pieces but also artists whose work is abstract or explores different surfaces like a new Yupo paper that's synthetic."
"This year's artists are competing for about $16,000 in cash prizes and sponsor products. Bukovnik has paintings held in permanent collections at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Smithsonian Institution."
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