Spring Member Show 2026

Original

• Paintings must have been completed after January 1, 2023. We are not obliged to notify the artist of works that are submitted outside the acceptable timeframe.
• No painting or duplicate painting may be submitted to another exhibition – in-person or virtual — that overlaps with any part of the LWS Exhibit.
• Paintings must be the sole work of the artist; they cannot be completed in workshops or classes or under supervision.
• No copies of another artist’s work are allowed.
• Only original two-dimensional hand-painted entries are allowed: No photographs, photocopies, prints, giclées, or work generated/assisted by artificial intelligence (AI).
• If photo references are used, the photo must have been taken by the artist.
• No work previously shown in any prior LWS international exhibition is allowed.
• No work other than the accepted work may be submitted.
• Artists who violate the originality rules may be banned from entering any LWS competition for a period of two years.

Water-based

• Watercolor is the preferred medium.
• Acrylic, casein, gouache, water-based ink, and egg tempera are allowed if used in the style of watercolor without any impasto (i.e., paint build-up). Water-soluble oils are not allowed.

Substrates

• Acceptable substrates are natural or synthetic paper, or panels prepared to accept water media.
• Substrates must be two-dimensional only – no collage, paint buildup, glued-on items, etc. that raise the surface.
• No other surfaces are accepted.

Framing

• All works must be framed and EITHER 1) under clear plexiglass or other framing-grade acrylic OR 2) finished with archival quality sealant.
• Cradled board is an acceptable frame.
• Wire and screw-eye or D-ring must be attached for hanging.
• Frames, if used, must be neutral in color (see further details here).
• Mats, if used, must be white or off-white.
• Diptychs and triptychs must be in a single frame.
• Minimum image size is 8″ X 10″.
• Maximum frame size is 45″ in any direction.
• Maximum framed weight is 15 pounds.

Awards

First Place: $150, Second Place: $100, Third Place: $75; Two Honorable Mentions: $40 each, Two Merit Awards: $20 each in cash or merchandise

Fees

$25 for 1-3 paintings. All entry fees are non-refundable.

Non-members may enter by joining LWS for the annual membership rate of $40 and paying the $25 entry fee. Join Here

Sales

There is no commission on sales.

Delivery

• Hand-delivered framed paintings ready for hanging must be brought to the LA State Archives on Monday, March 2 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am.
• Please have the artist’s complete name, title of painting, cost if selling, and artist’s phone number on the back of all paintings.

Questions

Show Chair: Melanie Long: Email Melanie

Release of Liability

• Although the utmost care will be taken in handling works of art, LWS and/or LWS’s representatives, Louisiana State Archives will not be responsible for damage or loss, whatever the cause. Artists release LWS, LWS’s representatives, and Louisiana State Archives from all liability with respect to loss or damage to the artist’s works of art. It is suggested that artists carry their own insurance, in proper limits.
• Submitting a work of art to this exhibition shall constitute an agreement on the part of the artist to comply fully with the conditions and terms set forth in this Prospectus.
• By entering, you agree that LWS assumes the reproduction rights of paintings in the exhibit for display on louisianawatercolorsociety.org, on social media platforms, and for promotion of the LWS exhibit.

Entry

• Please submit the titles of your paintings so that labels can be created. JPGs are not required for this show, but if you want your paintings to be considered for social media posting, please also submit JPGs.
• Artists may submit up to 3 paintings.
• Images must be in JPG format only.
• File size cannot exceed 5MB.
• JPGs must be at least 1200 pixels on either side.
• JPGs must be cropped to show only the image – no frame or mat, and must be oriented correctly (vertical or horizontal).