Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours 2026

The Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours (RI) 214th Exhibition returns to Mall Galleries from 25 March to 11 April 2026, bringing together over 400 works in watercolour and water-based media from artists across the world.

As one of the most established societies dedicated to water-based painting, the RI continues to present a broad and evolving view of the medium – balancing technical tradition with more experimental, contemporary approaches.

The annual exhibition reflects the diversity of watercolour practice today. Alongside the work of elected RI members, the open call introduces emerging artists whose work pushes the boundaries of the medium – whether through scale, subject matter or material combinations.

From detailed observational pieces to expressive and abstract works, the exhibition highlights the versatility of watercolour, gouache and ink. This breadth is a defining characteristic of the RI, which has historically supported both innovation and accessibility within the medium.

A key part of the exhibition is its extensive awards programme, recognising excellence across technique, innovation and artistic development. With a wide range of prizes supported by leading art brands and organisations, the awards provide both recognition and practical support for artists at different stages of their careers.

From material prizes and residencies to financial awards, the programme reflects the RI’s ongoing commitment to supporting contemporary practice in water-based media.

The RI Young Artist Award, sponsored by Daler-Rowney, focuses on artists aged 18-25, offering meaningful support at an early stage in their careers.

• £1,000 prize
• £1,000 worth of art materials

The award recognises originality, technical ability and future potential within water-based media.

Winner: Zifan Sun – White Tree

The 2026 RI Young Artist Award was presented to Zifan Sun for White Tree, an acrylic on paper work distinguished by its measured simplicity and strong sense of atmosphere.

“Winning the RI Young Artist Award has been a very meaningful moment in my practice. In White Tree, I wanted the painting to retain the presence of the brushstroke, allowing marks, edges and layers to remain visible as part of the work’s structure rather than smoothing them away.

Because my work places such emphasis on the life of the mark, I am especially excited to develop these ideas further with the support of Daler-Rowney. Brushes are an important part of that process for me, and the precision and durability of the System3 Acrylic Brush make it possible to move between controlled detail and broader, more gestural passages while keeping the surface active and responsive.
I’m particularly interested in how different brush shapes can extend the language of the painting, whether through finer lines, softer curved transitions or more decisive strokes. This award feels both affirming and motivating at an important stage in my development, and I’m very grateful for the support.”

The RI Young Artist Award plays an important role within the wider exhibition, reinforcing the importance of supporting new voices in water-based media. Alongside recognition, the inclusion of professional materials provides practical value – enabling artists to continue developing their work beyond the exhibition.

Within the context of the RI 214th Exhibition, this focus on emerging talent sits alongside established practice, creating a dialogue between generations and approaches.

The 2026 exhibition demonstrates that watercolour remains both relevant and adaptable. By combining traditional techniques with contemporary ideas, the works on display reflect a medium that continues to evolve while retaining its distinct character.

From large-scale experimental pieces to more intimate studies, the RI Annual Exhibition offers a considered view of what water-based painting looks like today – grounded in skill, but open to interpretation.

Find out more about the society: https://royalinstituteofpaintersinwatercolours.org/