Our Mission
We promote watercolor and water media as an important and recognized medium in the arts community and provides support as well as educational opportunities to watercolor artists - whether beginners or professionals.
We offer a variety of educational opportunities including eight (8) monthly meetings with demonstrations and lectures by renowned national or prominent local artists. In the Fall and Spring, we host three-day water media workshops with nationally recognized artists.
We recognize and encourage artistic excellence through juried exhibitions in the Fall and Spring.
Click to - Read more about JWS, Board and Committees, and History
Upcoming Events in 2025
Jan 23-29, 2026 Spring Show—Online Entry
Feb 3, 2026 General Meeting—Vlad Yeliseyev
Feb 4-5, 2026 Two-Day Workshop– Vlad Yeliseyev
Feb 6, 2026 Spring Show Awards & Reception—First Friday Artwalk—March 1
Feb 24, 2026 General Meeting—Becky Mentz
Mar 24, 2026 General Meeting– to be confirmed
Apr 28, 2026 General Meeting—Barbara Holt, Artist of the Year 2024
May 26, 2026 End of Year Social
Access Calendar of Events for list of all upcoming events and meetings.
Winter Break - Happy Holidays!
No General Meeting in January, 2026.
JWS Members are invited to a
Special Event in January.
JWS Special Event for JWS Members Only
Cummer Museum Docent-Led Tour
of Andrew Wyeth Exhibition
January 20, 2026, 11:00 AM
Tour costs $12 Including Full Museum Admission. The $12 is non-refundable as JWS will be paying Cummer $25 per person for the tour.
To register and pay the $12 fee by mail or online, please click here. There is a limit to number of members who can participate on this tour, so please register as soon as possible. Final deadline for online registration is January 11 and for registration by mail, the deadline is January 5.
Andrew Wyeth at Kuerner Farm: The Eye of the Earth brings together over 40 works by Wyeth including some of the artist’s most iconic masterpieces from Kuerner Farm as well as exciting works drawn from Andrew and Betsy Wyeth’s private collection, including works that have never been on public display.
Click here for the flyer which was emailed to all JWS members.
JWS General Meeting
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2025, 6-8 pm
Guest Artist: Vlad Yeliseyev
“Program Topic to Be Announced"
Cypress Village, Egret Room
A nationally known award-winning artist. Do not miss this program.
Shows & Workshops
2025 Fall Juried Show
From October 28 to December 1 at Christ Episcopal Church, 400 San Juan Drive in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Key dates to remember:
Dec 01 - Take down/Pick up 10am - 12pm
Click here to see more about this show and other shows including paintings from past shows in the gallery.
Spring 2 Day Workshop
"“Mastering the Power of Focal Areas”
by Vladislav Yeliseyev, AIS, NWS
February 4-5, 2026 9:30am to 4:00 pm
Jacksonville Gem and Mineral Society
$375 members $425 non-members
The focus of this workshop is to move beyond merely copying what you see; it’s essential to reinterpret the subject in your own way. In this workshop, we’ll explore proven methods that help you efficiently achieve the goal. You’ll gain hands-on experience with these techniques, learning how to create successful watercolors that truly stand out. We’ll cover every aspect, from developing the right mindset as you pick up your brush, through mastering brush techniques, to adding the perfect finishing touches.
This workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced artists who have mastered watercolor basics and are comfortable with drawing.
Learn more about the workshop and what to expect, click here. For information about Vlad and his work, see his website.
Publications & Events
Newsletter
Read the latest newsletter by clicking on the image of the cover to the right.
Click to
See more about our communications for members, the latest trifold and calendar of events, past newsletters, and links to websites of interest to members.
Artist of the Year - 2024
Barbara Holt is the 2024 recipient of the Jacksonville Watercolor Society Artist of the Year. She has served as VP of Shows for JWS for 8 years and has introduced a student show to the Pine Forest Elementary School for the Arts. She volunteers at Westminster Wood Retirement Community as an outreach program for JWS teaching watercolor to the residents. Barbara is a well-trained, accomplished award-winning artist.
Click to See more about Barbara Holt, AOTY award, guidelines for nomination, and previous recipients.
Donations
JWS recently received a generous donation in the name of a long term member who passed away. Over years, we have received other donations as well as art materials and supplies that honor past and current members. We appreciate the generous support of JWS and its mission. To help with future donations, we have provided instructions and contacts on our membership page. Please go to the bottom of the membership page for more information on donations.