Paint Out Norfolk 2023 Exhibition & Private View

Paint Out Norfolk 2023 Exhibition and Private View

Paint Out Norfolk takes place 13-22 July. 100+ plein air artists touring city and towns, coast and countryside. Eight painting days in the summer sun! The rolling exhibition of around 100 new daily artworks will be on display throughout the week and 300+ on the final day drawn from 800+ created during the full event. The catalogue will be available here later in the event week.

Award Presentation at Paint Out Norfolk 2023
Award Presentation at Paint Out Norfolk 2023

Sworders Fine Art – our headline sponsor this year – are also on site during the afternoon and evening of the Private View (20th and TBC 21st-22nd) offering a free valuation service for any art or antique that you can carry (Antiques Roadshow style) especially but not exclusively paintings. If it’s a collection, bring one and photographs of the rest.

This year the judges include art historian and award-winning author Frances Spalding; art history at UEA alumni, Aylsham Picture House chair, art and antiques expert on Dickinson’s Real Deal, James Layte; and Andrew Bowyer, formerly head of Phillips’ Picture Department, and Sotheby’s Old Masters and now a Fine Art Consultant for Sworders

Please RSVP to the Private View & Awards or Exhibition below.

Exhibition Location

Large open-sided marquee next to Flint Barn Café, Whitlingham Lane, Trowse, Norwich, NR14 8TR. Food & drinks vendors some evenings.

Check out our Google Map of where we are painting around Norfolk each day.

Painting Locations

Artist Rob Adams, Paint Out, Norfolk, Oil, 8x8in, £200. Paint Out Norfolk 2022
Artist Rob Adams, Paint Out Norfolk 2022

Thursday 13th July – Whitlingham and Norwich

Friday 14th July – Whitlingham and Norwich

Saturday 15th July – Flatford Mill, Munnings & Dedham, Suffolk

Sunday 16th July – Sennowe Park (private) & Aylsham, Buxton etc

Monday 17th July – North Norfolk Coast (Wells, Morston, Blakeney etc)

Tuesday 18th July – Broads & East Norfolk Coast (Winterton etc) inc Great Yarmouth

Wednesday 19th July – Bylaugh Hall Gardens (private) and Wensum Valley

Thursday 20th July – Whitlingham, Trowse and Norwich

Opening Times

Artist Kate Gabriel, Paint Out Hub Red Ropes, Whitlingham, Oil, 10x12in, £275. Paint Out Norfolk 2020
Artist Kate Gabriel, Paint Out Hub: Red Ropes, Whitlingham

15th July 7-8pm (subject to change and at other times if the Marquee is open)16th July 8-10am & 6-8pm (subject to change and at other times if the Marquee is open)

17th July 8-10am (subject to change and at other times if the Marquee is open)

18th July 8-10am & 5-8pm (subject to change and at other times if the Marquee is open)

19th July 8-10am (subject to change and at other times if the Marquee is open)

20th July 6-8pm Private View & Awards & Sworders Art Appraisal (RSVP below to confirm attendance)

21st July 9-8pm Exhibition open all day, Live Flamenco & Classical Guitar, South African Food vendor (5-8pm)

22nd July 9-6pm Exhibition open all day (we will be taking down the exhibition from 6pm)

Sales

James Colman packages a sold artwork in the posh paintout takeaway pizza box. Photo by Katy Jon Went
James Colman packages a sold artwork in the fresh art flatpack pizza box. 

Purchased paintings can be collected from 7pm on the 20th, through the weekend and afterwards by arrangement. 

If you’ve seen a painting you are interested in please visit the event online gallery or contact info@paintout.org 07432 608015 / 07808 970429 to purchase

Charity

We supported MIND in 2020 raising £1000 and in 2021 we raised £1650 for Young Norfolk Arts which “provides opportunities for children and young people to create and engage with creativity and culture across Norfolk.”. 2022’s charity was towards DEC/Ukraine relief.

Exhibition, Private View & Awards RSVP

Or call 07432 608015

 

Paint Out Norfolk 2022 Gallery  Paint Out Norfolk 2021 Gallery  Paint Out Norfolk 2020 Gallery  

Paint Out Gardens Series 2019

Paintings created at Paint Out Gardens 2019

Paint Out Gardens took place May to October in 2019 across 6 historic or hidden Norfolk gardens. 36 plein air artists painted the gardens through the seasons. Prizes were awarded by Charlotte Crawley – art historian, former curator and past Director of the East Anglia Art Fund, and by Tom Humphreys and Sophie Barrett of Fairhurst Gallery.

 

Paint Out Holt 2019

Paintings created at Paint Out Holt 2019

Paint Out Holt took place 19-20 July. 22 plein air artists across 3 sessions from Friday to Saturday morning ahead of opening the Holt Festival at Picturecraft Gallery in Holt. Prizes were awarded by Robert Upstone, former Senior Curator of 20th Century Art at Tate and Norfolk-based Art Historian, Charlotte Crawley – a former curator and past Director of the East Anglia Art Fund.

Paint Out Holt Festival 2019

Artist Susan Field painting on Bishop's Bridge, Paint Out Norwich 2017. Photo © Katy Jon Went

The Holt Festival (21-27 July), now in its eleventh year, has invited Paint Out to open this year’s Festival with a two-day Paint Out and Private View (19-20 July) around the charming North Norfolk town. A day-and-a-half of outdoor painting by 25 artists should see 50+ artworks created en plein air ready for a Private View at Picturecraft Gallery on Saturday 20 July with awards announced shortly after 1pm. Saturday also sees an Art Car Boot fair featuring artists such as Colin Self running alongside from 11-5pm

Paint Out Holt - Private View Invitation
Paint Out Holt – Private View Invitation

The judges are Robert Upstone, former Senior Curator of 20th Century Art at Tate and Charlotte Crawley who is a Norfolk-based Art Historian. After studying Art History at Cambridge University and The Courtauld Institute in London, she worked for five years at Windsor Castle looking after the Royal Collection of Drawings and Prints. Charlotte recently retired as the Director of the East Anglia Art Fund and serves on the Norfolk Committee of the Art Fund.

“This combination of judges has the unique qualification of having, early in their careers, curated the foremost collections of Canaletto drawings and Turner sketches probably the most famous early Plein Air painters on the planet!” – James Glennie, Holt Festival

Holt is home to 500-year-old Gresham’s School (alumni include WH Auden, Olivia Colman, Benjamin Britten, James Dyson, and the artist Ben Nicholson) and features fine  18th-century Georgian buildings and beautiful surrounding countryside.

The two-day Paint Out will be backed up by a week-long exhibition in Picturecraft of Holt, a gallery and Art material supplier with the winners exhibiting alongside the now well established Holt Art Prize

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Paint Out Norfolk 2019

Paintings created at Paint Out Norfolk 2019

Paint Out Norfolk took place 1-7 July. 27 plein air artists toured Norfolk’s rivers, beaches and Broads, the palatial Palladian Houghton Hall with Henry Moores, as well as Bishop’s Bridge in Norwich itself and the Sainsbury Centre at UEA campus and sculpture park. Seven painting days in the summer sun! Read about the Prize-winning artworks here.

 

Paint Out Norfolk 2019

Artist Sarah Muir Poland painting at Paint Out Wells beach sunrise. Photo by Katy Jon Went

Paint Out Norfolk 1-7 July 2019 visits Bishop’s Bridge & the Red Lion in Norwich, Wells-next-the-Sea, the Norfolk Broads at How Hill, Houghton Hall, and the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich for art talks, inspiration from Monet and Hockney, socials, judging by George Rowlett & Paul Greenhalgh, awards and private view, public paint out (6 July) and art exhibition (6-7th). Transport to all painting sites available from Norwich.

Paint Out continues its 2019 programme that has included the inaugural Paint Out Cambridge and an ongoing series of five garden paint-outs with a multi-day premier juried painting event that takes in beach and Broads, countryside and campus, and historical buildings from the 1640s through to 1960s brutalism and 1970s modernism. The loan of a Monet and two Hockney paintings are set to inspire, as well as an art talk by Sainsbury Centre director Professor Paul Greenhalgh. A public paint out on the Saturday during the exhibition weekend (6-7 July) will make this open to artists of all abilities alongside the juried entry event 1-5 July being judged by among others, the eminent plein air artist George Rowlett.

Paint Out is thrilled to have been given the opportunity to host Paint Out Norfolk at the Sainsbury Centre – the preeminent Visual Arts Centre in the region housing an incredible collection of art spanning 5000 years of human creativity. Based at the campus of the University of East AngliaNorman Foster’s vast 1978 hangar – the size of several football pitches, the Sainsbury Centre provides the backdrop to this year’s flagship Paint Out. It will also be the source of inspiration via an art talk and a special opportunity to view an amazing Monet painting ‘Allée de sapins à Varengeville‘ depicting the Normandy coast and two David Hockney artworks upon which artists can reflect as they head out to paint three classic locations around the county.

Paint Out Norfolk 2019 Entry  Paint Out Norfolk 2019 Gallery

Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts
Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts

The mission of this Paint Out will be to raise the critical agenda of en plein air art practice, whatever form that may take, and continue to bring the genre to a wide and increasingly knowing audience. We’ve been working closely with the Director of Exhibitions, Paul Greenhalgh, who will also be a judge at the event, on how best this can be achieved.

First and most importantly, we feel that it’s vital to not only contextualise the relevance of what’s gone before and recognise that this is often the vital starting point for many outdoor artists but also to allow for contemporary interpretation to flood the artist’s consciousness too. In fact, we have espoused experimentation from the outset of Paint Out, since 2014, and actively encourage artists to work outside their comfort zones.

Claude Monet, Allée de sapins à Varengeville
Monet, Allée de sapins à Varengeville

To that end, the Sainsbury Centre has secured the loans of two notorious exponents of plein air: Claude Monet and David Hockney. The 1882 Varengeville coastal scene by Monet has all the hallmark of the Master’s swirling brushmark notation and clear colour.

The two Hockneys, by contrast, are monumental iPad drawings of Yosemite, fizzing with intense Californian reds and greens and varied mark making. Both may seem out of place in the relatively muted English light but this will be the height of the summer and with luck, the opportunity for artists to gorge on fabulous coastal and Broadland sweeps, as well as be let loose within the grounds of one of England’s finest early eighteenth century houses.

Houghton Hall, Norfolk
Houghton Hall, Norfolk

In addition to Paul Greenhalgh acting as a competition judge, we are pleased to announce that the well-established plein air artist George Rowlett will be with us acting as a further arbiter of the artworks created. Born on the West Coast of Scotland in 1941, George attended the Camberwell School of Art and the Royal Academy Schools. He has work in public and private collections worldwide and is renowned for balancing both large bold impasto paintings and intimate up-close subjects. A description of Rowlett from a 2009 exhibition catalogue may give you an insight into the character who will be viewing your artistic impressions of Norfolk.

Artist George Rowlett painting plein air on the beach at Humberston
Artist George Rowlett painting en plein air

“When George Rowlett paints in the open air he is like a man wrestling with his subject. But what looks like a struggle is really an intimate dance. He stands back from the easel, a blade loaded with oil paint in one hand, and begins to shuffle as a boxer might, or an inexpert devotee of tai chi. His eyes and hands seem to be feeling the landscape, his shoulders move with its contours, both arms embrace its forms. Then, with a sudden stab and twist, another glistening slice of paint has been added to the thickening layers of rich impasto on the board before him.” – Robert Hewison

For those able to arrive Monday afternoon 1 July we will have a short welcome and induction in the Paint Out tent at the Sainsbury Centre site followed by an informal paint out at a pub on the river in the city of Norwich, the Red Lion by historic Bishop’s Bridge.

On Tuesday 2 July, we return to our favourite haunt on the Norfolk coast, Wells-next-the-sea which we’ve painted since 2015. Inspired by Monet’s depiction of the 1880s Normandy coast through the trees we’ll be visiting the timeless beach, dunes and pines there.

How Hill Nature Reserve, Gardens, Norfolk
How Hill Nature Reserve, Gardens, Norfolk

Wednesday’s trip will be to the beautiful setting of How Hill, the epicentre of The Norfolk Broads with its wide vistas across river and reed fen, plenty of opportunity to capture boats weaving their way up the river, original reed cutting practice, as well as the beautiful setting of How Hill’s Edwardian Garden with its terracing and eccentric layout. We will return for an art talk at the Sainsbury Centre and social.

On the third day, we have secured access to Houghton Hall and its surrounding deer park. This is an opportunity to capture one of the great houses of England and the original seat of the first Prime minister Horace Walpole.

Culminating on Friday morning, a final paint out around the campus and grounds of UEA and the Sainsbury Centre taking in 1640s Earlham Hall, 1960s Denys Lasdun’s Ziggurats, sculptures and lake, before a Private View and awards on Friday night followed by a weekend art exhibition with public paint out on the Saturday.

Transport to all locations available at a subsidised rate of £5/day.

Paint Out Norfolk 2019 Entry  Paint Out Norfolk 2019 Options

How Hill Nature Reserve, River Ant, Norfolk
How Hill Nature Reserve, River Ant, Norfolk Broads

Paint Out Cambridge 2019

Paintings created at Paint Out Cambridge 2019

Paint Out Cambridge took place 13-17 May in partnership with Cheffins Fine Art. 30 experienced plein air artists used to working on the streets painted Cambridge’s classic colleges, chapels and beautiful bridges, punts on the River Cam, Market Square and other views. Three painting days, eight sessions, day and evening, all en plein air! Read about the Prize-winning artworks here.

Paint Out Cambridge 13-17 May 2019

Artist Sarah Allbrook, February sunshine on King’s Parade

Paint Out comes to Cambridge

The inaugural Paint Out Cambridge takes place 13-17 May in partnership with Cheffins Fine Art. Dozens of experienced plein air artists used to working on the streets will paint Cambridge’s classic colleges, chapels and beautiful bridges, River Cam, Market Square and other views as seen on this map.

Clare Hall and King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, from the Banks of the River Cam, JMW Turner, 1793
Clare Hall and King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, JMW Turner, 1793

Founded in 2014, the immersive outdoor art event has already run a dozen events across Norfolk and Suffolk and has been keen to come to Cambridge for a while. Partnering with Cheffins Fine Art has finally made this possible and the Paint Out team are excited to be running the competition, encouraging artists to capture and immortalise Cambridge’s iconic views.

Who could resist a city that drew JMW Turner to its banks to paint Clare Hall and King’s College Chapel, whilst also being home to the Fitzwilliam and Kettle’s Yard and a series of famous art collections at several Cambridge colleges?

“Cambridge has long been on our radar but with new partners Cheffins Fine Art now on board, the realisation of a central exhibition venue as well as other potential sponsors lining up to host various parts of the Paint Out, we see this is an event that will have multiple opportunities for artists to paint both town and gown in one of the most vibrant and fast-growing cities in the UK.” – James Colman, founder of Paint Out

Artist Sarah Allbrook painting plein air, February sunshine on King’s Parade, Cambridge
Artist Sarah Allbrook painting plein air, February sunshine on King’s Parade, Cambridge

Home to the Cambridge School of Art (now part of Anglia Ruskin University) and the Cambridge Drawing Society the team from Paint Out are keen to see local and national artists casting their creative eyes over the city and bringing their art skills to bear in classical and contemporary styles and various media that can be applied to canvas.

Artists can enter and find out more through our website www.paintout.events.

Sarah Flynn, head of paintings at Cheffins, said:

“Following the plein air painting event’s success at Paint Out, Norwich, last year, we are excited to support Paint-Out’s inaugural competition in Cambridge. Cambridge has long been an inspiration for artists such as Gwen Raverat, Edwin La Dell and Elisabeth Vellacott and with its iconic and world-recognised architecture and views such as the Mathematical Bridge, King’s College, Rose Crescent and The Backs, we are sure that it will provide endless inspiration for the artists taking part. Plein air painting is an essential part of learning to paint landscape from life and anything to encourage its proliferation within the artistic community is well supported. As the leading fine art auction house in the region, Cheffins is proud to support art events locally and is pleased to support the growth of Paint Out throughout East Anglia.”

The juried painting competition is open to amateur and professional artists alike and features 3-hour and 2-hour painting sessions around the city in full public view during the days and evenings (‘nocturnes’) of 13-15 May. Three eminent judges from the world of fine art (Sarah Flynn, Alice Hall, James Horton) will select the winning pieces with circa £2,000 worth of prizes awarded at the Private View and Awards evening at Cheffins on Clifton Road, on the 16 May (more information email pv@paintoutcambridge.org). The finished artworks will remain on display until 17 May and typically range in price from £150-£850.

Paint Out Cambridge 2019 Judges

Sarah Flynn is Associate Director of Fine Art and Head of Paintings at Cheffins. As an auctioneer and valuer she also once discovered a Rembrandt lying in a homeless charity’s box and secured them £1000s for their work at auction by spotting it. Sarah was a judge at Paint Out Norwich 2018.

Alice Hall is an en plein air painter focusing on landscapes. When she sets out to paint, she looks more like a vagrant than an artist: Wearing many warming layers of paint-encrusted clothing and carrying a rucksack full with paints, pallets, brushes and much more essential clobber besides. She sets up her impromptu studio and starts to work, first sketching the composition and then building up areas of colour. The aim being to capture character and mood, while being truthful to the subject. “Hall sets out to distill that moment when even the mundane can be magical. As you look at her paintings, you can travel to another land too.” – Rachel Campbell Johnston, Art Critic, The Times

James Horton works continually from life whether at Portraits, landscapes or interiors. Since leaving the Royal College of Art in 1974, the Cambridge based artist has travelled, worked and exhibited on location all over the world. Since 2000, he has concentrated on trips to India, Tuscany, North Africa and Jordan. His plein air work is rarely adjusted back in the studio, preserving the essence of time and place. He has written numerous books including the well known ‘Pastel techniques’ (Chrysalis) and ‘An Introduction to Drawing’ (DK in association with The Royal Academy).

 

Artist Sarah Allbrook, Boathouses on the Cam, Midsummer Common
Artist Sarah Allbrook, Boathouses on the Cam, Midsummer Common

Paint Out Great Yarmouth, Norfolk 2018

Paintings created at Paint Out Great Yarmouth, Norfolk 2018

Paint Out Great Yarmouth took place in the historic Norfolk coastal town on 1 September 2018. Yarmouth has featured in historic paintings and its history in art was portrayed during ‘Drawn to the Coast: Turner, Constable, Cotman‘ which explored the identity of Great Yarmouth and its surrounding landscape through the artwork it has inspired. J.M.W Turner and John Constable, Norwich School of painters such as Joseph Stannard, John Sell Cotman and John Crome were all drawn to paint here.

 

Paint Out Royal Norfolk Show 2017 Art Gallery

Paintings created at the Royal Norfolk Show 2017

Paint Out 2017 saw an en plein air invitational event at the Royal Norfolk Show. Fifteen hardy artists painted all the colour and character of the UK’s largest two-day agricultural event amidst torrential downpours and mud to rival Glastonbury! From fairground to farriers, and pigs to poultry, there was plenty to paint. Our artists were positioned around the Norfolk Showground site, returning their wet artworks every few hours to our tent for a live art auction on the first day, and continually refreshed rolling exhibition over both days.