Thank you for signing up for 5th Annual Watercolor Carson City.
Following are questions asked previously by participating artists. Answered by BAC Consultant for 5WCC, Colleen Reynolds
Question? Painting on Watercolor Block. I was wondering if when I go out to paint, If I could just use my watercolor block. Is that what I also get stamped before I get out there? Do I have to take the paper off the block?
Answer. Yes. You can paint on blocks. Blocks must be stamped before painting. At artist check-in, the 5WCC crew will stamp on the back and side of the block. You do not have to take the paper off the block, just make sure the top sheet is blank before stamping. If the top sheet it not blank, we will have you take it off before it is stamped. Colleen will be sending out a Step-by-step Guide to address procedures for check-in, stamping, plein-air certification, painting turn-in, etc. It has become a bigger-than-anticipated task, as new things keep cropping up. :)
Question? Double-mats. I know I saw a reference to double matting in an early watercolor competition information section but now can’t find it. Double matting - allowed or not allowed?
Answer. Not allowed. It is addressed in the prospectus, under presentation requirements.
https://5thannualwatercolorcarsoncity.artcall.org/pages/terms-conditions
Question? Categories. From your email, “2) At painting delivery, artists will designate the competition category as either; Landscape, Close-up, or Structure. The Juror will pick the Story category winners.” Is the juror picking the Story category entrants or the winners? If she picks the winners, who picks the other category winners?
Answer. The Juror will choose four Best of Category awards ($1000 each) and four 2nd in Category awards ($150 each). The awards categories are landscape, close-up, structure, and story. This has not changed. Several participants feel artists should designate the category for each of their entries (last year the voters chose the categories). However, some think the “Story” category is too abstract and confusing. The 5WCC committee agreed, and so we decided artists would designate which of three categories to enter; landscape, close-up, or structure. The juror will select the two “Story” category winners, drawn from all entries in the competition. An individual artist can only win one category award. To win in the “Story” category, an entry would need to depict a compelling narrative, or “Story" in its imagery. It is a very subjective thing, we agree, but also a common criteria for judges to consider. Perhaps you will want to consider as you paint, "Does my painting also have a story to tell?"
Question? Paint only in Carson City? For the Watercolor Carson City does the painting have to be in Carson City?
Answer. Participants are not required to paint in Carson City. Artists can paint from any location of choice, as long as all entries are turned in on Friday. You must check in at least one day. We recommend planning to paint around Carson City on the first day, so you can stay to attend Geoff Allen’s free demo from 5-7pm. We also highly recommend you do not paint alone, mostly for safety, but also for ease of plein air certification. Also, it’s more fun to share the struggle (er… I mean, joy).
Question? Early Turn in. Can we turn in entries early?
Answer. No. BAC will not have the staff or resources to receive any entries until the Friday painting turn-in day/time. All entries (competition, non-competition, framed and matted) have to be “tagged and bagged” properly to be hung, and readied for judging, auction, and sale.
Question? Mat width. Mat width not to exceed 4 inches: Does this mean 2” allowed on each side to equal 4 inches, or 4” allowed on each side to equal 8 inches overall? I hope you meant 4” allowed on each side.
Answer. Maximum mat width for any side is 4”. A 4” mat width adds 8” total to the outside edge of the mat (frame opening), yes...at least in one dimension. The mat width doesn’t have to be the same on the sides, top and bottom. If you have a maximum 4” mat width, it would be maximum 4” on the sides, top & bottom. That’s the max. Mat width does not have to be 4”. A minimum is not specified, but a ½” mat would look silly. Use your professional judgement, please.
Question? Stamping. How does stamping work? What is a plein air certification card?
Answer. We stamp each piece of watercolor paper on the back. If the back is not accessible, we stamp on the front in the margin of the paper. Or the side and back of a block. You can come one day and have all your paper stamped. No limit on the number of pieces you can have stamped. Stamping must be done prior to painting. After painting is complete, you have to either make sure the stamp is visible after framing, or have it certified (with a plein air certification card) by another participant before framing (backing foam core and/or dust cover usually covers the stamp once framed). More guidance will be forthcoming on this.
Question? Check-in every day? Do we check-in every day of the competition, or just one day for all three days of plein air painting?
Answer. You are required to check in only one day for paper stamping. Other days are optional. The painting turn-in day is also required.
Question? Commission rate. What is the sales commission?
Answer. Brewery Arts Center (BAC) is processing all sales. They will take a 30% commission on all sales. Artist payments (70% of sale price) will be sent via check within 30 days of the last day of the event. BAC is the fundraising recipient. They are a non-profit art organization, so no sales tax will be added to prices. Yay!
Question? Am I juried in? Do I need to be juried into the competition?
Answer. You are juried in. We sent an email on that previously. ArtCall sent you automated response emails also. You don’t have to do anything more with the images you submitted during registration. If those paintings meet the requirements, you MAY include as non-competition entry(s).
Question? Framing. Could you address guidelines for doing your own framing of paintings if you don't order the available kits--mat color and opening size, frame sizes etc. I don’t know how to assemble frame moulding for wood frames.
Answer. FastFrame is offering an OPTIONAL framing deal for custom framing which satisfies all the requirements of the event AND accommodates standard watercolor paper sizes. Optional means Artists do NOT have to take advantage of the offer.
You are free to acquire frames however you choose. Just be aware that your framing must meet the requirements of the event prospectus.
https://5thannualwatercolorcarsoncity.artcall.org/pages/prospectus-in-detail
Warning! Off-the-shelf frame kits do not typically accommodate standard watercolor paper sizes, and often do not include D-ring hooks, bumper pads, and hanging wire. Finding those supplies can be challenging and costly if not purchased in bulk. FastFrame’s deal will include frame moulding (put together for the size you request), mat, backing foam core, hanging wire, D-ring hooks, and bumper pads. All their materials are archival and professional (unlike many off-the-shelf framing products).
Decide what sizes you want to paint, then acquire your mat(s) and frame(s). I recommend you add up all the costs before you spend money on framing. Check online resources; Michaels, Hobby Lobby, second-hand stores, your own frame stock, etc. If you think FastFrame’s offer is too expensive, find another resource.
Question? Custom Frame Order. Can I order custom sizes from FastFrame?
Answer: Yes. Expect to be charged 10% extra for sizes not listed in the "Framing Deal"
Question? Mat only? Can I order just the mat from FastFrame?
Answer. Yes. The mat-only pricing will be:
$10 for the two smallest sizes (to fit the 11x14 frame opening).
$15 for the 16x20 frame opening.
$27 for 22x28 frame opening.
Custom cuts 10% more. Sales tax 7.6% add’l.
Question? Competition vs Non-Competition. Not clear about the competition vs the auction? Is it like last year in that there is judging of all the paintings with prizes in categories or is the competition separate.
Answer:
Competition entries. You can submit up to three paintings for competition (one is required and paid for with your registration fee). Each additional will cost $20/each. You will establish the category (Landscape, Close-up, or Structure) for competition when you turn in your paintings. The juror will decide amongst these for awards by category. She will also decide which two paintings have the best narrative, or Story for those two category awards.
NON-competition entries. You can ALSO submit up to three paintings JUST for auction sales. OPTIONAL. If you want to, you will incur an add’l entry fee of $10/each. THIS IS A NEW OPPORTUNITY, started this year.
They still have to be predominantly plein air and framed. They do not have to be done during the event week. You can frame these well ahead of time.
They DO have to be predominantly plein air.
They DO have to be framed/matted, with the same framing requirements as competition entries.
They DO have to be less than 3.5 years old (painted after Jan 1, 2022).
They can NOT have been done under instruction.
The Juror will not see these during judging. They will be hung after she has made her award selections.
Size Questions? What sizes can I submit? Is there a restriction on frame size? Can I submit a half sheet painting?
Answer: Review prospectus for minimum and maximum image, mat, and frame sizes. Multiply height x width for square inches.
Minimum painting size 64 sq inches. i.e. 8”x8” or larger up to maximum
Maximum painting size 330 sq inches or smaller down to minimum. i.e. 15”x22” (a half sheet)
Mat + frame width not to exceed 6”. We will allow a frame opening of 28” on the longest side, provided the frame width does not exceed 2”
Max mat width not to exceed 4”. No minimum.
UPDATE: 7/19/25. Artists may also submit a matted entry with each paid entry, up to six total. See prospectus for matted entry specifications.
Question? Frame color. What color does the frame need to be?
Answer. No restriction on color or material of frame. Mat must be white or off-white only.
Question? Framing. I have never framed anything before.
Answer. We realize this requirement adds pressure on artists during the event. However, framed entries are in line with most national and international plein air competitions. We received feedback from customers last year who were disappointed the paintings were not framed.
Pre-planning and practice ahead of time should relieve some of your anxiety on this point.
Framing tools will be available the last two check-in mornings during the event week. The Brewery Arts Center is purchasing some of the add’l framing supplies needed for assembly.
I created a video demonstration on how I assemble a painting into a frame. I learned under tutelage from real framers, but I am not an expert. Here is the link. https://www.colleenreynolds.com/video/13277 . Watch the video! This frame took me approximately 30 minutes to put together. I am attaching a pdf of the description and supplies mentioned in the video.
Question? Images. Do you want images of the paintings I will actually enter during the event?
Answer. The current plan is to re-open up the ArtCall again in August. You will be able to upload your actual entered painting images to the call, both for competition and non-competition. You can log in to the ArtCall, then either exchange, delete, or add to the images you loaded previously for jurying. I am willing to help. Please understand, though, I will also be painting and framing, and helping to organize the event. :o).
Advice: Frame as soon as possible. Try not to wait until the last moment. Don’t forget to have fun.
Stay tuned! :O)
See 5WCC page https://www.colleenreynolds.com/page/46451/5th-annual-watercolor-carson-city for updated schedule and other resources and announcements.
