Wimborne Plein Air 2024
Introducing an exciting open painting event for the May Bank Holiday weekend, conceived by the Otter Gallery. As well as a rolling programme of exhibitions, invitations to Saturday Socials, the Artists Society and the Young Artist of the Year Award, Katie Bourne-Davies, owner of the gallery, is keen to inspire budding plein artists to get involved in this event.
Open to anyone who loves to paint landscapes, there will be prizes awarded in three categories; Professional, Amateur and 14 – 18 year olds. The kernel of this idea grew from Bourne-Davies’ own love of landscape painting and and passion to bring a live painting event to Wimborne. The idea was further strengthened by the quality of landscape artists exhibiting in the gallery and when painters Maria Rose and Tom Stephenson agreed to judge Wimborne Plein Air, the course was set.
This competition offers a platform for emerging plein air artists, ‘We want to see what talent is out there and support it through visibility and acknowledge it through awards judged by members of the Royal Academy of Oil Painters with impressive prizes. Pledge your support, enter our competition and grow with us as this becomes an important national event in years to come.’
Entry only costs £20 and is now open online to enter. Based in a central location in the town, painters will set off to spend the day painting a nearby scene on a standard-sized canvas to be judged at the final call. Make a weekend of it and meet your local gallery owner, the distinguished painters and judges and enjoy a special exhibition on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday to mark the event. Painters and art lovers alike are welcome to enjoy this event and join a community where ‘art can really shine.’