Biography
Portrait © Frank Lynn Pierce
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Chihiro Pierce, an award-winning watercolor artist, hails from Kobe, Japan, where her artistic journey began. From an early age, her passion for painting blossomed, leading her to Musashino Art University, where she specialized in oil painting. While initially shaping perspectives professionally at an architectural firm, Chihiro found her calling captivated by the exquisite allure of English roses, a beauty she best expressed through watercolor painting, capturing the delicate transparency of their petals. With over 25 years of experience, Chihiro’s works have been selected for numerous exhibitions abroad, including prestigious showcases by the Transparent Watercolor Society of America (TWSA), the National Watercolor Society (NWS) and Italy's Fabriano in Acquarello. She is a signature member of TWSA.
Her artworks have graced the pages of renowned watercolor magazines worldwide, notably featuring her still life artwork on the covers of "Pratique des Arts" in France. Her still life artwork was published as a finalist in 'International Artist Magazine'. In 2023, her rose artworks took center stage in a comprehensive two-page interview within the esteemed French art publication, "The Art of Watercolour." Her portfolio encompasses a diverse array of subjects, spanning florals, still life, wildlife, landscapes, and cityscapes. Serving as a Brand Ambassador for Daniel Smith, Chihiro generously imparted her expertise through watercolor workshops in Seattle until 2019. Currently, as an invited artist for Daniel Smith, she sharers her expertise in the watercolor community by conducting live demonstrations in online sessions and contributing as a member of the brand ambassador team. Residing in Juneau, Alaska presently, she draws inspiration from the region's captivating rainforests and majestic mountains, infusing her art with the magic of the natural world. Her works are represented at Annie Kaill's gallery in Juneau, Alaska, where open edition and limited edition prints, as well as originals, are available. Each spring, her art is also featured at the Japan Watercolor Society's annual exhibition in Tokyo. Through her creations, Chihiro serves as a beacon of comfort and serenity, touching the hearts of viewers across the globe. ◇MembershipTransparent Watercolor Society of America (TWSA), Signature Member National Watercolor Society (NWS), Associate Member American Watercolor Society (AWS), Associate Member Accademia Internazionale dell'Acquarello, Member Japan Watercolor Society (JWS), Member *The JWS is an exclusive group of 28 professional Japanese watercolor artists dedicated to showcasing the beauty of transparent watercolors and sharing the joy of painting. |
Selected Exhibitions
2025
The 20th Salon International de l'Aquqrelle 2025 of Saint Yrieix la Perche, Guest of honor, France (July 19 - Aug 17)
Accademia Internazionale dell'Acquarello, I have passed the first round of jury selection
Malaysia International Art Competition, Still Life & Floral Category
Japan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition at Maruzen Marunouchi Tokyo, Japan (April 9 - 15)
2024
First Friday's Event, Featured Artist of the September at Annie Kaill’s Gallery, Juneau, Alaska (Sep 6th - Sep 30th)
the 5th Women in Watercolor International Juried Competition, Honorable Mentions, Still Life and Floral Category
Transparent Watercolor Society of America 48th Annual Juried Exhibition, Kenosha Public Museum, WI (May 4 - Aug 4)
National Watercolor Society Members Exhibition, Online Exhibition (May 1st - June 30)
Japan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition at Maruzen Marunouchi Tokyo, Japan (April 3 - 9)
2023
Malaysia International Art Competition, "Top 80 Paintings Award" in Landscape Category, Malaysia
Transparent Watercolor Society of America First Online Membership Exhibition (Sep 15 - Oct 31)
Northwest Watercolor Society Waterworks Online Membership Exhibition (April 5 - June 30)
National Watercolor Society Member Exhibition, Online Exhibition (May 4th - June 30)
Malaysia International Art Competition, "Top 80 Paintings Award" in Still Life & Floral Category
Japan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition at Maruzen Marunouchi Tokyo, Japan (April 12 -18)
International Masters of Watercolor Alliance(IMWA) ”Goddess of Beauty” Online Watercolor Exhibition 2023, Finalist (Mar)
2022
Malaysia International Art Competition, "Top 80 Paintings Award" in ANIMAL Category, Malaysia
Malaysia International Art Competition, Landscape Category, Malaysia
First Friday's Event, Featured Artist of the September at Annie Kaill’s Gallery, Juneau, Alaska
Malaysia International Art Competition, "Top 80 Paintings Award" in Still Life & Floral Category, Malaysia
Japan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition in Maruzen Marunouchi Tokyo, Japan (April 6th~12th)
2021
Malaysia International Art Competition, "Top 80 Paintings Award" in Animal Category, Malaysia
Malaysia International Art Competition, Landscape Category, Malaysia
First Friday's Event / Two Person's Show, Annie Kaill’s Gallery, Juneau, Alaska (August)
Juneau Arts & Humanities Council Juried Art Show, Juneau, Alaska (June)
Malaysia International Art Competition, "Top 80 Paintings Award" in Still Life & FLORA Category, Malaysia
Japan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition in Tokyo, Maruzen Marunouchi, Tokyo, Japan (Apr)
Indonesia International Watercolor Online Competition and Exhibition, Realistic Category, Indonesia
2020
Malaysia International Art Competition, "Top 80 Paintings Award" in FLORA Category, Malaysia
Group Exhibition with 6 Japanese artists with Alvaro Castagnet, Yokohama, Nagoya and Osaka, Japan
Japan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition, Maruzen Marunouchi, Tokyo
Fabriano in Acquarello, Selected for Catalog Artist
2018
1st Malaysia International Watercolor Biennale, Malaysia
Fabriano in Watercolor 2018, Fabriano, Italy
The 8th Japan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition, Tokyo, Japan
Solo Exhibition, Gallery Vita, Tokyo, Japan
2017
Northwest Watercolor Society Annual Member Exhibition, Bothell, WA
The 7th JWS Annual Exhibition, Maruzen Marunouchi, Tokyo and Osaka, Japan
"Certificate Exclusive Artist Awards", 1st International Watercolor Biennial, Invitational, Bangkok, Thailand
JWS Travel Exhibition, Central Gazai Art Gallery, Nagoya, Japan
2016
The 6th JWS Annual Exhibition, Maruzen Marunouchi, Tokyo, Japan
2015
'Finalist', International Artist Magazine's Art Prize Challenge No.89 Still Life
Pennsylvania Watercolor Society's 36th International Juried Exhibition, Carlisle, PA
Transparent Watercolor Society of America 39th Annual Juried Exhibition, Kenosha, WI
The 5th Japan Watercolor Society Exhibition, Yokohama, Japan
World Watercolor Triennale Korea, Invitational, Seoul, South Korea
2014
Pennsylvania Watercolor Society's 35th International Juried Exhibition, 'Honorable Mention', PA
Watercolor West International the 46th Juried Exhibition, Brea, CA
The Art of Watercolor Exhibit at the AOK Gallery, Kenmore, WA
Selection of the Second Stage, Art of Watercolor's 1st World Watercolor Competition, France
World Watermedia Exposition of Thailand, Invitational, Bangkok, Thailand
The 4th Japan Watercolor Society Exhibition, Yokohama and Fukuoka Art Museum, Japan
The 16th Kenmore Art Show, Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA
2013
Eastside Association of Fine Arts 38th Open Juried Exhibition, Seattle, WA
The15th Kenmore Art Show, Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA
Richeson75 International Art Competitions, Figure and Portrait, 'Finalist', Kimberly, WI
Transparent Watercolor Society of America 37th Juried National Exhibition, Kenosha Public Museum, WI
Eastside Association of Fine Arts Member's Juried Exhibition, ’Third Place’ Seattle, WA
Istanbul Watercolor Society, Category of International Contest, ’Second Place', Istanbul, Turkey
The 37th Annual Sequim Arts Juried Art Show, Museum and Art Center, Sequim, WA
Publications, Features / Other
2023 - The floral artworks were highlighted in a two-page interview article, French art magazine "The Art of Watercolour”
2023 - The article I contributed about the usage of yellow paint has been featured on the Daniel Smith website
2023 - Interview for a professional watercolor artist spotlight on Gabriel Stockton's YouTube channel
2023 - The interview article from the Artist Spotlight featured from KindredPost, the gift store in Juneau, Alaska.
2022 - Japan Watercolor Society published the 'Recipes of Transparent Watercolor No.5', Co-author published by Nichibo Publications Inc., Japan
2020 - Japan Watercolor Society published the 'Recipes of Transparent Watercolor no.4’, Co-author published by Nichibo Publications Inc., Japan
2019 - Received “Brand Ambassador Certificate” from Daniel Smith
2018 - Japan Watercolor Society published the 'Recipes of Transparent Watercolor no.3’, Co-author published by Nichibo Publications Inc., Japan
2016 - Artist Feature, "Floral Watercolor Pallet Feature" by Daniel Smith
2016 - Japan Watercolor Society published the 'Recipes of Transparent Watercolor Ⅱ’, Co-author published by Nichibo Publications Inc., Japan
2016 - Artist Feature, Oil Portrait of "Diana" was featured by Daniel Smith, 'Oil Portrait Palette Feature'
2015 - Top 10 'Finalist', International Artist Magazine's Art Prize Challenge No.89 Still Life, published in issue 105,October/November
2015 - Japan Watercolor Society published the 'Recipes of Transparent Watercolor’, Co-author published by Nichibo Publications Inc., Japan
2015 - Cover and Feature article published by the French art magazine, No.121 issue of 'Pratique des Arts', France
2014 - World Watercolor Competition Catalogue Published by the French Magazine ''The Art of Watercolor', France
2010 - Essay Vol.12, Annual Magazine No.90 issued by Musashino Art University, Japan
2006 - Interview, J Magazine Feb No.149, Boston, MA
2025
The 20th Salon International de l'Aquqrelle 2025 of Saint Yrieix la Perche, Guest of honor, France (July 19 - Aug 17)
Accademia Internazionale dell'Acquarello, I have passed the first round of jury selection
Malaysia International Art Competition, Still Life & Floral Category
Japan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition at Maruzen Marunouchi Tokyo, Japan (April 9 - 15)
2024
First Friday's Event, Featured Artist of the September at Annie Kaill’s Gallery, Juneau, Alaska (Sep 6th - Sep 30th)
the 5th Women in Watercolor International Juried Competition, Honorable Mentions, Still Life and Floral Category
Transparent Watercolor Society of America 48th Annual Juried Exhibition, Kenosha Public Museum, WI (May 4 - Aug 4)
National Watercolor Society Members Exhibition, Online Exhibition (May 1st - June 30)
Japan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition at Maruzen Marunouchi Tokyo, Japan (April 3 - 9)
2023
Malaysia International Art Competition, "Top 80 Paintings Award" in Landscape Category, Malaysia
Transparent Watercolor Society of America First Online Membership Exhibition (Sep 15 - Oct 31)
Northwest Watercolor Society Waterworks Online Membership Exhibition (April 5 - June 30)
National Watercolor Society Member Exhibition, Online Exhibition (May 4th - June 30)
Malaysia International Art Competition, "Top 80 Paintings Award" in Still Life & Floral Category
Japan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition at Maruzen Marunouchi Tokyo, Japan (April 12 -18)
International Masters of Watercolor Alliance(IMWA) ”Goddess of Beauty” Online Watercolor Exhibition 2023, Finalist (Mar)
2022
Malaysia International Art Competition, "Top 80 Paintings Award" in ANIMAL Category, Malaysia
Malaysia International Art Competition, Landscape Category, Malaysia
First Friday's Event, Featured Artist of the September at Annie Kaill’s Gallery, Juneau, Alaska
Malaysia International Art Competition, "Top 80 Paintings Award" in Still Life & Floral Category, Malaysia
Japan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition in Maruzen Marunouchi Tokyo, Japan (April 6th~12th)
2021
Malaysia International Art Competition, "Top 80 Paintings Award" in Animal Category, Malaysia
Malaysia International Art Competition, Landscape Category, Malaysia
First Friday's Event / Two Person's Show, Annie Kaill’s Gallery, Juneau, Alaska (August)
Juneau Arts & Humanities Council Juried Art Show, Juneau, Alaska (June)
Malaysia International Art Competition, "Top 80 Paintings Award" in Still Life & FLORA Category, Malaysia
Japan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition in Tokyo, Maruzen Marunouchi, Tokyo, Japan (Apr)
Indonesia International Watercolor Online Competition and Exhibition, Realistic Category, Indonesia
2020
Malaysia International Art Competition, "Top 80 Paintings Award" in FLORA Category, Malaysia
Group Exhibition with 6 Japanese artists with Alvaro Castagnet, Yokohama, Nagoya and Osaka, Japan
Japan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition, Maruzen Marunouchi, Tokyo
Fabriano in Acquarello, Selected for Catalog Artist
2018
1st Malaysia International Watercolor Biennale, Malaysia
Fabriano in Watercolor 2018, Fabriano, Italy
The 8th Japan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition, Tokyo, Japan
Solo Exhibition, Gallery Vita, Tokyo, Japan
2017
Northwest Watercolor Society Annual Member Exhibition, Bothell, WA
The 7th JWS Annual Exhibition, Maruzen Marunouchi, Tokyo and Osaka, Japan
"Certificate Exclusive Artist Awards", 1st International Watercolor Biennial, Invitational, Bangkok, Thailand
JWS Travel Exhibition, Central Gazai Art Gallery, Nagoya, Japan
2016
The 6th JWS Annual Exhibition, Maruzen Marunouchi, Tokyo, Japan
2015
'Finalist', International Artist Magazine's Art Prize Challenge No.89 Still Life
Pennsylvania Watercolor Society's 36th International Juried Exhibition, Carlisle, PA
Transparent Watercolor Society of America 39th Annual Juried Exhibition, Kenosha, WI
The 5th Japan Watercolor Society Exhibition, Yokohama, Japan
World Watercolor Triennale Korea, Invitational, Seoul, South Korea
2014
Pennsylvania Watercolor Society's 35th International Juried Exhibition, 'Honorable Mention', PA
Watercolor West International the 46th Juried Exhibition, Brea, CA
The Art of Watercolor Exhibit at the AOK Gallery, Kenmore, WA
Selection of the Second Stage, Art of Watercolor's 1st World Watercolor Competition, France
World Watermedia Exposition of Thailand, Invitational, Bangkok, Thailand
The 4th Japan Watercolor Society Exhibition, Yokohama and Fukuoka Art Museum, Japan
The 16th Kenmore Art Show, Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA
2013
Eastside Association of Fine Arts 38th Open Juried Exhibition, Seattle, WA
The15th Kenmore Art Show, Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA
Richeson75 International Art Competitions, Figure and Portrait, 'Finalist', Kimberly, WI
Transparent Watercolor Society of America 37th Juried National Exhibition, Kenosha Public Museum, WI
Eastside Association of Fine Arts Member's Juried Exhibition, ’Third Place’ Seattle, WA
Istanbul Watercolor Society, Category of International Contest, ’Second Place', Istanbul, Turkey
The 37th Annual Sequim Arts Juried Art Show, Museum and Art Center, Sequim, WA
Publications, Features / Other
2023 - The floral artworks were highlighted in a two-page interview article, French art magazine "The Art of Watercolour”
2023 - The article I contributed about the usage of yellow paint has been featured on the Daniel Smith website
2023 - Interview for a professional watercolor artist spotlight on Gabriel Stockton's YouTube channel
2023 - The interview article from the Artist Spotlight featured from KindredPost, the gift store in Juneau, Alaska.
2022 - Japan Watercolor Society published the 'Recipes of Transparent Watercolor No.5', Co-author published by Nichibo Publications Inc., Japan
2020 - Japan Watercolor Society published the 'Recipes of Transparent Watercolor no.4’, Co-author published by Nichibo Publications Inc., Japan
2019 - Received “Brand Ambassador Certificate” from Daniel Smith
2018 - Japan Watercolor Society published the 'Recipes of Transparent Watercolor no.3’, Co-author published by Nichibo Publications Inc., Japan
2016 - Artist Feature, "Floral Watercolor Pallet Feature" by Daniel Smith
2016 - Japan Watercolor Society published the 'Recipes of Transparent Watercolor Ⅱ’, Co-author published by Nichibo Publications Inc., Japan
2016 - Artist Feature, Oil Portrait of "Diana" was featured by Daniel Smith, 'Oil Portrait Palette Feature'
2015 - Top 10 'Finalist', International Artist Magazine's Art Prize Challenge No.89 Still Life, published in issue 105,October/November
2015 - Japan Watercolor Society published the 'Recipes of Transparent Watercolor’, Co-author published by Nichibo Publications Inc., Japan
2015 - Cover and Feature article published by the French art magazine, No.121 issue of 'Pratique des Arts', France
2014 - World Watercolor Competition Catalogue Published by the French Magazine ''The Art of Watercolor', France
2010 - Essay Vol.12, Annual Magazine No.90 issued by Musashino Art University, Japan
2006 - Interview, J Magazine Feb No.149, Boston, MA