The 2026 Royal Watercolour Society Open

Each year, the Royal Watercolour Society brings together artists from across the UK and around the world through its internationally recognised open exhibition, the RWS Open. With a history stretching back more than fifty years under various titles, the exhibition has become one of the largest and most significant showcases of water-based media on paper.

Held at the Bankside Gallery in London from 27 February to 15 March 2026, this year’s exhibition continues the Society’s long tradition of championing innovation, experimentation and technical excellence in water-media. Artists at any stage of their career are invited to submit work created in watercolour, ink, gouache, acrylic or mixed water-based media, provided the work is made on paper.

Following a rigorous selection process, a panel of judges – Bob and Roberta Smith RA, Siphiwe Mnguni, Charles Williams PRWS, Akash Bhatt RWS and Caroline Cornelius RWS – selected a diverse group of works for exhibition. The resulting show reflects the remarkable breadth of contemporary water-media practice, from delicate, atmospheric paintings to bold and experimental approaches that push the boundaries of the medium.

Alongside the exhibition, a range of prizes recognise outstanding work and support artists in continuing their practice. Among them is the Daler-Rowney Prize, awarded annually to a standout artist working in water-based media.

At the 2026 RWS Open, the Daler-Rowney Prize was awarded to Parul of the Sea, recognising the strength and individuality of her work within this year’s exhibition. The prize celebrates artists who demonstrate both technical ability and a distinctive voice in water-media.

Through prizes such as this, the RWS Open continues to support artists working with water-based materials, offering both recognition and practical support as they develop their practice.

For many artists, the RWS Open represents far more than a single exhibition. As an internationally recognised open call, it provides a valuable opportunity to exhibit work in central London, connect with collectors, curators and fellow artists, and gain visibility within the wider art community. Many artists who first exhibit in the Open later go on to become Associates or Members of the Royal Watercolour Society.

The 2026 exhibition once again highlights the continuing relevance and versatility of water-based media. Whether through traditional watercolour techniques or contemporary mixed-media approaches, the artists selected this year demonstrate the endless possibilities of painting on paper, and the enduring vitality of the medium.

Find out more about the society: https://www.royalwatercoloursociety.co.uk/