🏆 Congratulations to Kit Ong 🏆
Winner of the Winsor & Newton Summer Competition
2026 Winner - Leuven Glow by Kit Ong
Judges’ comment: This painting features an iconic Wellington bar captured in a flowing, loose watercolour style. A great subject with the light inviting the viewer in.
Artist’s comment:This vibrant watercolour captures the lively atmosphere of Leuven Bar in Wellington. With expressive brushwork and a warm palette of golds, ambers
and soft blues, it evokes the energy of a bustling evening scene. Figures gather under white umbrellas illuminated by glow of city lights, creating a sense of warmth, movement, and community that reflects the spirit of Wellington's social heart.
Second Place
2nd Place - Plein Air Artist by Min Kim
Judges’ comment: Intense colour and light against dark draw you into this painting. The focus on the artist and the easel is captured with just enough detail. The work is beautifully painted with soft and hard edges.
Artist’s comment:Throughout 2025 I challenged myself to paint plein air for the entire year. Spending real, face-to-face time with nature gave me new wings as an artist and a deep sense of freedom to explore New Zealand’s extraordinary landscapes. This painting comes from a summer at Lake Pukaki, where I was repeatedly humbled by the majestic beauty of Aoraki / Mt Cook. I painted every day, trying to capture fleeting light and atmosphere. Whenever I set up my easel in the open air, I feel a quiet warmth — a blessing from nature that continues to guide my work.
Third Place
3rd Place - Still Waters by Martin Necas
Judges’ comment: The moody sunset is captured in the river reflections. This is a simple composition with strong use of colours. The artist makes excellent use of light against dark. Beautifully done.
Artist’s comment:I am a Hamilton-based watercolour artist. I gravitate towards bold, expressive, impressionist landscapes that capture the raw natural beauty of New Zealand. My aim is to portray a sense of grandeur, wonder, mystery and beauty. Most of my inspiration comes from the beautiful landscapes of the Waikato region. This painting depicts an aerial view of the Waikato River where its waters are temporarily arrested by the Karapiro dam, hence the title Still waters. Looking north, the foothills of Mt Maungatautari are shown on the left horizon. To the right, an expanse of lush green fields, so characteristic of the Waikato, reflect the last rays of receding daylight.
All 2026 Competition Entries
This is Watercolour New Zealand Summer competition and we are delighted that Winsor & Newton
offered to sponsor it. Members painted on the theme Love Summer! and entered the work by email.
The body of paintings is a delightful celebration of New Zealands summer colours and action.
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