Over 140 paintings were created over three days at the inaugural staging of Paint Out Cambridge, an outdoor art event that saw ‘plein air’ artists taking to the streets of Cambridge painting the city’s historic landmarks.
The paintings were put on display at Cheffins Fine Art, which partnered with Paint Out Cambridge for the event, and the winners were announced at a viewing on Thursday 16 May.
Cheffins’ head of paintings Sarah Flynn was one of three judges who picked out Robert Nelmes as the winner in Oils for his painting of Gonville & Caius College; Andrew Horrod in Acrylics for his painting of Portugal Street from Jesus Green; and Susanna Field scooped the prize for Watercolours and Mixed Media for her depiction of twilight on King’s Parade.
The judges were allowed their own personal commendations and Sarah picked out Cambridge-based artist Sarah Allbrook’s view south on the River Cam from Garret Hostel Bridge, while the other judges, London artist Alice Hall and local artist and writer James Horton, picked out Stephen Johnston and Cambridge artist David Wood respectively.
The Spirit of Cambridge award which goes to the artist who encapsulates our great city went to Girton-based artist Alice Thomson, who featured Magdalene Bridge with its punts, bicycles and the view of St Giles’ Church.
Each painting had to be produced within three hours as part of the competition rules which makes the standard on show all the more worthy of merit and a number of paintings were purchased on the two days they were on display at Cheffins Fine Art.
Sarah Flynn commented: “The inaugural Paint Out Cambridge was a great success and we are hoping to make the event bigger and better next year.
“Great credit has to go to Paint Out’s James Colman and Katy Jon Went for putting together such a successful event and we at Cheffins Fine Art were proud to be part of it.”