"Kulay Sa Tubig," the premiere watercolor competition in the Philippines, celebrated its 35th edition, with the absolute best aquarelle artists competing for the highest recognition using the most difficult medium.
The event, held at the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall in Ortigas, was well attended by art lovers, collectors, and artists alike, as in recent years.
"Kulay Sa Tubig" is the brainchild of Gallery Genesis founder Araceli Salas, beloved art patron and collector. Throughout its rich history, the competition has given local artists the platform to showcase their talent every year, challenging themselves to become the very best they can be.
“The watercolor genre is definitely elevating in the Philippine art scene,” says Gallery Genesis President Patrice Salas, who likewise praised the artists’ storytelling ability through their artworks. “More artists and art enthusiasts appreciate the medium so much more now that they are able to witness the beautiful artworks that are made from it.”
She adds that most clients and viewers are still surprised that some entries are pure watercolor, mainly because of the attention to detail, with some even thinking they are photos.
This year’s top five watercolor artists are: Rolan Guina, Kevin Lacanaria, Julian Eymard Paguiligan, Emmanuel Silva, and Ernesto “Ernie” Verroya. The five runners up are: Joseph Balderas, Ralvin Dizon, Lorenzo Ignacio, Julius Legaspi, and Cris Tuazon.
The winning works were judged on subject matter, technique, balance, precision, composition, and the skill displayed by the artists. This makes watercolor a challenging medium to master, as a single mistake can be costly in terms of time and effort.
Elevated into the Hall of Fame this year is Eymard Paguiligan. The "Kulay Sa Tubig" competition recognizes artists who have been one of the top five watercolor artists for at least three times.
Paguiligan joins the likes of Jose “Ping” Ceriola, Rodelio Cerda, Virgilio Pomida, Edgar Fernandez, Noli Principe Manalang, Victor Ng, Pablo Baen Santos, Chris Mirang, Ernesto Patricio, Manuel Baldemor, Benjie Ladrido, Jimmy Vista, Wong Shui Long, Antipas Delotavo, Margarita Lim, Nel Canasa, Renato Habulan, Clarence Eduarte, Renato Canlas, and Araceli Dans.
For those looking into buying watercolor art, Salas says that it's a good choice to start any collection with. “It's a great investment considering watercolor pieces are meant to stay with you for several years,” Salas continues. “Once you see the beauty, precision, and elegance that comes from the medium, you will really fall in love with watercolor pieces even more.”
Salas likewise commented on the long-standing partnership between SM Malls and Kulay Sa Tubig. “SM Megamall has been so generous over the past few years,” she said. “We are so grateful for their support, not only for watercolor, but for the Philippine art scene as well.”
Get to see the all competing and exhibiting artworks from this year’s Kulay Sa Tubig as the exhibit continues from August 18 to September 16, 2023 at the newly opened space of Gallery Genesis at the 2/F Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Ortigas Center in Pasig City.