SWS 18th National Junior Watercolour Competition 2026
The competition has closed.
Both categories of the competition received overwhelming good response.
The Primary School Category for those aged 5 to 12 attracted around 1400 participants. The category for those aged 13 to 18 saw more than 200 participants turn up at Clarke Quay on 18 July morning to paint the scene.
Catch a piece of action from the photos and videos posted in our social media pages in Facebook and Instagram.
A total of 57 winners were selected for all categories and their works will be exhibited together with SWS members' at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Center during our exhibition period. There will also be a prize giving ceremony during our exhibition opening day.
All winners have been notified. The list of winners is also announced in our SWS Facebook page. You may view the list of winners here.
Take a sneak peek at the winning artworks here, and make sure to visit the exhibition for a closer look.
All participants, please collect your artwork during the SWS 57th Annual Exhibition period from 4 to 10 September at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, level 7 Multi-Purpose Hall.
About the Competition
This competition is organised in conjunction with our annual SWS exhibition, aimed at promoting watercolour art among our young. There are 2 major categories for participants:
For Children aged 5 to 12:
Participants in this age group create their artwork at home and submit it at SWS’s Telok Kurau Studio on 4 July 2026 (Saturday), from 10am to 2pm. The theme for this year’s competiton is “Singapore in Colours: A City of Hope and Harmony”.
For competition guidelines, please click here.
For participants aged 13 to 18:
Participants in this age group paint on location at Clarke Quay on 18 July 2026 (Saturday), from 9am to 12 noon. Each participant is provided with an Imperial quarter sheet (38cm by 28cm) of watercolour paper for the competition.
For competition guidelines, please click here.
SWS President's Message
This year’s exhibition carries the theme “Watercolour. Flowing Lights.”
We chose this theme because it captures the unique qualities that make watercolour such a remarkable medium.
The Spirit of Watercolour
This theme reflects what makes watercolour so compelling: the meeting of flowing water and revealing light. Together, they create works that are luminous, expressive and alive. Through transparency, spontaneity, and the interplay of colour and light, watercolour captures not only what we see, but also what we feel.
“Flowing Lights” also reflects the spirit of our Society—an ongoing exchange of inspiration, friendship, knowledge and artistic passion across generations. Through exhibitions, workshops, competitions and cultural exchanges, we continue to nurture this spirit and promote appreciation of watercolour in Singapore and beyond.
This Year’s Exhibition
This year’s exhibition brings together over 100 members, presenting nearly 200 paintings across landscapes, cityscapes, flora, still life, heritage architecture and everyday scenes.
Each work tells its own story—of nature, memory, culture or quiet reflection. Together, they highlight the versatility of watercolour as a vibrant and evolving art form with endless possibilities.
We are also honoured to feature 28 works by 15 distinguished watercolour artists from China. Their participation not only showcases exceptional artistry but also strengthens long-standing friendship and artistic exchange between our communities.
We invite visitors to explore the diverse approaches on display and to appreciate how art transcends language, geography and borders.
Nurturing the Next Generation
A key focus of our mission is nurturing young talent. The 18th National Junior Watercolour Competition received a record 1,700 entries, the highest since its inception, from students aged 5 to 18.
Their creativity, energy and willingness to experiment are deeply encouraging. They remind us that the future of watercolour lies in both tradition and exploration.
A highlight this year was the Secondary School On-the-Spot Painting Competition along the Singapore River at Clarke Quay Central. Working outdoors, students responded to changing light, movement and surroundings, making quick decisions on composition, perspective and colour.
Such experiences build more than artistic skill. Watercolour fosters patience, observation, discipline and creativity, while strengthening analytical thinking and resilience—the ability to adapt, accept imperfection and continue creating. These qualities help shape confident, thoughtful and resourceful individuals.
Appreciation and Encouragement
I extend my sincere thanks to the parents and teachers for their guidance, our judges for their expertise, our sponsors and partners for their support, and our volunteers and organising committee for their dedication.
To our Society members, thank you for your continued passion and commitment. Your efforts keep the spirit of watercolour alive and growing.
To all participants in the 18th National Junior Watercolour Competition, congratulations. Every artwork is an achievement—reflecting courage, learning and the joy of creation.
I encourage our young artists to keep painting, observing and exploring with curiosity and imagination. Let your creative voices continue to grow.
Closing Reflections
As you view the exhibition, I hope you will look beyond each painting to the stories, emotions and dedication behind it.
Thank you for being part of this celebration of art, friendship and creativity. I wish you an inspiring and memorable experience.
Donald Tan
President
Singapore Watercolour Society