ARTicles

Taking Part and Sponsoring the International Watercolour Masters 2026 Event

Andrew Ludlow • 1 December 2025

Watercolour painting and colour making is a serious business.

"Tug Svitzer Waterson off Llanstadwell" by Andrew Ludlow using A J Ludlow Professional Watercolours on Sanders Waterford 425gsm.


A J Ludlow Ltd is proud to be a sponsor of the International Watercolour Masters 2026 Event at Lilleshall Hall, Shropshire. What some regard as a pleasant and pleasurable pastime is very much a serious profession for those that have mastered the medium and present art that is both remarkable and inspiring. It therefore comes as no surprise, that the same degree of mastery and skill has gone into creating A J Ludlow Professional Watercolour fine-art paints, as demanded by the needs of master watercolourists. 


Watercolour paints in a glass jar handmade by A J Ludlow

Figure 1: A J Ludlow's distinctive packaged Professional Watercolours - "They contain so much pure pigment, they can't be pack in tubes!"


Founded by Andrew Ludlow, a visionary scientist and artist, the A J Ludlow Professional Watercolour brand stands out for its innovative approach to creating art materials that inspire and empower. The most striking feature of his watercolour paints is that, they are packaged in clear glass jars, preserving each pigment’s natural properties and ensuring that each colour is formulated to its full pigment concentration; something that is a major benefit to all watercolourists and the key to his watercolour’s exceptional performance and quality.


Andrew’s artistic journey began in his youth, where painting was a joyful hobby that complemented his inquisitive mind. His academic pursuits led him into chemistry, a field where precision and discovery go hand in hand. However, it wasn’t until he realised the potential of fusing his scientific expertise with his love for painting that he truly found his calling. By developing his knowledge as a Coatings Scientist (specialising in fine arts media) and needs as a professional artist, Andrew set out to create a line of watercolours that are not only vibrant and permanent but also possess an unparalleled flow, enabling artists to bring their visions to life with ease and assurance.



Figure 2: Painting the IWM winning watercolour painting, "Tug Svitzer off Llanstadwell"

(clockwise: (i) The painting's subject is actually the view across the Milford Haven Waterway from A J Ludlow Colours Watercolour Painting-café, in Llanreath. (ii) Working on the shoreline in the studio. (iii) The finished painting.)


The culmination of Andrew’s dedication to excellence was recognised this year when he participated in the prestigious International Watercolour Masters (IWM) contest. His painting, a testament to the quality and potential of his watercolours, was selected to be exhibited alongside other International Watercolour Masters at Lilleshall Hall, Shropshire, in May 2026. This opportunity not only highlights Andrew’s talent as an artist but also underscores the impact of A J Ludlow Professional Watercolours in the art community.

International Watercolour Masters 2026 winner Andrew Ludlow

Figure 3: Andrew's Official Winner's Certificate, showing his watercolour painting.


After meeting David Poxon, the IWM Founder, Organiser, and Watercolour Master, he invited the brand to be one of the Art Material sponsors for the IWM 2026 event. This collaboration not only showcases the trust and esteem the brand commands but also offers a platform for artists worldwide to experience the remarkable capabilities of these watercolours.

IWM International Watercolour Masters sponsor A J Ludlow Professional Watercolours
Figure 4: Publicity for the IWM 2026 event showing that A J Ludlow Ltd is a sponsor of the event.  
Visit the website, www.iwm2026.com for more details.

At A J Ludlow Professional Watercolours, we are immensely proud of this achievement. It reinforces our commitment to providing artists with tools that enhance their creative journey, allowing them to express themselves with confidence and innovation. As we look forward to the future, we remain dedicated to inspiring artists to explore the beautiful connection of art and science, just as Andrew envisioned.

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Well, I do hope you found Andrew's ARTicle interesting. In our next feature we will shine the spotlight on another interesting aspect of watercolour painting. 
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