Hawai`i Watercolor Society

 

The Hawai`i Watercolor Society was founded in 1962 by Hawai`i Artist Hon Chew Hee. Our aim as an organization is to nurture and stimulate interest in water media through education, exhibits, and collaboration with other organizations, associations and individuals.

The Hawai`i Watercolor Society sponsors two juried exhibits every year as well as a biennial curated show highlighting the work of our signature members. In addition, we host periodic sales, themed shows and community events.

In conjunction with our exhibits we offer two week long workshops each year featuring nationally recognized teaching artists. On an intermittent basis we sponsor shorter duration workshops on a variety of art-related topics.

 

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Patrice Federspiel

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artofaloha.com

My love for watercolor came when I moved to Hawaii. My tiny apartment had poor ventilation, so out of practicality (and a desire to live) I started using watercolor instead of oils. Simple as that. Despite fears about how difficult watercolor might be, I was delighted to find it to be a flexible medium that blends colors quickly and beautifully. 

Watercolor taught me mindfulness.   

Focusing on painting slows you down, encouraging thoughtfulness. Tiny, reflective painting adjustments can become life-changing lessons.

As children, we painted and drew fearlessly earning praise for “staying inside the lines” and coloring “perfectly.” We learned dexterity, conformity, and control. I’ve gratefully unlearned most of that over the years and, in turn, rediscovered my joy of painting.

You too can enjoy painting again. I invite you to join me in my online classes.

Start with FUNdamentals of Watercolor 1.0 to receive a strong foundation in watercolor. 

For a more in-depth, regular painting practice, (if you’ve studied color theory with me), Fundamentals 2.0 is for you.

Watercolor put wings on my self-expression, it can do the same for you.

 

The Hawai’i Watercolor Society gratefully acknowledges our Award Patrons, whose generous donations make it possible to present awards to artists selected by Sterling Edwards, juror of the 2026 HWS Members’ Show.

List of Award Patrons

  • Hon Chew Hee Art Fund of the Hawai’i Community Foundation

  • Alexander & Baldwin

  • Peter Drewliner

  • Bank of Hawai’i

  • M. Graham & Co. 

  • Hawaiian Graphics

  • Art Source & Design

  • Sunshine Gallery

  • Kenny Fenander, in memory of Candace Fenender

  • Family and friends of Estelle Sumimoto

 

contact: info@hawaiiwatercolorsociety.org - ©2026 Hawaii Watercolor Society. All Rights Reserved.
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