Suffolk-based Alfie Carpenter is both musician and artist. He studied at Leeds College of Music but has returned to East Anglia where the “tapestry of textured terrain” here inspires him.
“Whether the components are shapes, colours and textures or pitches, words and voices, I am fascinated by assembling them in different and diverse ways in order to give life to a particular landscape, vision, idea or emotion.”
His response to the land is:
“…quite impulsive, utilising whatever can be found in the vicinity to concoct a rich playground of materials: hoover bags, parcel tape, old (clean!) clothing, newspaper, candles or bog roll – giving ‘ugly’ items a chance at glamour. I combine many techniques and approaches but each collage has a playful uniqueness, an evocative texture and a generosity towards colour and shape. With the combination of wind and a dustbin full of scrap bits of paper, Plein air painting is a challenge however it is one that I relish. I am eager to show the public my unusual style and I think it brings an element of excitement to the tradition.”
Alfie described his success at Paint Out in 2016:
First Prize at Paint Out Wells 2016 Alfie Carpenter ‘Hoping for Sun’ – Prize sponsored by Hopkins Homes. photo by Katy Jon Went
“As I drove up to start competing in Paint Out Wells in September – windscreen wipers on full, heating on full blast, waterproof trousers at the ready, thermal underlayers gently warming my tiny, goosepimpled body – I thought, gee, what an ideal weekend for painting, nay, COLLAGING outdoors in the elements. Three days later and upon the final brush stroke and splattering of P.V.A, the sun finally made an appearance. A highlight was befriending a fellow artist whilst squatting under a beach hut, occasionally dashing down the beach to catch an errant scrap of paper. Oh, and of course producing five new works which can all be seen in the Gallery section. I was completely humbled to win FIRST PRIZE for my ‘sunrise’ painting (inverted commas as there was no sun to rise). I also, kind of greedily, won a commendation award for another small piece – needless to say, I am thrilled and very grateful.”
“A month later and it was the turn of Paint Out Norwich. Not quite the hurricane levels of Wells but still the thermals featured. It was an inspiring couple of days, chatting to the public and the usual act of convincing them that I have a fixed abode. The competition peaked with an exhibit at Norwich Cathedral Hostry which displayed the incredible and varied artwork of the artists. I was honoured to win the prize for the mixed media category for my painting ‘Guildhall aglow’ – capping off a sensational Paint Out season.”
Paint Out Norfolk – Judges Commendation (2020)
Paint Out Norwich – Participated (2018)
Paint Out Wells-next-the-Sea – First Prize (2016)
Paint Out Norwich – First Prize (2016)
Paint Out Wells-next-the-Sea – Second Prize (2015)
Paint Out Norwich – CASS ART Bursary Winner (2015)
Other Awards
Sample Gallery & Works for Sale
Artist Alfie Carpenter 'Which Way to the Beach ', The Forest, SOLD Mixed media, 10 x 16 (Paint Out Wells 2016) photo by Katy Jon Went
Artist Alfie Carpenter 'Wind and Waves, Scolt Head', Burnham Overy Staithe, SOLD Mixed media, 8 x 14 (Paint Out Wells 2016) photo by Katy Jon Went
Artist Alfie Carpenter 'Hoping for Sun', Wells Quayside, £345 Mixed media, 20 x 30. Paint Out Wells 2016. First Prize
Artist Alfie Carpenter 'Hoping for Sun', Wells Quayside, £345 Mixed media, 20 x 30. Paint Out Wells 2016. First Prize
Artist Alfie Carpenter, Cool in the Cloisters, Mixed Media, 15x25cm, £180, Paint Out Norwich 2016. Photo by Simon Finlay
Artist Alfie Carpenter, Cool in the Cloisters, Mixed Media, 15x25cm, £180, Paint Out Norwich 2016. Photo by Simon Finlay
Artist Alfie Carpenter, Cool in the Cloisters, Mixed Media, 15x25cm, £180, Paint Out Norwich 2016.
Artist Alfie Carpenter, Cool in the Cloisters, Mixed Media, 15x25cm, £180, Paint Out Norwich 2016.
Artist Alfie Carpenter, Autumn Arrives on Elm Hill, Mixed Media, 30x40cm, £220, Paint Out Norwich 2016. Photo by Katy Jon Went
Artist Alfie Carpenter, Soggy Market, Mixed Media, 20x30cm, £180, Paint Out Norwich 2016. Photo by Katy Jon Went
Artist Alfie Carpenter, Windswept, Malthouse Broad, Malthouse Broad, Ranworth, Mixed Media, 22x26cm, FOR SALE, £295
Artist Alfie Carpenter, Windswept, Malthouse Broad, Malthouse Broad, Ranworth, Mixed Media, 22x26cm, £295. Paint Out Norfolk 2020
Artist Alfie Carpenter, Summer through the Trees, Wells-next-the-Sea, Mixed Media, 27x42cm, SOLD, £425
Artist Alfie Carpenter, Summer through the Trees, Wells-next-the-Sea, Mixed Media, 27x42cm, £425. Paint Out Norfolk 2020
Artist Alfie Carpenter, This river sings, Surlingham, Mixed Media, 30x30cm, FOR SALE, £375
Artist Alfie Carpenter, This river sings, Surlingham, Mixed Media, 30x30cm, £375. Paint Out Norfolk 2020
Alfie Carpenter, 'He Shall Not Be Moved', Anglia Square, Mixed Media, 40x40cm, SOLD
Alfie Carpenter, 'He Shall Not Be Moved', Anglia Square, Mixed Media, 40x40cm, SOLD
Newmarket-based artist Amanda Barrett studied at the British Institute, Florence (Renaissance Art), Brighton Art College (Fine Art Painting) and Chelsea School of Art (Graphic Design). Having been a Graphic Designer and Illustrator in the UK and Australia she has spent the last half-decade painting more en plein air. Her art practice now focuses on observation, rhythm and stroke-making, and the use of colour in transparency and layers.
“Huge thanks to the following: Trevor Osborne who kick-started me back into painting through his inspirational teaching, James Colman founder of Paint Out whose vision has inspired many to leave their studios and come outside and just paint!, Michael Carlo RA who showed me the art of not being precious through wood cutting and print making. And my father John Barrett who from the most disadvantaged start fought through the depression to achieve his ambition, he taught me to learn from setbacks, be true to your instincts and be up for the challenge whatever the outcome!”
Paint Out History
Paint Out Norfolk – Third prize (2020), selected and participated (2019)
Paint Out Norfolk Gardens – Judges Commendation (2019)
Paint Out Holt, selected and participated (2019)
Paint Out Wells, selected and participated (2019)
Paint Out Cambridge, selected and participated (2019)
Other Awards
IBBAS Society Plein Air Competition, 2nd place
Sample Gallery & Works for Sale
Artist Amanda Barrett, Lighthouse and Coloured Cottages, Winterton-on-Sea, Acrylic, 30x24cm, FOR SALE, £190
Artist Amanda Barrett, Lighthouse and Coloured Cottages, Winterton-on-Sea, Acrylic, 30x24cm, £190. Paint Out Norfolk 2020
Artist Amanda Barrett, Berney Arms Windmill and Breydon Water, Burgh Castle, Oil, 23x45cm, FOR SALE, £250
Artist Amanda Barrett, Berney Arms Windmill and Breydon Water, Burgh Castle, Oil, 23x45cm, £250. Paint Out Norfolk 2020
Artist Amanda Barrett, Boardwalk, Ferry House, Surlingham, Surlingham, Acrylic, 24x30cm, FOR SALE, £190
Artist Amanda Barrett, Boardwalk, Ferry House, Surlingham, Surlingham, Acrylic, 24x30cm, £190. Paint Out Norfolk 2020
Artist Amanda Barrett, 'Chimneys and Pipes', Elsing Hall, Dereham, Norfolk, Oil, 24x30cm, £180. Paint Out Gardens 2019
Artist Amanda Barrett, 'Chimneys and Pipes', Elsing Hall, Dereham, Norfolk, Oil, 24x30cm, £180. Paint Out Gardens 2019
Artist Amanda Barrett, 'Bananas at the Plantation', The Plantation Garden, Norwich, Oil, 24x30cm, £100. Paint Out Gardens 2019, Judge's Commendation
Artist Amanda Barrett, 'Bananas at the Plantation', The Plantation Garden, Norwich, Oil, 24x30cm, £100. Paint Out Gardens 2019, Judge's Commendation