From Inspiration to Recognition: My Award-Winning Watercolor Experience
I am honored to announce that my watercolor painting titled Gossamer Mist in Gold, has been awarded First Place at the 43rd National Juried Exhibition 2025 MTWS Watermedia Show.
Gossamer Mist in Gold, artist Lindsay Godfrey 2025
This show is sponsored by the Montana Watercolor Society and is held in the Old Main Gallery in Bozeman, Montana. It will hang from October 3, 2025 through the end of the month. This recognition is both humbling and profoundly gratifying, particularly when considering the exceptional artistry and passion exhibited by the many talented painters within the show. It was juried by Carolyn Lord, a nationally recognized watercolor artist.
What is the Montana Watercolor Society (MTWS)?
For those unfamiliar, the Montana Watercolor Society (MTWS) is a nonprofit organization devoted to celebrating and advancing watercolor as a fine art form. Each year, they host their Watermedia juried exhibition — a show that draws entries from artists across the country and is juried by a nationally recognized watercolorist. To have my work included, let alone awarded first place, is an honor I’ll carry with great gratitude. The society’s mission to foster community, education, and excellence in watercolor makes this recognition especially meaningful.
Initial concept of Gossamer Mist in Gold
Where it started
When I began this piece, I wasn’t thinking about awards or shows. I was simply chasing an idea — a play of light, color, and emotion that I wanted to capture in a single frame. Watercolor has a beautiful way of teaching patience and surrender; it rewards both precision and trust. This painting became a lesson in both.
Detail of Gossamer Mist in Gold
Deep Dive in a Future Post
In a future post, I’ll be walking through the process behind the piece — from the initial concept and reference sketch to the layering of washes and the final details that brought it all together. I’ll share a few moments where things nearly went sideways (as they often do with watercolor!) and how I worked through them. My hope is to give you an inside look at how the painting evolved — not just technically, but emotionally.
Awarded piece hanging in the Old Main Gallery, Bozeman, Montana
A True Honor
More than anything, I want to express my gratitude— to the Montana Watercolor Society for this honor, to my fellow artists who continually inspire me, and to everyone who supports and follows my work. Recognition like this reminds me why I paint: to connect, to explore beauty, and to share a little bit of what moves me.
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Stay tuned — I can’t wait to show you the behind-the-scenes journey of this painting.
