Lorraine Simonds’ Artwork One of 75 from Around the World Accepted into International Open Exhibition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ina Xi, Artist Liaison ‍exhibitions@nwws.org

Northwest Watercolor Society’s 86th Annual International Open Exhibition runs online October 30 through December 11, 2026

Juror Dongfeng Li has chosen 75 watermedia paintings from 613 entries into Northwest Watercolor Society’s (NWWS) 86th International Open Exhibition. The entries represent artists from three-quarters of the US states and 22 countries. Lorraine Simonds’ watercolour painting titled “Perplexed but not Despairing” is among the selected to be in the exhibition. The show begins with the online Awards Reception on October 30th, 2026 at 5pm Pacific Time. Everyone is invited to attend this free event by registering at www.nwws.org. 

Perplexed But Not Despairing

“Perplexed but Not Despairing is a deeply personal self-portrait, painted in a season of turbulent change. After years of city life, relentless busyness, and crushing pressure, I found myself unraveling—my health, mind, and relationships crumbling under the weight of stress. I had no choice but to step back and reassess.”

Squamish Artist, Lorraine Simonds is an internationally recognised, award-winning watercolour artist and educator based in British Columbia, renowned for her loose and emotional portraiture. A Signature Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and Women in Watercolor, and Elect Member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour. Lorraine’s expressive work has earned her Finalist honours in Splash 26 and 27: The Best of Watercolour, as well as multiple First Place National Awards with the Federation of Canadian Artists. “My work is drawn to the places where the light feels hidden – spaces marked by ache, quiet questions, or things left unsaid. I tend to linger there, not out of despair, but because I believe even in the dark, something beautiful and hopeful can stir. “

Dongfeng Li is a master artist, national and international award winner and was an instructor at Morehead State University in Kentucky for years. At the Awards Reception, Li will briefly explain why he chose each painting including Lorraine Simonds’ artwork. Then move on the presenting the awards of over $15,000 in cash and merchandise. The top cash prizes are $2,000 for first, $1,300 for second, $800 for third and the $1,000 Purchase Award. Each year, one painting from the exhibition is purchased by NWWS and becomes part of the NWWS Permanent Collection. Eligibility is by opt-in during the entry process.

NWWS president Deborah Roskopf commented, “Li has chosen many interpretations of watermedia and the diversity from around the world is incredible. I encourage everyone to see the online gallery and experience the wide world of watercolor and other watermedia.

“The International Open Exhibition is always inspiring,” added Roskopf. “Collectors will find all of the paintings for sale, with the artist receiving 75% of the sold artwork price. It is an excellent place to find a special piece for your home or office.”

For more information about NWWS and the 86th International Open Exhibition, please visit www.nwws.org. 

About NWWS

The Northwest Watercolor Society (NWWS) was founded in 1939 in Seattle, Washington when a group of eight artists came together to form an organization dedicated to the celebration of watercolor. With a goal to inspire both a lasting interest in the art of watercolor painting and an appreciation for watercolor as an artful, imaginative medium, the history of NWWS began. From these modest beginnings, NWWS has grown into the internationally recognized, historically rich organization of today with a membership over a thousand Signature, Lifetime and Associate Members across the North America & internationally. 

The Northwest Watercolor Society of today is a structured organization that offers a wealth of opportunities and experiences for the artist, the art patron and all those fascinated by the magical wonder of watercolor. Recognized as one of the most prominent national/international watercolor societies in North America, NWWS continues to gain attention and exposure. Although NWWS has grown enormously throughout the years in both numbers and accomplishments, the organization has remained firmly rooted in its history, devoted to the philosophy of the Mission Statement of its Founders … To promote and elevate the art of watermedia and to encourage the growth and creativity of its artist members as we remain a prime artistic resource. www.nwws.org