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Have you reached the point in your art journey where you are beginning to consider entering art competitions? I'd like to give you my perspective on the why's, what's and how's of entering exhibitions should you decide to do so. Of course, I will be discussing watercolor exhibitions, but the principles can be applied to other media as well.

Why should you enter?

The fact that you are considering entering juried* art exhibitions demonstrates that you have confidence in your artwork and in yourself as an artist. Confidence is a good thing! Regularly entering competitions can inspire you to continue to improve, to learn, and to grow. Being involved in exhibitions also gives you insight into the art world and other artists.

Entering competitions can be exciting as well as nerve-wracking! There will be rejections as well as acceptances, but you will learn from each and every experience. Every single artist goes through this. I publicize my “good news" but I don't advertise the numerous times I've received the dreaded "not invited" notifications!

What competitions should you enter?

Decide which shows you would like to get into and just start entering! If you are new to competitions, you may want to start small; search the internet for watercolor exhibitions in your area. Chances are there will be several local and regional contests to choose from. There are benefits to starting closer to home: you can be directly involved with other artists and be a part of the process. I learned a thing or two about framing my paintings (and more!) by showing up to receiving, going through the process, seeing the other entries, asking questions, and eventually volunteering.

When it comes to national and international exhibitions, I enter the ones that I think are the best...for example, I love the friendliness and professionalism of the Northwest Watercolor Society; plus they have monthly Zoom critiques for members, which I find very educational. I was once given the advice to look at award monies (to be sure it's worth all the expenses of framing and shipping your painting if you get in). Of course, when you are starting out, awards may seem way out of reach, but you never know! One thing is certain: if you don't enter, you won't get in. If you don’t get in, you can’t win.

Now that more groups are doing online exhibitions, I'm entering more (especially member shows) since I won't have to frame and ship paintings if they are accepted. Even when my entries are "not invited", I consider the entry fees an investment in the arts.

How do you decide what painting(s) to enter?

Deciding what painting to enter will depend on the show prospectus (the document providing details and rules of the exhibition).

Every group's prospectus is different, so it's very important to take the time to read it carefully. The prospectus will list the conditions and rules regarding things like subject matter, originality, size, media, time frame, source material and number of entries. In a future newsletter I will go into more detail about the contents and importance of the prospectus. For now, I will leave you with this:

• Submit your best work.
• Select an eligible piece (read the prospectus again...and again).
• If entering more than one piece, they should be of equal quality and similar style (your own style, not the juror’s).
• Provide the best quality image possible when entering online.
• Above all, submit your best work!!!

Paint. Love. Repeat.

*A juried exhibition is a competition in which participants' work is selected by a person or panel of persons convened specifically to judge the participants' efforts. For example, an exhibition may have 400 entries of which only 80 pieces are selected, or juried, into the show.