Inspiration, Watercolour & Community: My Day at the International Watercolour Masters at Lilleshall Hall

Returning to International Watercolour Masters After Two Years

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the International Watercolour Masters 2026 event held at Lilleshall Hall in Shropshire. Having attended the event previously, I already had a good idea of what to expect, but with the event taking place every two years, I was excited to return and see what had changed.

Not that the event needed improving — it was already excellent — but I was hoping to see it continue to grow. More artwork, more stalls, and an even bigger celebration of watercolour painting.

As an avid watercolourist, this event is very much my cup of tea. The artwork on display leans heavily towards traditional and ultra-realistic work, which I greatly admire. Whilst I personally prefer my paintings to still look like paintings, I have huge respect for the skill involved in ultra-realism. The technical ability on display is truly on another level and something I can only aspire to.

Watercolour is where my artistic journey began. It is the medium that made me the artist I have become, so events like this always feel a little bit special.

It also helps that it is only about twenty minutes from home, deciding to attend an easy one.

Arriving at Lilleshall Hall

International Watercolour Masters 2026

Arrival at the event. It’s a very grand entrance indeed.

The setting for the event could hardly be more fitting.

Lilleshall Hall sits amongst the Shropshire countryside, surrounded by expansive grounds, mature trees and even a golf course. The buildings themselves are grand and impressive, adding a sense of occasion before you even step inside.

The weather on the day was a little grey and showery, but it certainly did not dampen the atmosphere. If anything, the weather seemed irrelevant as artists and visitors arrived smiling and eager to explore.

This year also felt busier than I remembered. There were lots of friendly faces, artists chatting, people carrying portfolios and cameras, and a shared excitement in the air.

Watching the Live Demonstrations

I watched two of the three demonstrations during the day and found both inspiring for completely different reasons.

The first demonstration was by Patricia Guzman from Mexico. Patricia creates lifelike, ultra-realistic portrait paintings — something I have never attempted myself.

The level of skill involved was incredible.

Portraiture is not something I personally paint, but I am always in awe of artists who do. Capturing likeness, expression and character to that degree is remarkable.

The second demonstration was by Polish artist Michal Jasiewicz, and this was probably the highlight of the day for me.

Michal painted a beautiful winter landscape during his hour-long live demonstration, and I found myself completely absorbed watching him work.

What fascinated me most was how calm and confident his approach was.

His brushwork was surprisingly loose and economical. Minimal brush strokes created this comforting winter scene, and he used more colour than you would initially expect. Watching the painting develop was genuinely inspiring.

It also made me reflect on my own process.

I often put pressure on myself whilst painting, but watching Michal work so calmly made me think perhaps I should approach my own paintings with more confidence and allow myself to loosen up more.

That alone made the visit worthwhile.

Exploring the Gallery Exhibition

The gallery space was probably where I spent most of my time.

Despite being busy, it had a light and airy atmosphere. There was space to step back and appreciate paintings from a distance, but also to move in close and study how the work had been created.

The variety was excellent.

There were paintings from the invited masters alongside submissions from the public covering vehicles, portraiture, animals, landscapes and still life. There really was something for everyone.

One piece that immediately caught my eye was a winter painting by Michal Jasiewicz from Poland. I unfortunately forgot to note down the exact title, although I believe it may have been View from the River.

The painting instantly brought back memories from childhood.

It reminded me of proper English winters — the sort we seemed to have more often when I was younger. Snow-covered mornings, cold air, and that quiet feeling winter brings.

There was something deeply comforting about the piece.

Knowing Michal had also painted the same scene live during the demonstration made it even more impressive.

Traditional Art Is Still Alive and Well

One thing that stood out to me throughout the event was how much of the artwork on display remained rooted in traditional techniques and subjects.

Landscape painting.

Portraiture.

Still life.

Wildlife.

Traditional craftsmanship.

For me, that was reassuring.

It reminded me that traditional artwork is still current, still appreciated and certainly not forgotten.

In a world where art constantly evolves and changes, it was encouraging to see such appreciation for traditional media and techniques.

The Art Supply Stalls

Art Supply Syndrome

Whereever I go I always seem to buy art supplies.

There were only a couple of stalls at the event, but naturally, I still found something to bring home.

I picked up some Saunders Waterford paper on a block, which I am looking forward to trying.

As artists, I think we all enjoy looking at materials and imagining what might be painted next.

Conversations, Community & Confidence

One of the most valuable parts of the day was speaking with other artists.

I chatted with a couple of people throughout the event and really enjoyed hearing their stories and artistic journeys.

I also showed some of my own work.

Now, I am probably my own worst critic.

Like many artists, I often question my work and put pressure on myself.

So hearing validation from other artists was genuinely uplifting.

I was told I was a professional artist. That my artwork was wonderful and really good.

And hearing those words from other artists meant something.

Artists understand.

They understand the time.

The effort.

The failures.

The self-doubt.

The challenge of getting your work seen.

So hearing encouragement from people who understand the journey gave me a confidence boost that I honestly needed.

Final Thoughts

My visit to the International Watercolour Masters was more than just a day out.

It was inspiration.

It was learning.

It was reflection.

And perhaps most importantly, it was a reminder that there is still a strong community around traditional art and watercolour painting.

I came away inspired by the demonstrations, encouraged by conversations, and motivated to continue growing as an artist.

And maybe — just maybe — to paint a little more loosely next time.