We are delighted and very grateful to local Devon artist Julie Dunster, who has generously donated one of her paintings as the raffle prize for our TAS Summer Exhibition (Saturday 8th August to Saturday 15th August, excluding Sunday).

The beautiful piece, titled Spring’s Trumpets, is an oil painting on oil-primed board (35cm x 30cm unframed) and will make a wonderful addition for the lucky winner.

Julie also has a feature about herself and her artwork in the April 2026 publication of ‘Devon Life’ magazine (see page 113).

You can find out more about Julie and her work on her website: www.juliedunsterartist.com

Course: En plein air Painting in Oils

When and where: 27th & 28th June 2026. Sidmouth

Take it outside! So many famous painters, like Monet, Sorolla, and Sargeant all painted outdoors, from life as an essential part of their painting practice. With good reason!

It is challenging to paint from life in an ever-changing landscape, rather than from static photographs, but undoubtedly it is the best way to capture accurate colour and tonal relationships, recognise edge differences, depict atmospheric perspective in action and find subjects you may not even have thought to paint.

Additionally, painting “en plein air” is exhilarating, sometimes exhausting, and often emotive, but always memorable and mindful. It often leads to looser paintings and a greater understanding of the art of simplification. If you are ready for this challenge, this course may be for you!

With tips and strategies to help you leapfrog many of the difficulties of plein air painting, this structured 2-day course with professional artist and tutor Julie Dunster is for artists who are comfortable working with oils in the studio and want to take their early steps in painting outdoors, in the inspiring scenic town of Sidmouth.

A reasonable level of fitness is necessary for this workshop.

In the event of absolutely atrocious weather, we will work on the fundamentals of plein air or work from life in the warm and cosy studio. But be prepared, as we won’t be deterred by most weather, and September is usually lovely!

Julie Dunster is a professional artist who regularly exhibits with many of the major esteemed societies at the Mall Galleries in London, including the Royal Society of Marine Artists. A former winner of the Great Broadway Paint Off plein air competition, she is also an Education and Psychology graduate with extensive education experience.

This award-winning South West Academician works in oils: much of her work is painted directly from life and inspired by the light. While she loves to paint coastal scenes, she has had a range of marine, landscape, floral, and portrait paintings selected to exhibit at The Mall galleries, London, alongside prestigious art societies such as the Royal Society of Marine Artists, Royal Institute of Oil Painters and New English Art Club, to name just a few.

She is represented by galleries in the UK, although her work can be found in private collections worldwide. She also writes for Art publications like The Artist and Leisure Painter.

Julie is renowned for her expressive seascapes and landscapes.

Cost £160 for two days. Book via East Devon ArtAcademy

A PDF with further information about Julie’s courses is also attached.