2026 PLEIN AIR EVENT – SIGN-UP IS NOW CLOSED

Following the success of last year, we are delighted to announce that we are returning to the glorious grounds of Compton Verney for our 2026 event!

Over 80 artists have registered to take part to be inspired by their wonderful surroundings. We are hoping to see pieces included paintings, drawings, prints, textiles and other media. Whereas most Plein Air events tend to be restricted to paintings or drawings, we encourage artists to engage in their surroundings and produce a creative piece in response in any 2D or 3D art form. Visitors to Compton Verney can wander around and discover how the art comes to life. At the end of the day the artwork will be displayed in a pop-up exhibition and the judges will select their favourites.

We would like to thank the supporters of the event – Compton Verney, Art in the Park, Leamington Studio Artists and The Stoneleigh Arms for providing the prizes for the 2026 Event.

Here is an outline of the timetable for 13 September, so if you are coming to ‘discover how the art comes to life’ you can plan your day. Please note all visitors (non-artists) must pay the normal entrance fee to the grounds.

  • 09:30 to 15:00  – Artists undertake their artwork (park opens at 10am to the public)
  • 13:30 to 15:00 – artwork submitted to the event hub by 15:00 deadline. 
  • 14:00 to 15:15 – set up of the pop-up exhibition 
  • 15:15 to 15:45 – Judging of artworks
  • 15:45 to 16:45  – Pop-up exhibition & prize giving, open for the artists and visitors to view the work and prize-winners
  • 17:00 – Event finish, leave park by 17:00

To find out how to get to Compton Verney then please visit their website – www.comptonverney.org.uk . If you have any queries about the event then please contact pleinair@warwickshireopenstudios.org

Here are a collection of views of artists in action from last year’s event.