Painting the Broads in Norfolk

I just came back a few days ago from a fantastic painting trip in Norfolk. It was a 4 days plein air event/competition. Beautifully organised, lovely people, amazing landscapes and subject matters, and fantastic weather. And to make all this even better, I'm happy to announce I have won the first prize of the show alongside the first prize for the Norwich quick draw event. I couldn't be happier!

Here is below the painting that won the first prize. 

Boats at Hickling, late afternoon  16"x9" oil on board

I really enjoyed painting this. I set up on the path leading to the pub and had a nice chat with people walking pass. The pub owner even brought me a nice cup of tea which helped me finish the painting. The late afternoon sun made some lovely reflections on the water.

My set up

The finished painting

Detail of the finished painting

Below is a painting done close by in the morning. I had fun painting the sky and reflections on the water.

Morning light, Hickling  12"x10" oil on board

Detail

I discovered a lovely spot near Horsey one evening and started this little painting below. I could only paint 30 minutes until the end of the sunset so I came back the next day a bit earlier to finish it. The place was beautiful and tranquil, which I have tried to convey in the painting.

Evening reflections at Horsey  8"x10"  oil on board

The painting after the first session

The painting after the second session on the next day

Detail

On the Sunday, there was the Norwich Quick draw competition, where all artists were required to produce a painting of the city of Norwich in two hours maximum. We all had to gather when the time was up to make sure nobody was going over the allowed time. The warm stone building of the Academy of Arts against the lovely greens caught my eyes. I'm happy to say I won the prize with the painting below.

Norwich University of the Arts, St Georges Street  12"x9" oil on board

The finished painting

The view

All artists were wearing the special event cap to be easily spotted by the public. (Although having a brush in a hand and standing in front of an easel is quite a big clue already!)

Adding some highlights to the street

Detail of the finished painting

Below is a painting done in the countryside near Horsey. I was on my way there when I spotted this beautiful rural scene and felt the urge to paint it. I love painting greens so this subject is really my cup of tea! I painted the sheep as simply as possible so they would naturally merge into the background.

Sheep near Horsey 12"x10" oil on board

My set up

Detail

After the boats and the sheep, I decided to head to Winterton beach, a beautiful sandy beach where Seago has painted masterpieces. What a beautiful place. I painted three paintings there; one long view of the beach and sea, one study of the dunes, and a little study of a group of people wearing white tshirts building a sandcastle.

Winterton Beach  16"x9" oil on board

Detail

Dunes, Winterton Beach  10"x8" oil on board

Detail

Sandcastle and white tshirts, Winterton Beach  10"x7" oil on board

Detail (on the left: a little girl with her big balloon)

Finally, here are four of my paintings framed ready for the show on Monday night. 

I couldn't stay for the show as I was needed back home for baby duty, but I got the phone call on that evening to let me know I won the prize!

Posing in front of my paintings as I delivered them in the morning

I would recommend to any plein air painter to register to next year's event ('A brush with the Broads' www.abrushwiththebroads.co.uk). It is great fun and a wonderful place to paint.