Splash 27: The Best of Watercolor is an international art competition, widely celebrated within the global watercolor community for showcasing excellence in contemporary watercolor painting. Organized annually by Artists Network and Watercolor Artist magazine, Splash 27 continues a renowned tradition dating back nearly three decades, bringing together watercolorists and artists working in water-based media such as gouache, casein, and egg tempera on paper. Each edition is highly anticipated by artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts who appreciate the vibrancy, depth, and expressive power unique to watercolor artworks.
The competition attracts artists from around the world, serving as a dynamic platform to highlight emerging talents as well as established professionals who demonstrate innovative techniques and a masterful use of color, light, and composition. Every entry undergoes careful consideration by an esteemed panel of judges, who select more than one hundred exceptional pieces that represent the finest achievements in watercolor art today. Finalists gain significant exposure, earning the opportunity to have their work published in a beautiful, full-color volume titled The Best of Watercolor, a widely respected publication that reaches an extensive international audience of artists, art educators, galleries, and collectors.
Beyond recognition, Splash 27 offers selected artists a remarkable opportunity for professional growth and visibility within the art community. Featured artists benefit from increased credibility and exposure through high-profile publication, detailed artist profiles, and associated marketing and promotional campaigns conducted by Artists Network. Participation in Splash 27 thus represents a significant milestone and career-enhancing achievement, solidifying artists’ reputations and connecting them to new audiences and opportunities within the flourishing international watercolor art market.
For the final deadline, the entry fee is US $30 for Artists Network members and US $40 for non‑members.
Eligibility
Open to artists worldwide who are at least 18 years old (of legal majority in their jurisdiction) working primarily in watercolor or similar water‑based media on paper; acrylic as dominant medium is not allowed.
Prize
US $3,500 in cash awards are distributed among winners, and the top three prize winners receive not only monetary awards but also publication of their winning artworks accompanied by in‑depth artist profiles in The Best of Watercolor (Summer 2026 issue), with over 100 finalists selected for inclusion in the annual special publication.
