Through 1st Round World Watercolour Competition!

Very good news, I'm ONE of 600 artists selected from all over the world! WOW!! I got through the first round for the world biggest international watercolour competition held by "The Art of Watercolour" magazine!!!

The submitted works are two. The letter does not tell which got through. 

The notice is below. 
"Dear Artist friend,
The first selection stage of the World Watercolour Competition is now over. You were approximately 2,000 artists from 80 countries to take part in the competition.

The significant number of participants shows how much you were involved in this event aiming at highlighting watercolour and watercolour artists throughout the world. We deeply thank you for it.

After the first validation of the registration forms, we are pleased to inform you that you have successfully passed the first selection stage of the World Watercolour Competition organised by the magazine The Art of Watercolour."

Here's the info. I'm certain many blog friends have seen this ad on net, haven't you?

This is the wesbite on the comp. Big prizes, offered articles+exhibition for winners. 
http://www.artofwatercolour.com/competition.html

Q&A = entry condition
yes, they do until 4 rounds.
http://www.artofwatercolour.com/pageconcours/questions.pdf

In addition, the competition entry condition is very tolerant.

1) any subject, any style will do

2) watercolour dominant but also with any medium use will do

3) works created in the past five yrs

4) 2 paintings

5) anyone can submit work

6) no fee for a first round

I'm certain so many, really tens of millions watercolourists, armatures, other medium artists tried. 

Oh, too good to be true. Pinch me! Ouch!! Yep, true! 
Then, a second round will soon start in a next year. Only 250 will be left for a second stage.

What a wonderful way to end the year and start 2014. 
This achievement encourages me so much. (*They do selection until five rounds. So, I do not expect I will get through them. But very happy, I'm one of 600 prestigious and honoured artists in the world!)

I've been working on the picture book project as you know. But I want to work on figures, too in 2014. 

Friends, thank you for your warm cheers that have enabled me to go forward in 2013. Oh, I cannot depict with a language how much blogger Friends, YOU have backed up me. My achievements are, in fact, yours, too. BTW, I have a sore right hand and will consult a specialist in 2014. So, please allow me to take a rest well and keep patience for a new post in 2014.  
Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!
Friends, Happy, Happy Painting!

Through 1st Round World Watercolour Competition!