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| Top prize of $2,000 went to Ken Call for “Bookworm.” |
Seventy-five artists’ paintings selected for Northwest Watercolor Society’s (NWWS) 86th International Open Exhibition by juror Dongfeng Li include an impressive array of subjects, approaches and techniques in their interpretations of the language of watermedia.
The top three cash prizes chosen by Li are listed here as is the NWWS Purchase cash award. The paintings can be viewed in the online-gallery which runs now through December 11, 2026.
Li’s criteria for judging the awards included being drawn to the individual works, then being rewarded by returning to them many times. A winner first had to stand out among their peers.
Top prize of $2,000 went to Ken Call for “Bookworm.” Li’s own unique interpretation of the painting drew him in. The entire scene evoked a languid early morning atmosphere. The title captures the drowsy, half-awake mood, too, along with soft lighting, hazy and spontaneous brushwork and a palette of cool greenish tones. “Exceptionally clever,” he added.
“A Blueberry River” by Chris Krupinski won second place of $1,300. “The masterful watercolor of a still life draws attention that is unique. Guided by the sunlight that brings your vision into a peaceful and cozy atmosphere. The soft fabric and succulent fruit – all create a beautiful piece.”
Li awarded Z L Feng third place of $800 for “In the Water,” an ordinary scene that transforms into a fantasy. “This is a very creative landscape,” Li said. With the shifting colors, intertwining of the reaching forms and a vibrant play of light and shadows, you can see a poetic painting – the magic of visual art.
Li’s criteria for judging the awards included being drawn to the individual works, then being rewarded by returning to them many times. A winner first had to stand out among their peers.
Top prize of $2,000 went to Ken Call for “Bookworm.” Li’s own unique interpretation of the painting drew him in. The entire scene evoked a languid early morning atmosphere. The title captures the drowsy, half-awake mood, too, along with soft lighting, hazy and spontaneous brushwork and a palette of cool greenish tones. “Exceptionally clever,” he added.
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| “A Blueberry River” by Chris Krupinski won second place of $1,300 |
“A Blueberry River” by Chris Krupinski won second place of $1,300. “The masterful watercolor of a still life draws attention that is unique. Guided by the sunlight that brings your vision into a peaceful and cozy atmosphere. The soft fabric and succulent fruit – all create a beautiful piece.”
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| Z L Feng awarded third place of $800 for “In the Water” |
Li awarded Z L Feng third place of $800 for “In the Water,” an ordinary scene that transforms into a fantasy. “This is a very creative landscape,” Li said. With the shifting colors, intertwining of the reaching forms and a vibrant play of light and shadows, you can see a poetic painting – the magic of visual art.
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| NWWS Purchase Award of $1,000 "Steadfast" by Caitlin Leline-Hatch |
Among the entrants who allowed their artwork to be considered for the NWWS Purchase Award of $1,000 was Caitlin Leline-Hatch. The NWWS executive board picked her “Steadfast” for the Permanent Collection that is housed at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.
Li chose “Steadfast” to be in the exhibition for the clean transparent watercolor he found exquisite. “The interplay of pigment and water create music and rhythm. Nice piece, Caitlin!”
With the generous donations of NWWS patrons, over $14,000 in cash and merchandise was awarded to 17 artists out of the 75 paintings accepted into the online gallery.
With the generous donations of NWWS patrons, over $14,000 in cash and merchandise was awarded to 17 artists out of the 75 paintings accepted into the online gallery.
All of the watermedia paintings are for sale with the artist receiving 75% of the listed price. See the many interpretations of the language of watermedia in the NWWS 86th International Open Exhibition, at this site.
Why not a jury to select the winners? One artist's opinion?
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