The Great Field in Poundbury was dotted with artists’ as far as they eye could see on Saturday, 27th May, as 90 enthusiasts and experienced artists took park in Art in Poundbury’s (AiP), Art in the Park – The Great Poundbury Paint Out.
Loosely-based on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year’s wild card idea, Art in the Parkwelcomed artists, aged 19 to 99, from across Dorset to enjoy a day of landscape painting, which was then judged under the critical eye of Landscape Artist of the Year 2023, Finn Campbell-Notman, Portrait Artist of the Year 2022 runner up, Binny Mathews, and owner of Gallery On The Square, Poundbury, David Murdock.
A number of artists hadn’t painted en plain air, or ‘open air’, before – but took up the challenge – as well as keeping cool under pressure and the heat, and welcoming and talking to visitors, curious about their work.
The Enthusiasts’ category was won by Natasha Hayball – her first time entering a competition – and pictured here with judge Binny Mathews.99-year-old Dennis Hill took top spot in the Established Artist category, pictured here with judge Finn Campbell-Notman.Overall winner, James Meiklejohn, with judges Binny Mathews, Finn Campbell-Notman and David Murdock.Established Artist runner-up, Kevin Moore – the only artist to tackle the building site in his painting.Enthusiasts’ runners up, Fiona Redstone and Elizabeth Guichard, with judge Binny Mathews.
Photography by Jane Norman
“It was the first time I’ve ever painted plein air landscapes,” said artist, Sam Currie, “I’m a portrait artist so was a very new concept for me. I definitely need more practice, but it’s given me the push I needed to want to paint plein air more!”
This is the first open air event this kind held by Art in Poundbury. Established in 2019, AiP’s already made a name for itself with three very successful exhibitions, two of which were at Jubilee Hall, Queen Mother Square. But the team decided they’d like to try something different, so took a risk with the Great British weather and went for the great outdoors!
“What a day we had,” said AiP director, Judy Tate. “It was so thrilling to see 90 artists doing what they love – painting in the great outdoors. Different views, different set-ups and different styles brought together by the mutual love of painting en plein air combined with wall to wall sunshine. A powerful mix.”
Echoing Judy’s sentiments, David Murdock added it was: “…great fun to be involved with. “I can’t imagine that when the event was first conceived of, anyone anticipated the eventual scale of it!”
Judging the works, Finn Campbell-Notman said he was impressed with the variety and quality of art – which was reflected in the time it took for the judges to make their final decisions! They got there in the end – with the Overall Winner named as James Meiklejohn, who won £250.
Ninety-nine-year-old Dennis Hill was a very popular Established Artist winner, taking the top spot against 40 other artists in the category, with Kevin Moore and Kim Smurthwaite as runners up. The Enthusiasts’ category saw Natasha Hayball scoop first place, in what was her first ever competition, with runners up, Elizabeth Guichard and Fiona Redstone. Winners were awarded £100 each, with runners up, £50 each.
To see more of the artists’ works go to artinpoundbury.co.uk and click on Gallery. The winning work will be displayed at Gallery On The Square, and will also be part of AiP’s Christmas Exhibition at Jubilee Hall. Thank you to all the sponsors / prize sponsors. AiP couldn’t have done the day without them: Morrish Homes, Symonds & Sampson, Places for People, Gallery On The Square, The Duchess of Cornwall Inn, CG Fry & Son and Parkers.
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