In 2025, the 3rd Le Venezie International Watercolor Festival honors the 250th birth anniversary of J.M.W. Turner (1775–1851), the British Romantic master known as the "painter of light." Co-organized by the Independent Turner Society (UK), the Italian Cultural and Art Association, and Shengxinyu Art (China), the festival invites watercolor artists, enthusiasts, and art students worldwide to participate.
Turner’s three visits to Venice (1819, 1833, 1840) inspired masterpieces like Dogana and San Giorgio Maggiore and Approaching Venice, where he captured the city's ethereal light and atmosphere. His bold use of color and light influenced Impressionism and modern art, earning him the title "Father of Modern Art" from critic John Ruskin.
This festival celebrates Turner's legacy, encouraging artists to break traditional boundaries and explore the expressive power of watercolor. A global event, it fosters artistic exchange beyond cultural and linguistic barriers. We warmly welcome all watercolor artists, institutions, and schools to join us in revitalizing this timeless medium for the 21st century!
Shanghai International Cultural Exchange Association
Shengxinyu Art
Cultural Association for Art Exchanges (Italy)
Shanghai Sino-Foreign Cultural and Artistic Exchange Association
Independent Turner Association (UK)
Monastry of Marango (Italy)
Chairman: Raffaello Padovan (President of the Cultural Association for Art Exchanges)
Vice Chairman: Zhao Kangwei (President of the Shanghai Sino-Foreign Cultural and Artistic Exchange Association)
Curator: Zhang Hongbin (Founder of "Sheng Xinyu Art", internationally renowned curator)
Secretary-General of the Organizing Committee:
Ji Yinglun (Co-founder of Sheng Xinyu Art, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Collection Magazine)
Giandomenico Padovan (Secretary-General of Cultural Association for Art Exchanges)
Members of the Organizing Committee Secretariat:
Li Feng (China)，Wang Min (China)，Liao Wanning (Canada)，Fan Difei (China)，Gogo Yang(China)
1. Eligibility
Open to watercolor artists and enthusiasts worldwide aged 18 and above.
2. Media Requirements
• Artwork must consist of at least 90% water-based media (e.g., watercolor, ink).
• Must be created on paper using watercolor techniques.
3. Artwork Size
• Maximum size: 76cm × 56cm (2K) (larger works will be disqualified).
• Recommended sizes: 56cm × 38cm (4K) or 38cm × 28cm (8K).
4. Submission Guidelines
• Submit high-resolution JPG images
• https://forms.gle/KfQSGn2THmjYFT6E7 uploading the files that must be name with your name and number
• Example: MarcoRossi_1
5. Style & Categories
• No restrictions on style—realistic, figurative, expressive, abstract, and experimental works are all welcome.
• Categories include:
◦ Figures (portraits, groups, nudes)
◦ Landscapes
◦ Still life
◦ Flowers
◦ Experimental/Abstract
◦ Others (e.g., animals)
• Originality: All works must be original and created solely by the artist—no reproductions or digital copies allowed.
No theme restrictions—entries can include figures, landscapes, still lifes, animals, abstract works, and more. Each artist may submit up to three works.
• One work: $30 USD
• Two works: $50 USD
• Three works: $60 USD
• Payment methods: PayPal associazionescambiartistici@gmail.com
• Responsible for their own shipping, framing*, insurance, and logistics costs.
• *artists must send their work framed, instructions for shipping will be sent to all finalists.
1. Registration Period
• Opens: March 1, 2025
• Deadline: September 1, 2025
2. How to Register
• fill in the registration form here
https://forms.gle/qgWSkb3vCjjGgspJ6 uploading the files that must be name with your name and number
Example: MarcoRossi_1
3. Selection Process
Preliminary Round (Online Jury Review)
• September 1–8, 2025
• International judges select finalists based on submitted digital images.
• Shortlisted works qualify for the Palazzo dei Trecento exhibition in Italy and the final round.
• Finalists receive an official shortlist digital certificate.
Final Round & Exhibition
• Finalists who want to exhibit must send their original works to Italy within 3rd of October. This doesn't influence the final results.
• Final Judging: September 20 to October 10, 2025
• Winners Announced: October 11, 2025 (Opening ceremony in Italy)
• Exhibition Opening: October 11, 2025, at Palazzo dei Trecento, Treviso
The competition consists of two stages: the Preliminary Round and the Final Round.
• Preliminary Round: A distinguished panel of 13 international judges will review high-resolution images of submitted artworks in an online selection process. Shortlisted entries will qualify for the on-site exhibition at Palazzo Trecento, Italy, and advance to the Final Round.
• Final Round: Held offline during the exhibition, this round will determine the Top Awards and the Category Prizes for the competition.
Certificates
• Shortlisted artists (Preliminary Round) will receive a Shortlisted Certificate, issued by the Le Venezie International Watercolor Festival Committee.
• Exhibited artists (Final Round) will receive an Exhibition Certificate
• Award winners will receive cash prizes, prestigious Award Certificates,
1. Top Awards – William Turner Theme Awards
The highest honors of the competition, selected from all shortlisted works:
• First Prize (1 winner): $2,000
• Second Prize (2 winners): $800 each
• Third Prize (3 winners): $500 each
2. Category Awards (Non-monetary; winners receive an official certificate) digital or in paper for those present at the exhibition
Each category will have the following recognitions:
• First Prize (1 winner)
• Second Prize (2 winners)
• Third Prize (3 winners)
• Honorable Mention (10 winners)
Competition Categories:
• Figurative & Portrait
• Landscape
• Still Life
• Flowers
• Exploratory (Abstract)
• Other Categories
Note: All cash prizes are in USD. Certificates will feature exclusive designs commemorating the 250th anniversary of William Turner’s birth.
For any inquiries, contact the festival organizers via email at leveneziefestival@gmail.com
