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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the Georgia Watercolor Society?
Membership in the Georgia Watercolor Society is open to both residents and non-residents of Georgia who are interested in promoting the art of watercolor. Dues are $30 per year. A Life Membership is available for $300 (one-time payment). A Student Membership is $20 per year for full-time students at accredited art schools. A membership application is available on this website. top
Why should I join GWS?
Membership in the Georgia Watercolor Society is a great way to meet other watercolorists and keep up with the art of watercolor in Georgia. Our two annual exhibitions provide an opportunity to see some of the best of what is being accomplished in watercolor today. Our newsletter features articles about watercolorists and watercolor techniques. GWS-sponsored watercolor demonstrations give you an opportunity to explore techniques. Our website provides many opportunities for you to get exposure for your art. Most of all, joining GWS helps to promote watercolor as a rich and vibrant medium throughout Georgia. top
What is Signature Membership
Signature Membership in the Georgia Watercolor Society is determined by the following point system: one (1) point per National Exhibition and one-half (1/2) point per Members Exhibition acceptance. A total of three (3) points is required, including at least one National Exhibition acceptance. You must be a current member to receive credit points. Signature Members are required to pay annual dues to retain Signature status. If there is a lapse in membership, previous points are not retained. top
When does GWS hold exhibitions?
GWS generally holds two exhibitions each year. The National Exhibition is held in the spring and is open to all watercolorists. In 2007, the National Exhibition will award over $11,000 in prizes. The Members' Exhibition, held in the fall, is open only to GWS members. top
How do I enter paintings in GWS exhibitions?
First, you will need to find a copy of the prospectus, which has all the details about how to enter a show. All GWS members receive a copy of the prospectus. Also, you can download a copy of the prospectus for each show from this website or you may contact the Exhibition Chair to have a copy mailed to you. The prospectus is usually available 8 - 12 weeks before the deadline for slides. Once you get the prospectus, you will need to fill out the entry form. With the entry form, you will need to send a check for the registration fee, and slides of up to thre of your paintings. If you are entering a Members' Exhibition, you must be a GWS member. National Exhibitions are open to all watercolorists. top
I want to submit a digital image for an exhibition. How do I resize the image?
When you take a picture with your digital camera, the image will probably be larger than what is required in the prospectus. How you resize the image will depend on the type of computer and software you have. The following links provide instructions on how to resize images with several popular software packages: top
The prospectus says that my painting should be done "in an aqueous manner." What does that mean?
An "aqueous manner" means that the painting should not contain major passages of impasto paint application. All show judges are aware of this rule, and GWS relies on the judge to make the final call on each piece. Some judges are more liberal than others in their interpretation of "aqueous." top
Do you allow collage in GWS shows?
GWS does NOT allow collage in its exhibitions. Any kind of paper, including watercolor paper, or other object pasted onto the support is considered collage. top
Do you allow Yupo in GWS shows?
Yes, we allow paintings on Yupo as long as they meet the other requirements for our exhibitions. top
Do you allow watercolor canvas in GWS shows?
Yes, we allow paintings created on watercolor canvas as long as they meet the other requirements for our exhibitions. Particularly, paintings on watercolor canvas must meeting the matting and framing requirements. top
What are your requirements for framing and matting?
We require all paintings to be framed behind plexiglass with a simple gold, silver, or black metal frame. Mats, if any, and backings for floats must be white or off-white. GWS does NOT allow colored inner liners on mats. Neutral colored metal frames - antique gold or pewter or bronze or copper, for example -- are also acceptable. Full details are in the prospectus for each show. top
How do I get a member gallery page on this website?
GWS Gallery pages are available to all GWS members for a nominal setup fee of $20. We encourage all of our members to get a gallery page. It's a great way for visitors to our website to find our more about you, and it's a terrific way to drive traffic to your own website. If you request a gallery page, we will ask you to email us a brief biography and up to 4 digital images of your work. More instructions about how to get a GWS gallery page are available. top