En Plein Air: Sketch and Paint Outdoors in Barnstaple with artist Jennifer Schamotta

On Saturdays throughout August, the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon is running a series of En Plein Air sessions in Barnstaple or on Exmoor to accompany our summer exhibition, Sir Alfred Munnings: Exmoor Through the Seasons.Each session will be facilitated by a lead artist who will give a short demo at the start of each session. Although there will be no formal tuition, they will be on hand to offer guidance throughout. Come and sketch as part of a warm and friendly community of like-minded people. No previous experience is necessary.Each session is available to book as a stand-alone session for 10. Alternatively, select and book all five sessions for 45.For full details about Jennifer Schamotta and your session on 29 August,visit the Museum's website [https://barnstaplemuseum.org.uk/whats-on/].Saturday 1 August, 10am-12.30pm
Meeting point: Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
With artist, Richard TowersSaturday 8 August, 10am-12.30pm
Meeting point: Withypool Tea Room on Exmoor
With artist, Anne WareSaturday 15th August, 10am-12.30pm
Meeting point: Withypool Tea Room on Exmoor
With artist, Maria RoseSaturday 22nd August, 10am-12.30pm
Meeting point: Withypool Tea Room on Exmoor
With artist, Sue ProudfootSaturday 29th August, 10am-12.30pm
Meeting point: Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
With artist, Jennifer SchamottaItinerary
Starting at 10am in the 'Munnings on Exmoor exhibition, then fanning out along the Barnstaple riverside to sketch, ending with a friendly review of the sketches produced back in museum at 12.15pm.What to bring
Please bring your own art materials see below and dress appropriately for the weather. A hat will be essential for shielding your eyes from the sun. Sessions will take place come rain or shine!Suggested materials for sketching:
Sketchbook or paper clipped/ taped on to a drawing board
Your choice of sketching materials pencils, charcoal, pastels, watercolour paints/brushes, pen and ink, etc.Suggested materials for painting in watercolour:
Watercolour palette with at least a red, blue and yellow
Watercolour paper loose sheets on a board, or a pad
Water container and water bottle
Watercolour brushes varying sizes
Tissues
Lightweight Easel (for standing up) or portable canvas chair to sit on
Masking tape
PencilSuggested materials for painting in oils or acrylic:
An outdoor suitable easel or tripod set up
A support to paint on primed panels or canvas boards
Paints
Medium/thinners or water
Brushes
Palette
Rags/kitchen rollWho are the sessions for?
These sessions are aimed at adults. Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a fee-paying adult.
No previous experience is necessary come with curiosity and an open-mind!These events are run by the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon in partnership with North Devon Arts. They are offered as part of the The Big Draw Festival 2026. The Big Draw is a global movement campaigning to get everyone drawing. For full details, visit thebigdraw.org [https://www.thebigdraw.org/]. North Devon Arts is an organisation representing artists and those who appreciate art throughout North Devon. Visitnorthdevonarts.co.uk [https://www.northdevonarts.co.uk/] for more details.Image: Courtesy of Jennifer Schamotta