The Northwest Watercolor Society was founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1939 to promote an interest in and an appreciation for watercolor as an artistic medium.

The society expanded in 1992 to include members across the United States and Canada. Since then, NWWS has grown steadily in membership numbers and status, earning a position as one of the ten most prominent regional societies in North America as ranked by "The Artist's Magazine".

The NWWS is dedicated to the artistic growth of its members and to being a major artistic resource in the Northwest.