Watercolor Challenge: Dogs

August 21, 2026 / Diann Zimmerman

International Dog Day is August 26! This week is all about celebrating the loyal companions who make our lives brighter — the tail‑waggers, the couch cuddlers, the goofy grinners, and the soulful-eyed sweethearts who love us without hesitation. It’s a day created to honor dogs of every shape, size, and story, and to spotlight the joy they bring into our homes and hearts.  This week’s challenge is extra special because it’s sponsored by Rachel Parker Varner, whose animal portraits are nothing short of breathtaking. Her ability to capture personality, sparkle, and soul is unmatched — and one lucky participant will receive 6 months of access to her Patreon channel!

Watercolor challenge:  Dogs

Here are the details:

  • Share your painting of a dog
  • Sponsored by Rachel Parker Varner
  • Prize for 1 random participant : 6-month access to Rachel’s Patreon channel, https://www.patreon.com/rachelsstudio
  • Entries must be posted in the Facebook group: Watercolor – Beginners and Beyond
  • Include topic hashtag in your Facebook post: #dogs
  • You may enter as often as you want
  • Open to all countries
  • Winner is chosen randomly
  • Deadline August 28, 2026, 11:59 pm ET (New York time)
  • Winner announced August 30, 2026
  • Mediums accepted:  watercolor, watercolor pencils, gouache, water soluble graphite, water soluble inks, and mixed media as long as it includes watercolor

What is the prize?   

Meet our sponsor, Rachel Parker.  She is an internationally collected watercolor artist.  Her work has been showcased in both local and national magazines, including the cover of the American Veterinarian Association Journal (twice.)  Her inspiration derives from making her subjects come alive through painting.  Rachel works primarily in watercolor because she loves the sense of light this medium conveys.
One lucky participant will be randomly selected to receive a 6-month subscription to Rachel’s Patreon channel—a treasure trove of inspiration, techniques, helpful tips, and amazing tutorials. It’s like a treat jar for your creative soul.

Where to find Rachel:

 

How to support Watercolor – Beginners and Beyond?  

When shopping online, please consider using our affiliate links.  This helps to pay for prizes and postage to mail the prizes. We mail prizes all over the world.  As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  #ad

Amazon:  (I will get credit for anything you purchase after using my link to land on the Amazon site)

Art supplies:

Online watercolor courses:

Thank you for your support!

 

If you have ideas to share for future challenges, please add your comment to the post –>add challenge recommendation

Where else can you find Diann/Watercolor Beginners and Beyond on social media:

 

For a free 7-day trial on my Patreon:  Diann Zimmerman – Patreon.

 

This painting challenge is not endorsed, sponsored, or administered by Meta/Facebook or Patreon. By participating, entrants confirm they are 18 years of age or older, release Facebook and Meta of any liability and responsibility.

#paintingchallenge   #internationalgiveaway    #weeklypainting  #watercolorchallenge #weeklychallenge #watercolourchallenge #watercolorbeginnersandbeyond #paintingchallenge #artdimazi   #dogs #rachelparkervarner

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