Artists Flock to Windsor Castle for Annual En Plein Air Painting Contest

Windsor Castle has opened its grand gates to artists from around the country who entered this year’s Windsor and Eton En Plein Air painting competition.

Anyone staying in Windsor for the weekend, alongside interested locals, was able to vote for their favourite painting in the People’s Choice Award. The paintings were also judged by experts and the overall winner, Wendy Kimberly, who came all the way from Norfolk to paint within the castle walls, won a £500 prize.

The annual event began in 2012 as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. It gives artists the opportunity to paint a picture within a 6.5-hour time-frame from one of ten spots within the castle grounds. The beautiful weather meant that the artists were treated to perfect painting conditions and created some impressive artworks. This year, the painters were even able to locate themselves at the beautiful private moat gardens.

The organisers told hopeful applicants: “This special experience affords artists a once in a lifetime painting opportunity in one of world’s most recognised castles. You will be setting up your easel and spending the day in one of a number of prime sites in this historic venue.”

Each artist displayed their works at the Royal Windsor Shopping centre following the competition and this was where the judges cast their expert eyes over the pictures.

The public has the chance to purchase a piece from the En Plein Air competition before the pain had even dried, thanks to a pop-up gallery set up immediately after the contest. This year, prices ranged from £30 to £1,500