The Delamore Open - Plein Air Competition

This May Bank Holiday, we are inviting you to experience Delamore Estate in a brand-new way. On Day 3 of the opening weekend, we are hosting the first-ever Plein Air Competition—an open-air paint-off set within their stunning Dartmoor grounds, with professional judging and monetary prizes to be won.

This is not just for traditional watercolourists and oil painters (though you are very welcome!). We want to see a true cross-section of what "plein air" can mean today. Whether you are an urban sketcher, a digital artist, a printmaker, or a sculptor, if you can create it outdoors within four hours, we want to see it.

It is a full-day event: you'll arrive, have your canvas or surface officially stamped, find your perfect spot in the grounds, and have exactly four hours to create a masterpiece from scratch before the judges' walkaround.

Our panel, including Professor Stephen Felmingham (Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Arts University Plymouth), will be judging across four main categories: Architectural, Landscape, Floral, and a dedicated Young Person category, culminating in the crowning of our Overall Gold Winner.

Spaces are strictly limited to ensure everyone has the room they need to work comfortably. Whether you are looking to test your skills under pressure, connect with other artists, or simply enjoy a day creating in spectacular surroundings, secure your ticket now before they sell out.

Booking Advised