William Gillies - Skye Hills from near Morar
(The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art)

RSW History

The advent of new pigments such as waterbased acrylic paint and inks has been a potent factor in the liberation of watercolour and in Scotland the acceptance of a variety of materials, the use of collage techniques and of different paper supports including hand-made Asian papers have all contributed to the vitality of its painting. 40 years ago Sir Robin Philipson, an artist of spectacular range, challenged the concept of scale in watercolour with some altarpiece-sized works and this too has created new possibilities for painters whose ideas and expression can benefit from a large format. Today there are few discussions about what constitutes a watercolour, although there is an acceptance that the basic idea of fluid works on paper is valid and an essential part of the spirit of watercolour. No longer the private domain of 'specialists' with rule books, the RSW is in every sense a 21st Century exhibiting Society, always capable of innovation and surprise. It has built on the influx of talent which has swelled its ranks in recent times and is at a stage when it is as unset in its ways as could be imagined.

All exhibiting societies require new blood to survive and the RSW tries hard to emphasise its contemporary relevance in terms of good painting and to encourage young artists to exhibit with it. The Annual Exhibition is open to non-members and amongst the general spread of awards which it administers there is one in particular - the Alexander Graham Munro Travel Award - which is intended for artists under 30 years of age and is worth £3,500. It has been awarded since 1990.

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