We’re so glad to be able to offer you this space, where you can find lots of information about the Splash series—what it is, how to enter, what the rules are, where to find Splash books, etc. We’re now gearing up for Splash 11: New Directions (how time flies—I remember working on Splash 4, which was published in 1996), and we’re really excited that the series is still going strong after all these years. Please take some time to check out the new site, and let us know if you have any comments, questions or concerns that are not answered by what you find here. We want this to be a place not only where you can find out about Splash, but also where you can connect with other artists and our staff here at North Light Books. Thanks for stopping by!

Pam Wissman

Editorial  Director

North Light Books

I remember planning the first edition of Splash back in January of 1990. I had been nurtured in fine art academies, trained in classical drawing techniques and oil painting. Watercolor was fairly new to me. When I joined David Lewis and Greg Albert at North Light there were only the three of us in the editorial department. Splash was a wonderful experiment, a departure from the regular step-by-step instruction North Light was known for. It was a delight to “meet” all of the wonderful artists in that first edition, and I knew all their names and paintings by heart. I could not have known that Splash would become a watercolor institution, bringing together so many dedicated people for whom watercolor means joy and appreciation for life.

Though I can no longer rattle off all the names of all the artists in all the editions of Splash, nonetheless, you each have a place in my heart as individuals who have enriched my life. I have sought to make each book beautiful and individual as well—like a large family of children who all resemble one another, yet each with a unique personality. I have tried to craft each edition of Splash to be a whole work of art made up of each of your works of art.

But with all the sumptuous artwork by so many generous artists, where would we be without our faithful readers and collectors? We at North Light are so grateful to be part of this exceptional group of human beings that love and respect the beauty around us, and express that love through watercolor. And, with Splash, our readers often become our contributing artists! As we head into the 21st century, and this new world of blogging, I am confident that the generous and friendly spirit of Splash will continue in yet another form. Keep in touch with me here and we’ll all grow together. May God bless you.

Rachel Rubin Wolf

North Light Books will offer the best in contemporary watercolor from years past with limited edition reprints of Splash 4 through 8! Check back soon for a list of retailers near you.