SUNDAY EN PLEIN AIR PAINTING

Stubbings House

Outdoor painting in May was in the grounds of Stubbings House a grade II listed mansion. We had a lovely time and although it was very hot, it didn’t spoil our day. We were made very welcome by the staff who were friendly and very helpful. We will be sending Stubbings some photos from the day to say thank you for having us. Perhaps we will see some of the paintings in our next exhibition!

Hambleden

Our 2025 outdoor painting programme got off to a good start on 6th April, with 8 members meeting to paint views in and around the picturesque Chiltern village of Hambleden. The weather was amazing for the time of year, comfortably warm and sunny. This location never disappoints and provided the opportunity to paint some of the attractive village buildings or the surrounding meadows. After a few hours painting in the lovely sunshine, we sat outside the village café and Post Office enjoying the tea and cakes available, reflecting on our hard day’s work!

Cookham Moor

The overcast and rather damp weather didn’t put off our intrepid artists for the last outdoor painting of the year, when we gathered at Cookham Moor. Although we all sat in the same spot, we each painted views in different directions. We enjoyed a warming cup of tea or coffee at the Crown Pub with cake later – which Ann had kindly brought along – many thanks Ann.

Littlewick Green

Early in September several members enjoyed a day painting at Littlewick Green. We were really lucky with the weather as rain had been forecast. Everyone went back to Pam Hammond’s for tea and cake where we were joined by Joanne and Kay.

Nashdom House

In early August eight painters from the club returned to Nashdom House, near Burnham, at the invitation of the residents. This was our largest group for some time and we enjoyed a beautiful day in the extensive, peaceful grounds, with the choice of painting the house, the gardens or the woods, in the sun or in the shade. At the end of the afternoon, some of the residents met up with us to view our day’s work over cups of tea, pieces of cake and glasses of prosecco.

Taplow Court

The ‘Outdoor Painting’ in June was the Buddhist Centre near Maidenhead. As was the case last year on a visit to this location, the weather was lovely and the venue was superb! There was much to choose from with the gardens, the elegant buildings and a waterfall!

Tithe Barn House

Tithe Barn House in Taplow was the venue for May’s ‘Outdoor Painting’ session. The house is of Tudor origins with beautiful gardens and the sun shone! The red bucket makes an interesting focal point!

Guards Club Park

The sun shone on us for our first outdoor painting day in April. Four painters braved the spring temperature and came to paint in Guards Club Park beside the Thames in Maidenhead, from where three bridges could be seen – Maidenhead Bridge, Guards Club Bridge and Brunel’s railway bridge.

Taplow Court

We had seven painters at our painting day on an unusually hot day for September. Most of us retreated under the shade of a lovely tree which gave views of the fine waterfall or down the path to the main house. Friendly staff on duty for the open day stopped by often to see our work, as did many interested visitors. We all went off at some point to enjoy one of the delicious cream teas available in the nearby café – irresistible.

Shiplake

We had an enjoyable day painting in this quiet, tranquil location on a high point above the river. People arriving for the morning service greeted us and invited us to join them in the vestry afterwards for refreshments. The beautiful log cabin facilities, at the back of the church – called “The Ark”- was left open for us all day. As always, people came to view what we were doing and to chat, so we felt very welcome.

Dorney Court

Four of us met at Dorney Court Garden Centre on a very hot Sunday in early June, to paint in the walled garden of this beautiful Tudor mansion. There were several views to choose from, including many large pots, displays of flowers and old wheeled carts, but we all headed straight for the shade of the beautiful rose arches to capture the view down into the sunken part of the garden. Afterwards we had tea and cake in the garden of the adjoining cafe, when we found some of the staff had been taking a look over our shoulders while we were painting and were interested to see our results.

Odney Common

Another grand day out- as Wallace & Gromit would say! Five of us had a beautiful day painting at Odney Common in May. The weather was so hot for most of the day, that one painter reported ‘my arms burnt and I never noticed until later.’ Afterwards a few of us went to the Teapot tearooms in Cookham for a cup of tea and a huge piece of cake.

Nashdom Abbey

In April we met in the grounds of Nashdom Abbey in Burnham, a former monastery. Eight painters came and painted different views of the house and extensive grounds. The weather was kind for April, a little overcast but dry and warmish! At the end of the afternoon, we were treated to refreshments by Katy, one of the residents, who joined us for tea in the grounds, with several other interested residents, to view and discuss our paintings.

Thames Hospice

For our outdoor painting day in September, we visited the Thames Hospice near Windsor. It was refreshing that 8 painters came to capture scenes in the grounds and across Bray Lake. Arrangements had been made in advance and the staff and volunteers made us extremely welcome throughout the day. They, and some visitors to the hospice and café, came to talk to us during the day, showing a great deal of interest as we painted, and afterwards when we displayed the pictures on a table at the café

Hughenden

August’s outdoor painting was based near the church at Hughenden. one of our members painting just about sums up the heat of the day with the cattle grazing on the ready-made hay!

Ray Mill Island

A few members met at Ray Mill Island for an outdoor painting session in April. The weather was fine and a good day was had by all.

Sunday painting Nashdom

Sunday painting Nashdom

Littlewick

Sunday painting Nashdom