2026 Watercolour Exhibition

Celebrating 40 Years of Watercolour

18-20 September 2026 | The Auditorium at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens

Free Admission | Family Friendly

Opening Night

Thursday, 17 September

6pm - 8pm

RSVP Required

Celebrating 40 Years of Watercolour

In 2026, the Watercolour Society of Queensland celebrates its 40th Annual Exhibition, marking four decades of creativity, community and a shared passion for watercolour.

Since our first Annual Exhibition in 1986, generations of artists have come together to exhibit their work, share their knowledge and celebrate the beauty and versatility of watercolour. This milestone exhibition honours that history while showcasing the vibrant and diverse work being created by our members today.

Join us at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha for three days of original watercolour art, live artist demonstrations, hands-on painting activities and the opportunity to meet the artists and community behind the Watercolour Society of Queensland.

Experience Watercolour

Plan Your Visit

General Public

Friday 18 September 9am - 6pm

Saturday 19 September 9am - 5pm

Sunday 20 September 9am - 5pm

Opening Night

Thursday 17 September

6pm - 8pm

RSVP Required

The Auditorium, Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha

152 Mount Coot-Tha Rd, Mount Coot-tha QLD

Free Admission | Family Friendly

Discover the Art

Original Watercolour Art

Discover original watercolour paintings created by artists from across our WSQ community. From sweeping landscapes and dramatic seascapes to delicate florals, portraits, wildlife and contemporary works, every painting reflects the unique vision and style of the artist who created it.

Explore award-winning works from our judged exhibition alongside paintings by professional artists and talented hobbyists,

with artworks ranging from impressive statement pieces to small paintings and miniatures.

See something you love? Every artwork on display is available to purchase and take home.

Daily Demonstrations

Watch a painting come to life during our twice-daily watercolour demonstrations, presented by talented WSQ artists.

Take a seat, enjoy the creative process and discover the techniques behind the beautiful medium of watercolour. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage with the artist, ask questions and learn more about their approach to painting.

Morning and afternoon demonstrations will be held on each of the three days of the exhibition. Check the Watercolour Demonstration Schedule below for artists and times.

Meet Our 2026 Judging Panel

Dr Svetlana Trefilova

Svetlana Trefilova is a Brisbane-based artist and educator working across a range of media. Her current practice includes abstract works, expressive landscapes, and studies of native Australian plants. In 2022, Svetlana completed her Doctorate at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University.

Dr Jennifer Andrews

Brisbane-based artist and art educator, Jennifer Andrews has exhibited in numerous group and solo exhibitions domestically and internationally. In 2021, she completed a Doctorate of Visual Art at QCA, Griffith University, where she explored conventional understandings of representation and ways of integrating traditional and digital image-making with a primary focus on drawing.

Dr William Platz

Dr. Platz has been teaching studio art, art history and art theory for over twenty years. His research interests are focused on life drawing, portraiture and artist/model transactions. His previous faculty appointment was in the Fine Art department of The Southwest University of Visual Arts in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Join In

Try Watercolour for Yourself

Curious about watercolour? Visit our popular Try Me Table and have a go for yourself.

With paints, brushes and paper supplied by our generous sponsors, you’ll have everything you need to experiment with this beautiful medium. Friendly WSQ members will be on hand to help you get started, offer guidance and answer your questions. No experience is needed, just take a seat, pick up a brush and enjoy creating something of your own.

You’ll find the Try Me Table in the covered courtyard beside the exhibition gallery.

Enter Our Exhibition Raffles

Try your luck in our Exhibition Raffles for the chance to win original watercolour artworks created by talented WSQ artists, along with a selection of other prizes. All prizes will be on display throughout the exhibition, and when you purchase your tickets, you can choose which prize draw you would like to enter. With original art, WSQ aprons, beginner watercolour kits and children’s painting kits among the prizes, there’s something for everyone.

Tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10.

Take a Little Inspiration Home

Found something you love? Visit our Sales Desk to purchase original artwork and discover a selection of WSQ items designed for artists and art lovers. Browse our beautifully embroidered WSQ aprons, beginner watercolour kits and specially designed children’s watercolour kits, perfect for encouraging creativity at any age. Our friendly volunteers can assist with artwork purchases, other items for sale and any questions you may have during your visit.