Winners named in NW Watercolor Society's exhibition in Shoreline

"Spring Again"
Artist Yueqi Zhang, of Chicago, Illinois

Entries in the Northwest Watercolor Society’s 79th Annual International Open Exhibition are on display in Shoreline's City Hall 3rd floor gallery, 17500 Midvale Ave N, until July 11.

The winner of the first place prize of $2,000 is Yueqi Zhang, of Chicago, Illinois.

Zhang said “Special thanks to NWWS, which is recognized as one of the most prominent national/international watercolor organizations, for offering a wealth of opportunities and experiences for the artist to promote and elevate the art of watercolor.”

The other top cash award recipients are Charles Rouse from Vista, California, presented with $1,300 for second place and Kate Aubrey, third place of $800 from Maryville, Tennessee.

Zhang’s painting, along with 59 other paintings picked by internationally known juror, artist and instructor, Don Andrews, is currently on display at Shoreline City Hall until July 11th. 

City Hall is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and closed on weekends. For special viewings, contact David Francis, Shoreline Public Art Coordinator / Curator at 206-801-2661 or dfrancis@shorelinewa.gov. 

"Barcelona Balconies"
Artist Charles Rouse

Don Andrews said he wrestles with who should receive first, second and third place. The Exhibition as a whole “is exceptional!” To be more specific about each of the winners he quoted New England teacher and artist, Ed Whitney, who said, “’When you take the viewer to the center of attention, you must entertain them once you get them there.’

Zhang’s painting, Spring Again, is a design. It’s organized to lead your eye to the center of attention. It’s an excellent example of design – tying abstract and realism together.”

About Charles Rouse’s Barcelona Balconies: Two things I admire about that are the color notes are so clean and well-coordinated and there’s a beautiful light throughout. 

"The Word Not Spoken"
Artist Kate Aubrey

The Word Not Spoken by Kate Aubrey has brush strokes, lost and found edges and a wonderful light. “Look at the shadow on the hat that melts into the face.”

A list of all the other winners for the 79th International Open Exhibition and a PDF of the 350 entries is here.

The Northwest Watercolor Society (NWWS) was founded in 1939 in Seattle, Washington when a group of eight artists came together to form an organization dedicated to the celebration of watercolor. From these modest beginnings, NWWS has grown into the internationally recognized, historically rich organization of today with a membership nearing eight hundred Signature, Lifetime and Associate Members across the USA, Canada and internationally.