Capturing Wokingham

Daler-Rowney was proud to sponsor the inaugural Wokingham En Plein Air Art Competition and Exhibition, which took place on 14 June 2026 in the heart of Wokingham, Berkshire.

The event, organised by R Young Art Gallery, transformed the town into a vibrant open-air studio, with artists working across streets, parks and local landmarks to capture the character of Wokingham directly from observation. Throughout the day, visitors were able to watch artworks develop in real time before viewing the completed pieces at the public exhibition and awards presentation in the Market Place.

Once painting had concluded, a judging panel reviewed the completed works. The panel brought together expertise from across the arts and education sector, including Richard and Sarah, owners of R Young Art Gallery; Dr Hannah Lyons, Curator of University Art Collections at the University of Reading; and Alice Carpenter, Head of Art at Wellington College. Their combined experience ensured a thoughtful and balanced selection of winning works across a wide range of approaches and mediums.

The awards ceremony was then presented by civic dignitaries, including The Right Honourable The Worshipful the Mayor of Wokingham Borough, Cllr Rob Comber; the Mayor of Wokingham Town, Cllr Alwyn Jones; and the MP for Wokingham, Clive Jones, reflecting the strong local support for the event.

• 1st Prize: Kamil Woj – A Walk of Howard Green (Oil on Linen, 91cm x 61cm)
• 2nd Prize: Julia Dones – Rose Street (Watercolour and Ink on Paper, 29.7cm x 21cm)
• 3rd Prize: Sarah Hutchinson – Denmark Street (Acrylic on Canvas, 60cm x 50cm)
• People’s Choice Award: Phillip Holding – Elms in June (Biro on Paper, 80cm x 60cm)

Daler-Rowney provided art material prizes for the winners, supporting continued creative practice across oils, watercolour, acrylic and drawing-based work. Each awarded piece demonstrated a distinct interpretation of plein air painting, reflecting both technical skill and personal response to the surrounding environment.

The event highlighted the continued relevance of plein air practice in contemporary art, encouraging direct engagement with light, atmosphere and place while bringing artists and the public together in a shared creative setting.

Daler-Rowney has supported artists and creative communities since 1783 and was pleased to contribute to an event that made artistic practice visible and accessible within the heart of the town.

We would like to congratulate all participating artists, prize winners, judges, organisers and civic representatives who helped make the inaugural Wokingham En Plein Air a success.