What are the benefits of becoming a member of the Royal Watercolour Society?
If elected, you will enjoy full Membership benefits, including two major group exhibitions and two joint exhibitions with the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers at Bankside Gallery each year, as well as other opportunities to exhibit and sell your work through Bankside Gallery and other venues. There will also be opportunities to exhibit at the new RWS Gallery on Whitcomb Street. Your work will be publicised through the Society’s website, and there are opportunities to run courses, have your work used for publicity, and to become involved in Society activities.
How should I choose which three framed paintings and 12 (max.) unframed paintings to deliver if I'm successfully shortlisted?
Members will be looking for a clear identity within your practice rather than examples of many different techniques and styles. Remember that they are looking at many works in a short time, so you should try to make it as easy for them to look through your work as possible. For example, mounting your unframed works to the same size makes the pieces easier to look through.
Are there rules about watercolour techniques – should I only send work in that conforms to traditional ideas of watercolour?
The Members will be looking for ideas, competence and integrity – as long as the materials conform to those stipulated on the application guidelines, they will be interested in how you choose to use them and will be excited by both innovation and expertise in traditional methods when using water-based media.
How does the RWS define a 'professional' artist?
All artists who submit their work for Election should earn their income (partly or wholly) from the sale of their work. They should exhibit regularly and have a clear and coherant practice.
I exhibit with other galleries already. Are RWS Members allowed to show work elsewhere?
This is perfectly acceptable and is, in fact, encouraged. Members should aim to be actively involved in both RWS exhibitions and events as well as those at other galleries and arts organisations.
Can I include any additional written work or texts?
There is no need to include any texts with your work other than a clear label on each piece with your name, title and medium. All additional information required will have already been filled out on the Election application form online which Members will read through.
If I can't bring my work to RWS Gallery at Whitcomb Street on the allocated delivery date, can I bring it in earlier?
Please contact info@royalwatercoloursociety.com to discuss with us in advance. We will do our best to be flexible but cannot guarantee delivery will be possible outside of the allocated date.
If I can't collect my work on the allocated collection date, can I collect at another time?
If you are unable to collect, you can nominate someone to collect for you. Alternatively, Art Moves of Chelsea will pick up all uncollected work and put them in storage. Please see application guidelines for further details. Please contact info@royalwatercoloursociety.com to discuss with us in advance. We will do our best to be flexible but cannot guarantee collection will be possible outside of the allocated date.
When will I hear if I have been successful or not?
There are two rounds of selection for the election. Applicants who have been shortlisted will be contacted via email by 6pm on Monday 12th June and asked to deliver their prepared portfolio and framed works to RWS Gallery at Whitcomb Street. Following this, shortlisted applicants can expect to hear the final result of their application on Thursday 13th July by 6pm.
How many artists are selected every year?
The Society can award Associate Membership to a maximum of 6 artists in one Election year.
Where should I deliver and collect my work?
Shortlisted applicants should deliver portfolios and framed works to:
RWS Gallery at Whitcomb Street
3 - 5 Whitcomb Street
London WC2H 7HA
Please note that elections will not be taking place at Bankside Gallery as in previous years.