WEARDALE PLEIN AIR
FESTIVAL 2027
St. John's Chapel, Weardale
28th - 31st May 2027
Weardale Plein-Air
Festival
Date
28th - 31st May 2027
Painting the Spirit of Weardale.
Join us in the heart of the North Pennines for a celebration of plein air painting. The Weardale Plein Air Festival brings together artists of all levels for four inspiring days of creativity, connection and community, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes and charming villages of this beautiful valley.
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St John's Chapel, Weardale
Set within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Weardale offers sweeping moorlands, winding rivers and hidden corners of charm – the perfect inspiration for plein air painters.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just discovering the joy of painting outdoors, this festival is for you. Come and immerse yourself in creativity, friendship, and the breathtaking scenery of Weardale.
What To Expect
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Paint Outs – Reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and capture the beauty of Weardale in the open air.
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Workshops & Demonstrations – Learn new techniques from experienced artists and watch masters at work.
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The Plein Air Competition – Take part in an exciting contest with generous prizes up for grabs.
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Selling Exhibition – Share your work with festival visitors and collectors in our dedicated exhibition space. This year, we’re also extending the opportunity beyond the festival, with works available to feature in our online gallery in the months that follow.
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Artist Socials – Relax, unwind and connect with fellow artists through a programme of lively evening gatherings. Enjoy an artist social with good food, music and conversation, alongside informal short talks. Maybe take part in a life drawing session paired with cheese & wine, or join us for an evening of good food and chat at our artists’ Welcome BBQ.
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Festival Shenanigans - Add a little fun and unpredictability to the festival! Join our quick-draw competition, get creative with our postcard washing line and keep your eyes peeled for a few unexpected surprises along the way. Bring your pencils and your sense of humour!
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Special Experiences – Paint in a pretty cottage garden, complete with a posh cream tea lunch, or maybe a quick draw competition.
~ The Judges ~
We are absolutely delighted to welcome David Curtis ROI, RSMA as Head Judge for our festival this year. David is one of Britain’s most respected artists, renowned for his exceptional talent, award-winning work and outstanding contribution to the art world.
With decades of experience, a wealth of artistic knowledge and a discerning eye for quality, he is ideally qualified to judge the incredible talent and creativity on display.
Bringing invaluable expertise to the festival. We are thrilled to have his support and couldn’t wish for a more inspiring artist to take on this important role!
David Curtis ROI, RSMA
We are also thrilled to welcome Peter Woolley as our judge for the Watercolour and Mixed Media section of the festival. Peter’s artistic experience, knowledge and passion for his craft make him a wonderful addition to our judging panel.
With an appreciation for the unique challenges of working with watercolour and mixed media, he is ideally placed to recognise the skill, creativity and originality of the artists taking part.
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We're fortunate to have Peter’s expertise on board and look forward to his involvement in celebrating the outstanding talent and diversity of work showcased at the festival!
Peter Woolley
Our final judge -Founder and Chair of Kirkcarrion Gallery in Middleton-in -Teesdale, Wendy Dawson Young.
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Wendy has exhibited her landscape paintings in galleries in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders and further afield. Her present work is mostly in ceramics, drawing on the rugged landscapes of the North Pennines for inspiration through sketching outdoors, collecting raw materials and research.
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Wendy’s love for Weardale and the stories of its industrial past that shaped the land give her evaluations depth and context to the competition.