“Fragments Geometry and Change” commands the eye and sends it on a journey. A watercolor by Annell Livingston, the piece comprises a tight matrix of triangles and squares, but the path of color Livingston put upon the canvas gives it an almost spherical look if you let the eye dance along the surface. It’s an astounding work, intricate and grand. And despite an almost digital precision, Livingston created the work with watercolor.

It was awarded first place at theWatercolor Art Society - Houston’s 45th annual International Watermedia show, one of two large-scale shows the organization puts on each year.

The WASH is a rare watercolor society in the nation that owns and operates its own building. And that building is, through Thursday, teeming with entries from the competition. Those interested have a brief window to see some astounding works that range from landscape, still life and portrait to more abstract works and some that tiptoe to the edge of photorealism. This year's International Watermedia show welcomed entries by artists from 34 states and five nations. Nearly 100 works were shown from almost 400 submissions.

The walls at WASH are a feast right now, with paintings covering almost the entirety of the gallery space’s walls. For those unfamiliar with WASH, the upstairs is dedicated to classes, workshops and group painting opportunities.

WASH has been in its new space – just a block from the Menil Collection – for 10 years. But it was launched in 1975. Some of the works below speak to the breadth of the medium.

Watercolor Art Society - Houston

1601 W. Alabama

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays

International Watermedia show closes Thursday