Terms & Conditions

OVERVIEW

Allowable media:

Transparent watercolour only.

The Society’s definition of transparent watercolour is the use of artist’s quality resoluble watercolour paint with minimal use of body colour so that the white of the watercolour paper reflects through the paint.

Not Permissible:

Gouache, egg tempera, casein, acrylic, water-based oils and archival felt pens.

Painting Surface:

Archival fiber paper, which includes watercolour paper, watercolour paper glued to wood/composite panel, watercolour paper glued to canvas, canvas prepared for watercolour and watercolour board. Yupo is NOT accepted.

Paintings must be protected with plexiglass. (no glass permitted)

Only transparent watercolour as defined above and approved supports as listed here are permissible. Application of media must be by hand, brush, or any tool by the artist without digital or mechanical assistance. Airbrush is not allowed.

AI (artificial intelligence) and computer-generated artwork and/or mechanically printed images will not be accepted.

All styles are acceptable.

Important Dates:

July 8 – submissions open

Aug 30 – submissions close at 4pm ET (Toronto time)

Sept 20 – notifications of acceptance start

Oct 30 – shipped artwork due

Nov 13 – show opens

Nov 16 – opening/awards 1-3pm

Jan 12, 2025 – show closes

Jan 13 &14, 2025 – pickup of artwork

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

1. Artists may submit up to two images, however only one painting per applicant may be accepted for exhibitions.
2. Sales – A 40% commission is deducted from the sale price. Prices cannot be changed and must be in Canadian dollars. Artists have the option of having a work ‘not for sale’. In this case, a value does not need to be included.
3. For sold paintings, shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer. If the artwork has been sold during the show, the CSPWC will contact the artist and buyer to discuss next steps.
4. All paintings must be original, created by the artist who is submitting and not previously exhibited in an Open Water Exhibition.
5. Paintings must not be derivative or based on the work of others or in any way an infringement of copyright. Using stock imagery or photos taken by professional photographers is not permissible, even with permission or paid licensing.
6. Paintings must not have been created in art instruction, in a workshop, class or mentorship program.
7. Paintings must have been completed within the past three years.
8. Size of work:
   1. Maximum allowed painting size, 22x30” (56x76cm)
   2. Smallest allowed painting size is 10”x14” (25.4x35.56cm)
   3. Sizes in between are acceptable if measurements conform to the allowable minimum and maximum above.
9. Paintings must be framed in a professional manner for hanging. Plexiglass only (no glass).
10. If mats or liners are used, they must be white or off-white. Maximum mat size of 4” inches (10.16cm).
11. Shipping of paintings to and from the exhibition are the responsibility of the artist. This includes shipping costs, brokerage fees and any taxes or duties payable.
12. Open Water 2024 is strictly open to submissions painted in transparent watercolour, as defined in this call for entry.
13. The Jury and/or the Exhibition Chair reserve the right not to post/exhibit any painting which does not conform to all the rules of the competition.
14. If an accepted artist withdraws their work after the adjudication, they will not be eligible to enter Open Water for three years.
15. Entries that are accepted for exhibition will remain on display and available for sale (unless indicated as not for sale) until the end date of the exhibition. January 12, 2025.
16. Artists must carry their own insurance.
17. If your artwork has been chosen for this exhibition and you will NOT be delivering directly to the gallery within the specified timeframe, you will be required to ship it to the CSPWC office. Please note that a handling fee of $25 will be applied.
18. After the end date of the exhibition at Helson Gallery, painting images will be archived in an online exhibition on the CSPWC website. The CSPWC reserved the right to remove any posted online painting at any time for any reason.