A wave of colour is set to sweep through Edinburgh as over 350 paintings go on display for the 145th Open Annual Exhibition of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour (RSW), opening on 15 February.
Running until 11 March, this free exhibition showcases the very best in new work created in watercolour and water-based media by both emerging and established artists from Scotland and beyond. At a time of year often marked by muted tones, the exhibition promises a striking burst of energy and creativity.
The show features 230 works by RSW members, including Joyce W. Cairns, Neil MacPherson, Angus McEwan and Ruth Thomas, alongside over 100 works selected from open submission by non-members. Together, they present a rich and varied display of contemporary practice in water-based media.
RSW President Anthea Gage said:
It’s going to be an amazing show. At this time of year, when there’s almost no colour around, it’s great to be in a gallery which is a joyous, colourful celebration of painting.
The show demonstrates the variety of work being done in water-based media, from the meticulously detailed to the free and expressive, and everything in between. It reflects both the strength of traditional skills and the continuing freshness and energy of the artists.
We can’t wait to welcome people in to spend time with the paintings, reflect, enjoy and make new discoveries.
This year’s exhibition forms part of RSA200: Celebrating Together, marking the bicentenary of the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture (RSA). As part of the celebrations, 13 paintings from the RSA collection will be on loan, including works by William Gillies, Robin Philipson, John Houston and Barbara Balmer.
Among the highlights is Arthur Melville’s Riff Arab blowing a Trumpet (1855–1904), which will be shown to the public for the first time since its acquisition by the RSA.
Sandy Wood, Head of Collection at the RSA, said:
Both established in the nineteenth century and both receiving the Royal Stamp of approval from Queen Victoria shortly after their founding, the RSA and RSW share much in common around the promotion of fine art and artists in Scotland.
The RSA is delighted to be partnering with the RSW for our bicentenary project RSA200: Celebrating Together, for which we are loaning a group of watercolours from the RSA collections by past shared Academicians.
Anthea Gage added:
We are delighted to pay tribute to past members of both Societies on this milestone anniversary, with paintings from the RSA’s collection hanging alongside work by current members of both the RSW and RSA, creating a rich dialogue across generations.
Supporting the next generation of artists remains central to the RSW’s mission. This year, three recent graduates from Scottish art schools — Alyssa Atkinson, Sean Obrzud and Tally Tunnell — have been invited to exhibit their work, further strengthening opportunities for emerging talent.
Founded nearly 150 years ago, the RSW has long championed watercolour and water-based media in Scotland. The Annual Exhibition stands as a testament to the enduring appeal, versatility and relevance of these art forms.
Visitors can also engage more deeply through a dynamic programme of events running throughout the exhibition, including a painting demonstration by Ann Oram, a hands-on workshop exploring painting with handmade brushes and found objects, and a live portrait event in which artist Aine Divine will paint Edinburgh Makar Michael Pedersen.
A celebration of tradition, innovation and artistic dialogue across generations, the 145th RSW Open Annual Exhibition promises to be one of the most colourful highlights of Edinburgh’s cultural calendar this February.
The 145th Open Annual Exhibition of the RSW
Upper Galleries – Royal Scottish Academy
The Mound
Edinburgh 15th February — 11th March 2026
Open daily 10am – 5pm