Searching for the next champions of watercolor art
+23 Searching for the next champions of watercolor art
Watercolor carries a long legacy in the history of art. The earliest paintings and illustrations were made with earth pigments, made to be soluble in water, becoming the precursors to the watercolors we know today. They’ve been used to paint on scrolls, paper, parchment, and even silk, their colors vividly depicting landscapes, animals, and everyday scenes.
Like water, the popularity of this medium has ebbed and flowed through the centuries. Yet it remains a classic: It is one of the earliest forms of painting our children are taught at school, and a craft many paper and journal hobbyists have learned to enjoy, but in formal practice, watercolor also remains one of the most challenging mediums to master.
It takes great skill and artistry to wield watercolor and render it into breathtaking scenes on paper: an understanding of the nuances of movement and brushstrokes, a connection with the types of paper and how water and pigment can interact, the various techniques to achieve dreamy, gentle washes and precise strokes to vividly bring subjects to life on the page.
For 36 years now, Gallery Genesis has been searching for the Philippines’ masters of watercolor through the Kulay Sa Tubig National Watercolor Invitational Competition. It has been the gallery’s mission to showcase the medium since 1983, making the prestigious competition a much-awaited event among artists, audiences, and collectors.
Participants in the Kulay Sa Tubig competition have gained significant recognition in their careers as artists, with the competition launching them into further success. With the country bursting with talent, the best artists and works are handpicked for the exhibition. This year, a total of 97 artists have been chosen, showcasing one watercolor painting each. The exhibition features a vivid mix of life-like landscapes, everyday scenes of children, families, work, culture, and nature, and abstract depictions of emotions and stories. What ties them all together is a distinct quality of being Filipino, and the indesputable talent and skill in the medium.
The Top 5 Philippine Watercolorists of this year’s Kulay Sa Tubig will be awarded at a special event on Sept. 20. The exhibition will then run from Sept. 21 to Oct. 4 at Gallery Genesis, 2nd Floor North Wing Bridgeway, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
36th Kulay Sa Tubig competing artists
Abe, Erika
Alcantara, William
Aleluya, Adrian
Allid, Aizza Joy
Andamon, Louiza Andes,
Mc Miller Aniban, Jason
Argarin, Mark Angelo
Arquero, Benedict
Atienza, Yves Jan
Badal, Elmar
Balderas, Joseph
Balotabot, Enrico Norman
Bañez, Jofel
Barja, Jose, Jr.
Barreiro, Aileen
Bomediano, Leo
Bondoc, Ana Maria Sheila
Calderon, Wilfredo ‘Yeye’
Centeno, Katrina Karen
Come, Rhodalyn
Dayanghirang, Romina
De Guzman, Rodney James
Del Mundo-Angeles, Ana Neliza
Deocades, Primitivo ‘Tibo’
Dizon, Ralvin
Doce, Danny
Escaño, Aliver
Escueta, Eileen Bondoc
Española, Charmaine
Espinosa, Roy
Estrella, Arnold
Florendo, Angelito ‘Jo’
Gacayan, Joanne
Gali, Leo Gauci, Jeff
Gocotano, Alex
Golingay, Jose
Goloyugo, Arnold
Guina, Rolando
Guinto, Marianne
Herodico, Christian John
Hubahib, Joel
Hulagno, Gieward
Jimenez, Gerardo
Jimenez, Joselito ‘Jojo’
Jose, Edgardo ‘Egay’
Lacanaria, Kevin Ralph
Lara, Mary Irma
Legaspi, Julius
Luztre, Bianca
Macapugay, Niel
Madrid, Rafaelita ‘Lita’ Posadas Manahan, Monica
Mendoza, Eduard
Mendoza-Pastor, Roselyn
Mercines, Bryce
Migallos, Maxcel
Millano, Jirah
Montesclaros, Rocelo
Morales, Alfredo ‘Alfred’, Jr.
Muñoz, Jerson ‘Ton’
Ocampo, Maria Cristina ‘Hyomi’ Pabilando, Joie
Padam, Richard
Pagulayan, Joseph Drake
Pancho, Niño Cesar
Paredes, Aileen
Payawal, Mark
Pocot, Noel
Ponsica, Clint Denver ‘Owen’ Rabasto, Paul
Rayo, Jinky
Reyes, Ricardo, Jr.
Reynoso, Bienvenido ‘Bing’
Rivera, Thessa Mia
Rodriguez, Lester
Romeo, Richard
Roque, Kahlil
Salazar Rodolfo ‘Rodel’
Salenga, Emerlito
Santos, Niña ‘Nikki’ Dominique
Silva, Emmanuel ‘Emman’
Sison, Cristeta Joy
Solano, Eduardo, Jr.
Suvisor, Marjoe
Triumfante, Nilsen
Tuazon, Crispin ‘Cris’
Uygongco, Eduardo ‘Ed
Uygongco, Jo
Vailoces, Emmanuel ‘Manny’
Valencia, Franklin Caña
Vargas, John Carlo ‘JC’
Verroya, Ernesto
Vigilia, Charmilyn
Yanuario, Arvino
Ylagan, Pierre Paolo
PH and South Korea: 75 years and counting