Does being an artist have to be a lonely pursuit?
"I suspect that you've noticed that making art can be lonely" - Jenny Holzer
Whether you are interested in still life painting or portraiture, there is a watercolour art society out there for you to practice and paint alongside your peers!
The idea of the solitary artist, working away on a project in solitude, has long been romanticised. It's true that much of the artistic process does require time alone to experiment and explore ideas. However, it is also true that art does not have to be a completely lonely pursuit. Working with other artists or even collaborating on projects can help to enrich the creative process and gain insight into how others approach their work.
Also, engaging with a community of other artists can be extremely beneficial. Having conversations, sharing ideas, and challenging each other to think in different ways can help to keep the creative juices flowing. Especially when it comes to watercolour art, which can be a challenging medium to master, many tips and tricks can be learned from others who have been working with the medium for some time.
In this blog, we will be discussing what art societies exist for watercolourists and what benefits they can offer. We will also discuss how to find the right type of society for you and how to get involved.
Australian Watercolour Institute (AWI)
Founded in 1923, the Australian Watercolour Institute is the oldest and most respected watercolour society in the country, with both national and international membership. With an aim to promote the practice of watercolour painting, the AWI regularly holds exhibitions and other events that bring together watercolourists from across the country.
Some of the greatest and most celebrated artists in Australian history have been members or regularly exhibited with the AWI, including Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts, and Margaret Preston. Today, the AWI continues to be a vital and influential force in contemporary art practice both in Australia and around the world.
So, how can you become a part of this exceptional organisation? Firstly, you need to have your work hung in the AWI's annual exhibition, either as an invited guest artist or as a non-member artist whose work has been selected. During the last days of the yearly exhibition, there will be an AWI General Meeting where they will ask for nominations for new members. Current AWI members will then review all of the works for that year and decide which non-member artists will be invited to become a part of the AWI.
It may sound like a daunting process, but if your dream is to become an artist, joining the AWI can give you the recognition and support to help you take your art career to the next level.
Australian state-based watercolour organisations
There are a number of state-based organisations, in addition to the AWI, that offer exhibition opportunities and support for watercolour artists. Each of these bodies is focused on promoting the medium of watercolour painting in their local area, and they offer artists access to workshops and art classes, as well as helping to build networking connections. Some of the major organisations include the Watercolour Society of Victoria, Watercolour Society of Queensland, and The South Australian Watercolour Society.
Becoming a member of one of these state-based organisations usually only requires an interest in pursuing the medium of watercolour painting and payment of a small annual fee, with the rewards being access to resources, support networks, and tutelage in the craft.
So, if you are looking to explore the world of watercolour painting and discover what it has to offer, then joining a state-based society is a great way to start. Not only will you benefit from the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, but you’ll also have access to resources, advice, and instruction.
In addition to state-based societies, there are also many independent watercolour painting groups available around Australia. These groups, like the Central Coast Watercolour Society, usually charge a nominal membership fee and often have the benefit of professional instructors to help you hone your watercolour painting skills. Plus, they represent a great way to socialise and network with other watercolour painters and stave off the sense of isolation that can sometimes come with working as an independent artist.
American Watercolor Society (AWS)
In 1866, just 18 months after the bloody Civil War had ended, a group of American painters met in New York City to form the American Watercolor Society (AWS). At a time when American society was just beginning to emerge from the chaos of war, these artists sought to create an organisation that would further the appreciation and advancement of watercolour art. Today, the American Watercolor Society remains a vital force in the promotion of watercolour as an art form and holds regular exhibitions. It also offers its own scholarship program as well the Dolphin Fellowship to recognise and award deserving artists. AWS Demonstrations, geared toward helping artists expand their skills and knowledge as well as increase public appreciation of watercolour art, are held throughout the year as well.
By joining the American Watercolor Society, artists can become part of this vibrant and influential community. Through their work or volunteer efforts, members can help support and champion watercolour as an art form. They can also access exclusive opportunities and resources that will help them grow professionally and personally.
Canadian Society Of Painters In Water Colour (CSPWC)
The Canadian Society Of Painters In Water Colour (La Société Canadienne de Peintres en Aquarelle) is the only national organisation in Canada dedicated to the promotion of watercolour painting. Founded in 1925, the Society offers a welcoming and encouraging platform to watercolour painters of all levels and abilities.
The CSPWC recognise and nurture excellence in this medium by planning and hosting various events such as seminars, demonstrations, and open competitions. The events not only help to discover and appreciate the talents of watercolourists but also provide a chance for them to become members of the Society. By becoming a member, artists gain access to a common forum where they can exchange information, discuss trends, and build camaraderie with fellow artists. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting to explore the world of watercolour, the Society is a great place to start your journey.
Final thoughts
When you are a student or just starting out, being hung in art galleries can seem a long way off. Taking a watercolour course and joining an artists' organisation can help to give you the confidence and know-how to take your art practice further.
As these noble watercolour art organisations attest, being a watercolour artist does not have to be a solitary pursuit. By joining the right organisation, you can get support and mentorship from experienced artists, network with other watercolourists, and grow in your craft.
When artists come together, there is a camaraderie and energy that helps foster creative growth. While it is sometimes necessary to practice one's art in isolation, to be a part of a watercolour organisation is to join the ranks of committed and passionate creatives.
Belonging to an organisation gives the artist recognition, shared enthusiasm for watercolour painting, and often invaluable insight that can help build a successful art career.
As a professional watercolour artist myself, I can attest to how much more I have achieved through working with other artists. Being part of a large community of artists has helped me create a strong network, discover new techniques, and share my work with others.
If you’d like to join my own community, join me on Patreon where you’ll have access to a thriving community of thousands of like-minded artists. You’ll also receive access to my patron only Discord server which includes chat, voice and live streams with me every month (on the Graded Washes tier).
I encourage you to take the leap and join a watercolour organisation today. You will find a world of support, friendship, resources, and opportunities that can help you in your journey as an artist.
And if you would like to find out more about how to get started, feel free to reach out at any time. I am always happy to help!
Further Reading: How to get motivated and stay motivated as an artist.