Deadline: December 11, 2026
Splash 28 – The Best of Watercolor 2026
Cash Prize / December / Exhibition / Fine Arts & Photography / Open to All7 views
Organizer
Artists Network and Watercolor Artist magazine
Artists Network and Watercolor Artist magazine
Location
Open to artists globally
Open to artists globally
Deadline
- Super Early Bird Deadline: August 11, 2026
- Early Bird Deadline: October 9, 2026
- Final Deadline: December 11, 2026
Competition Category
Watercolor painting (unified judging, no subcategories).
Watercolor painting (unified judging, no subcategories).
Eligibility
Open to artists worldwide who are at least 18 years of age or older and of the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence. The dominant medium must be watercolor, though some minor use of other media may be acceptable. Similar water-based media such as gouache, casein, or egg tempera are acceptable as the dominant medium if used on paper. Acrylic paints, while water-based, are NOT acceptable as the dominant medium. Entrants must specify any other media used in addition to watercolor in their application.
Open to artists worldwide who are at least 18 years of age or older and of the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence. The dominant medium must be watercolor, though some minor use of other media may be acceptable. Similar water-based media such as gouache, casein, or egg tempera are acceptable as the dominant medium if used on paper. Acrylic paints, while water-based, are NOT acceptable as the dominant medium. Entrants must specify any other media used in addition to watercolor in their application.
Entry Fee
| Deadline Phase | Members | Non-Members |
|---|---|---|
| Super Early Bird (by August 11, 2026) | $15 | $25 |
| Early Bird (by October 9, 2026) | $25 | $35 |
| Final Deadline (by December 11, 2026) | $30 | $40 |
Prizes/Awards
- $3,500 in total monetary awards
- The top three prize winners will have their winning entries plus an in-depth artist's profile published in The Best of Watercolor (Summer 2027), a special publication presented by the editors of Artists Magazine and Watercolor Artist
- All award winners will receive a free Artists Network Membership for 1 year ($99.99 value) and a digital award-winner badge
- Over 100 finalists will be selected for publication
Core Introduction
The Splash series has been celebrating the incredible work being done by contemporary artists working in watermedia since 1991, with a 35-year history of recognizing excellence in watercolor. Splash 28 is jointly organized by Artists Network and Watercolor Artist magazine, and is open to artists worldwide. All eligible entries are judged in two rounds based on artistic technique, handling of medium, design and creative elements, and overall impression/impact. This is regarded as the watercolor event of the year, offering artists an international platform and professional publication opportunities.
The Splash series has been celebrating the incredible work being done by contemporary artists working in watermedia since 1991, with a 35-year history of recognizing excellence in watercolor. Splash 28 is jointly organized by Artists Network and Watercolor Artist magazine, and is open to artists worldwide. All eligible entries are judged in two rounds based on artistic technique, handling of medium, design and creative elements, and overall impression/impact. This is regarded as the watercolor event of the year, offering artists an international platform and professional publication opportunities.
