THE CORONAVIRUS has caused some overseas artists participating in Fremantle’s first International Watercolour Exhibition to cancel their attendance.

Fortunately their artworks were shipped to the port city weeks ago and the show will go ahead.

“But we will have to cancel some of the workshops,” co-organiser Beth Johnson says.

• Joseph Zbukvic’s Horse Races

Fremantle artist Ian de Souza, eastern state artist Joseph Zbukvic and Indian watercolourist Amit Kapoor are still planning to hold workshops during the month-long exhibition.

And on March 14 there’s a plein air (outdoor painting) competition, which is open to all watercolour artists.

The exhibition includes 70 paintings from the Watercolour Society WA, and more than 100 from 18 watercolour societies across the globe.

“Many are world-class exponents of the watercolour medium, award winners and masters in their own countries,” WSWA president Susan Payne says. “The works will be grouped by country, so you can see the particular style of that region.

• Herman Pekel’s ghostly landscape

“The Scandinavian countries are quite different from anything else, and WA has its own unique style because of the bright sunlight.”

Aboriginal artists from Alice Springs’ Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) are also exhibiting.

The idea for an international watercolour exhibition in Fremantle came about eight years ago, when WSWA was invited to display its works at an exhibition in Italy.

The (Fremantle) International Watercolour Exhibition includes workshops, drawing sessions and talks, and is on March 13-April 13 at Moores Gallery, Henry Street Fremantle.

For full details go to watercolourswa.org.au

by JENNY D’ANGER