Plymouth Watercolour Society

Started by a small group of enthusiasts in 1985, the Plymouth Watercolour Society, now operating under the name of ‘Plymouth Watercolour’, soon grew and developed into a thriving group of painters of all skill levels who are keen to promote watercolour painting.

Although the Society does not have a ‘home’ of its own, it organises a varied programme of events. During the winter the programme consist mainly of workshops and demonstrations by visiting artists and we ask you to book and pay in advance for these events. These workshops are sometimes extended into the summer and we also organise summer days out for painting and sketching outside. These can include trips to take advantage of the amazing scenery of more distant locations in Devon and Cornwall. There are usually more experienced members at these events who are willing to give as much or as little help or advice as you require.

The Society holds two exhibitions each year. These represent a wonderful opportunity to exhibit and perhaps sell some of your work. The Spring Exhibition is held around the Easter period and at this exhibition we guarantee to exhibit at least one of your paintings (subject to the required standard of mounting and framing). The Autumn Exhibition is usually held at a commercial gallery where different submission rules apply. These exhibitions may be switched round from time to time. A selection committee will select the paintings to be hung. A modest commission is charged on all sales at the non-commercial exhibition, most of which goes to charity. The commercial gallery sets its own rate of commission.

Both exhibitions are for all members to exhibit their work. Rules for the submission of paintings are sent out to members approx 6 weeks before the submission date.

Exhibitors are required to undertake two (2 hour) stewarding duties or arrange for friend to steward in their place. These are YOUR exhibitions. We have beginners to established artists submitting their work and we strive for a good selection of work to show. The Society is proud to support local charities with a percentage of the sale of paintings and also with a raffle of a painting.

We have a DVD library available to members at no cost apart from postage and packing. We also have an arrangement with local art suppliers who will offer a discount to our members.

The Society is at present going through a ‘renaissance’, which includes a new website and a relaxation of the ‘pure watercolour’ requirement, to allow pen and wash, acrylics, gouache and mixed media paintings. We are very keen to attract new members. If you are an experienced painter or a beginner or somewhere between, we will welcome you and offer any support that you need.

Please see our website Members Pages for contact details.