Paint Out Wells-next-the-Sea 2016 Prize Winners

The Paint Out Wells-next-the-Sea 2016 Artist Prize Winners chosen from over 80 paintings by 19 artists, were: Alfie Carpenter (1st), Tanya Pawsey (2nd), Brian Korteling (3rd) with judge’s commendations to last year’s third placed winner Jack Godfrey and also 2015’s second placed winner Alfie Carpenter -in addition to his first place prize this year.

Paint Out is grateful to local and Shetland artist Nicholas Barnham, and to Amanda Geitner, Director of the East Anglia Arts Fund, for judging the high standard and varied styles of work on display. We are of course indebted to our sponsors Hopkins Homes, Archant, and Sowerbys for providing the generous prizes.

First Prize – Alfie Carpenter

The Paint Out Wells judges awarded Alfie Carpenter the £750 first prize donated by sponsor Hopkins Homes for his large 20″x30″ mixed media dawn collage “Hoping For Sun” created on Wells-next-the-Sea quayside.

“I’ve been overwhelmed and humbled by the response and the accolades for my work. I’m really thankful to Paint Out for the opportunity to create new work in such an exciting way and it was an honour to be working alongside such wonderful artists.
I still can’t quite believe it!” – Alfie Carpenter

Alfie’s paintings sold out at the Buttlands Exhibition before the Sunday gallery show was half over. The prizes were not announced till 5.30pm but unwittingly the prize-winning painting had already been bought by local Wells Maltings trustee, Nick Skinner and Martin Whiteside. Nick had this to say about his fortunate purchase:

“We enjoyed the Paint Out Wells weekend and as local homeowners it was great to see the artists developing their paintings over time and capturing the town in such different ways. We watched Alfie at work and his painting captured a different view of Wells and one we really liked. We are delighted that others thought so too and would like to congratulate Alfie. Well done to all those involved for a great weekend and we look forward to next year!” – Nick Skinner

Second Prize – Tanya Pawsey

Tanya Pawsey was torn between painting two works side-by-side in the three-hour session and of the two ended up submitting a closely cropped study in oils of bobbing boats dancing in the water and early Sunday morning light on the harboured-sea. She wins the second prize of £500 donated by sponsor Archant for her 10×12″ work entitled “Dancing Boats, Wells”. Tanya described herself as being “over the moon” to have won a prize:

“I’m over the moon that I’ve won a prize as I was already buzzing with pride at having the courage to take part. I’ve won new friends, encouragement, inspiration and funds to invest into new equipment! [L]ooking forward to Paint Out Norwich next month.” – Tanya’s blog

“Winning an award was the last thing I expected so I’m absolutely thrilled! I’m extremely thankful to everyone involved in Paint Out for making it a most inspiring and encouraging event.” – Tanya Pawsey

Third Prize – Brian Korteling

Brian Korteling was awarded the third prize of £250 donated by sponsor Sowerbys for his work entitled “The Albatros” created during a high tide that was flooding across the quayside car park next to where The Albatros ship is moored.

“I was delighted and surprised to win 3rd prize. There was some really high quality and interesting work produced over the weekend and it was a pleasure to take part. Will definitely be back in Wells next year for Paint Out.” – Brian Korteling

Brian has also been selected to take part in Paint Out Norwich in October 2016.

Judge’s commendations

Apart from having to agree on the top three prize awards the two judges: artist Nicholas Barnham and Amanda Geitner, Director of the East Anglia Arts Fund, were also given the freedom to award a personal commendation outside the top rankings with a £100 prize going to each of the following highly commended artists: Alfie Carpenter, and Jack Godfrey. The consistency of the judging is demonstrated in the fact that three different judges awarded these same two artists second and third prizes, respectively, at Paint Out Wells 2015.

Spirit of Plein Air & Other Art Awards

Two further prizes recognising artist’s merits and mettle include an award of £100 to John Behm, as a Team recognition for someone who embodied the “Spirit of Plein Air”, for painting in the cold biting winds and rainy downpours in shorts, in the mud, and in flipflops at dawn on a high tide-flooded quayside. Out of the three Paint Out events in which this award has been given, John has won it twice, he goes the extra mile for his art.

In addition, a Community recognition award of £100, also for a second time, went to Will Topley for his capturing of the essence of Wells-next-the-Sea.

Long-time supporter of Paint Out, Michael Richardson, delivered an art workshop and during it also created a painting of one of its participants, who was a popular entrant in Paint Out Norwich 2014. Mary Kallagher was delighted to receive the painting itself as a gift and recognition of her spirit in keeping painting irrespective of hand and eye health issues.

A young 4-year-old art critic also awarded Sue Mann a bag of jelly babies for her favourite painting of a “pink boat”.  Sue Mann received an artist’s commendation at Paint Out Wells 2015, so the young judge has good taste!

For more art prizes and awards check out Paint Out Norwich‘s gala awards night on 19 October.