The biennial International Watercolour Exhibition is making a vibrant return to Perth, bringing together more than 150 of Australia's finest watercolour artists. This fluid and delicate art form will be celebrated across Fremantle, with artists from across the nation and 15 other countries, including France, Italy, and Singapore, showcasing their diverse works.
Headlining Artist: Rob Candy
Australian watercolourist and past president of the Watercolour Society of Victoria, Rob Candy, will headline the event. For the first time attending, Candy expressed his excitement: "The general feeling in the public is that watercolours are great, but they don't see enough of them. Most major galleries don't display watercolours because of the outdated belief that they fade over time. This exhibition offers a rare chance to see 150 of the world's best watercolours."
Candy will conduct five days of workshops and a public demonstration at Fremantle Prison. He will also lead a group through Fremantle for plein air (open air) painting sessions. "Part of learning is seeing someone do it, which encourages others. Fremantle has amazing locations—we'll paint boats at the harbour and urban scenes near cafes," he said.
Interactive Experiences
The exhibition is highly interactive, featuring a 'try me' table for the public, live demonstrations, and prizes. Candy's public demonstration is scheduled for Friday from 10am to 12pm, open to all. "I aim to make it a learning experience, explaining my process. Everyone's approach to watercolour is different; it's about sharing the process, not hiding secrets," he noted.
Global Perspectives
The exhibition showcases a wide range of artistic styles and cultural perspectives. Travel plays a key role in Candy's creativity; he has led watercolour tours across China, the Balkans, Vietnam, India, and Thailand. "I paint on planes, trains, and automobiles. Watercolour is portable, but challenging—it has its own personality," he said.
Candy is eager to collaborate with international peers. "It's a quality exhibition—you won't see better anywhere in Australia. Art is about sharing and learning from each other," he added.
Event Details
The artworks will be displayed at Old Customs House until June 23 and are available for purchase. Candy's workshops run from June 13 to 17. Tickets are available online.
