Watercolour is a tough art form.
The paints run and blend unpredictably. They’re transparent, so it’s nearly impossible to correct mistakes or revise works in progress. Yet a hundred years ago, Canada’s finest watercolourists felt people didn’t take their medium seriously, so they founded the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour, which became one of the country’s most prestigious art organizations.
Aiming to nurture and develop watercolour, the group began an annual exhibition. It’s taken a variety of names over the years, returning as Open Water 100 from Sept. 11 to Oct. 2 at Teichert Gallery in Halifax. Hosting the centenary exhibition is a rare opportunity for Atlantic Canadians.
“We’re excited to host this anniversary exhibition not only because of the chance to highlight watercolour painters from across Canada and the world, but also because Teichert Gallery is heading into our 50th anniversary year in 2026,” says Andrea Smith, Teichert’s executive director. “This is a perfectly timed partnership, featuring two exemplary Canadian arts organizations celebrating the exceptional impact artists make in our communities.”
A jury considers submissions from around the globe and selects 40-45 paintings, which follow no theme beyond being watercolours. “The quality is excellent,” says Smith. “There’s a lot of variety ... It’s a really nice way for the public to engage with local artists and artwork from international sources.”
Digby, N.S., watercolourist Poppy Balser co-chairs the exhibition, along with South Shore artist Gary McFarlane. She’s excited about the outreach opportunities accompanying the event.
“The society has always worked very hard on raising the bar for watercolour as an artform,” she says. “New this year, we’ve added a youth division. We need to encourage young artists, so we have a 110th and 120th exhibition. We put out a call to young artists. Those paintings will be part of the show.”
The anniversary includes opportunities for fans to learn from the artists. On Sept. 12, weather permitting, there will be a “paint out” event in Halifax (location TBA) where anyone can join professional artists to work en plein air. And on Sept. 13 and 27, Teichert Gallery hosts painting demonstrations.
“One of our artists will set up their kit, do a painting, and talk about what they’re doing,” explains Balser, adding that the event is free but ticketed because space is limited. “The work of an artist is seen as fairly mysterious … We see a scene and we paint it. Sometimes people who don’t paint have a hard time figuring ‘How did you get that onto there?’ … This allows us to share our thought process — this is how the gears turn.”
Open Water 100 is a chance for Atlantic Canadians to get up close with art of the highest caliber. If you haven’t been to a gallery in a while, forget the cliché of monocled culture snobs.
“It’s a very relaxed gallery atmosphere,” Smith says, adding that most works will be available for sale. “We’re very welcoming. You don’t need to have an art-history background to enjoy and there’s no fee to enter. You can browse at your leisure. We’re happy to answer questions or just have people browse on their own … We’re putting a spotlight on a group of artists that is significant globally, not just a Canadian group. We’re given this great opportunity for the public to have access to an exhibit like this.”
Royal connection
King Charles III is a skilled artist and honorary member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour. Back when he was Prince Charles, he became acquainted with the group as it marked its 60th anniversary by contributing 60 paintings to the Royal Collection. It’s added to the donation since, with 25 coming this year to make the total 100, just in time for the centenary. Balser wrote “a very nice letter” inviting the King to loan one of his own paintings for Open Water 100. She had no reply at press time.