All paintings must be original work using water-soluble media. No reproductions or preprinted images are allowed. All work must be original from conception to completion. Submitted artwork may not be a copy, likeness, nor direct derivative of another person’s creative work, whether paintings, drawings, photography, digital images, or prints. Work done in a workshop or under classroom supervision is not permitted. All work must have been completed within the last two years (see exact date on prospectus) and not previously exhibited in any GWS exhibition. No exceptions will be made. Work previously exhibited in any GWS show is not eligible.

All paintings must be original work using water-soluble media. GWS allows the following watermedia: watercolor, acrylic, casein, gouache, egg tempera, acrylic ink, and batik using watermedia along with wax resist on paper. Media not allowed: pastels, charcoal, alcohol ink, oil, and water-soluble oil.

In addition to watercolor paper, GWS allows paintings created on Yupo, watercolor canvas, canvas, Claybord or Aquabord, rice paper and Tyvek.

Mixed media and collage are acceptable but only if all elements are made using watermedia created by the artist. No reproductions or preprinted material are allowed.

Maximum size frame may not exceed 48 inches on any side. (NOTE: For the 2025 National Show at the Morris Museum in Augusta, Georgia, the size limit will be 40 inches on any side.)

Painting size displayed within the mat is no smaller than 80 square inches with no side smaller than 8 inches.

Frames are to be plain and unadorned and should not exceed 3” in width.

All paintings are to be framed in wood or metal; accepted colors include gold, silver, black, brown, white, or natural wood tones. Frames are to be plain and unadorned and should not exceed 3” in width (one single bevel, no beading, no distressed painting). They must be ready for hanging with wire in place.

To confirm that your frame is acceptable check this link Examples of frames accepted at GWS Exhibitions.

Paintings Cradled Claybord or Aquabord are not required to be framed if the paintings are waxed or varnished; all other paintings require framing, including canvas.

Glass is NOT allowed. Plexiglass must be used. Varnished or waxed Cradlebord or Aquabord do not require plexiglass. Watercolor paintings that are varnished or waxed do NOT require plexiglass.

If the painting is waxed or varnished, the cradling may substitute for a frame.

Mats or liners, if any, must be white or a light neutral color.

If the painting is improperly framed or unsuitable for hanging, we will call the artist and ask permission to bring it to a frame shop and fix the problem. The artist will be responsible for any charges. If the artist refuses to fix the problem, the painting will be returned and the artist ineligible to enter a GWS show for ONE YEAR.

Although the utmost care will be taken in handling paintings, the Georgia Watercolor Society, GWS representatives, and the venue/gallery will not be responsible for damage or loss, whatever the cause. Artists are encouraged to carry their own insurance.

Submitted artwork may not be a copy, likeness, or a direct derivative of another person’s creative work. This includes other’s photography. Simply put, if your painting is a derivative of a photo, that photo must have been taken by you.

There are scenarios in which minor elements of someone else’s photo might be added to your painting or comprise a minor element in your painting. This would be possible if it does not retain the key story and composition of the original photo and you have received permission from the photographer or owner of the copyright.

No, it is not eligible for submission. If the magic of your painting comes from the magic of the photograph, then the idea, image and/or composition are not your own.

It depends upon the reference. If you are making a faithful rendering of a photo from another artist’s work, then no. If you are digging among old family photos or antique photos which were created more as documentation than as a creative product, then yes. Again, be cognizant of copyright issues.

Ask your friend first but then ask yourself if you are using your friend’s vision for the idea, magic and composition of your painting. If yes, then don’t use it. We want to see paintings through your eyes! If you feel like you are making enough changes to make it your own, then use your best judgment.

The more you move from the original photo reference the more you move away from appropriating or plagiarizing another person’s creative work. It is often hard to tell if you are inspired by other artists’ work or if you are appropriating their work. Our metric as a board will simply be if we recognize your reference photo as someone else’s work.

No, the painting must be based on your idea, magic and composition.

Read the prospectus carefully, which is available on the website usually 8 – 12 weeks before the deadline to submit entries. The prospectus will include a link that will bring you to the CaFÉ™ Call for Entry website. Follow directions included on the CaFÉ™ website. Save a copy for your reference.