Plein-Air painting
Hosted by Joan Munden, a member of the Friends of Therfield Heath and an amateur artist, this event aims to raise funds for the Friends of Therfield Heath. We enthusiastically welcome new members of all skill levels to join us. Spend a morning with fellow artists, enjoying open-air sketching or painting sessions on Therfield Heath and various locations in and around Royston. Our sessions offer plenty of support and encouragement to participants.
For upcoming sessions, visit our 'what's on' page here.
Please remember to bring your own materials, equipment, and refreshments, and dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring you have suitable footwear.
We ask for a small donation of £2 for Friends of Therfield Heath members or £3 for non-members, payable on the day. Alternatively, you can pay online in advance for one or all sessions.
For upcoming sessions, visit our 'what's on' page here.
Please remember to bring your own materials, equipment, and refreshments, and dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring you have suitable footwear.
We ask for a small donation of £2 for Friends of Therfield Heath members or £3 for non-members, payable on the day. Alternatively, you can pay online in advance for one or all sessions.
some images from Previous Plein-Air sessions
30th September 2025
As part of the 2025 Royston Arts Festival we set up in Royston Market and gave shoppers and visitors the chance to "have a go" and draw or paint in the open air. Did you know that dinosaurs roamed around on Saturday mornings? Very fitting for the "Now and Then" theme. Congratulations to the Creative Royston team for another very successful festival, we enjoyed being a part of it again.
As part of the 2025 Royston Arts Festival we set up in Royston Market and gave shoppers and visitors the chance to "have a go" and draw or paint in the open air. Did you know that dinosaurs roamed around on Saturday mornings? Very fitting for the "Now and Then" theme. Congratulations to the Creative Royston team for another very successful festival, we enjoyed being a part of it again.
11th September 2025
For our official final outing of the year our destination was the imposing windmill at Great Chishill. This is one of only eight open trestle post mills in the UK, restored and preserved by the Great Chishill Windmill Trust. We decided to stay close to the windmill rather than sit on the field opposite (which we had been given permission to use) as the ground was very uneven. The views over south Cambridgeshire were stunning and irresistible to two of us, with a couple of us attempting the huge challenge of the windmill and its complex construction. It was a sunny but windy day up on the hill and we retired cold a little bit early returning home for coffee. We've had a great season this year with some very interesting venues. Please consider joining us next year.
For our official final outing of the year our destination was the imposing windmill at Great Chishill. This is one of only eight open trestle post mills in the UK, restored and preserved by the Great Chishill Windmill Trust. We decided to stay close to the windmill rather than sit on the field opposite (which we had been given permission to use) as the ground was very uneven. The views over south Cambridgeshire were stunning and irresistible to two of us, with a couple of us attempting the huge challenge of the windmill and its complex construction. It was a sunny but windy day up on the hill and we retired cold a little bit early returning home for coffee. We've had a great season this year with some very interesting venues. Please consider joining us next year.
7th August 2025
We had an equestrian adventure in August when we visited the Kings Ride racehorse stables and training establishment which borders Therfield Heath. We were welcomed by the owners John and Wendy Jenkins, and the horses were very friendly and inquisitive. They were fascinated by their visitors, peering over their stable doors and posing beautifully for us. We sketched and painted the horses, stables, yard and clock tower, watched the horses exercising on their all weather gallops, and waving goodbye as one of them went off to race at Newmarket. One of our group, David, enjoyed reminiscing about his time as a jockey and whispering to the thoroughbreds. All on a lovely sunny summer's day.
We had an equestrian adventure in August when we visited the Kings Ride racehorse stables and training establishment which borders Therfield Heath. We were welcomed by the owners John and Wendy Jenkins, and the horses were very friendly and inquisitive. They were fascinated by their visitors, peering over their stable doors and posing beautifully for us. We sketched and painted the horses, stables, yard and clock tower, watched the horses exercising on their all weather gallops, and waving goodbye as one of them went off to race at Newmarket. One of our group, David, enjoyed reminiscing about his time as a jockey and whispering to the thoroughbreds. All on a lovely sunny summer's day.
17th July 2025
Lankester Hill is that part of the Heath approached from Briary Lane, and from the top there are magnificent views. In July the wild flowers are out in abundance but on this rather overcast morning the butterflies weren't very active. We spread out across the hill, out in the open or under the trees and captured the essence of the day. One artist painted the tree-filled town with the top of the church tower peeping out above them.
Lankester Hill is that part of the Heath approached from Briary Lane, and from the top there are magnificent views. In July the wild flowers are out in abundance but on this rather overcast morning the butterflies weren't very active. We spread out across the hill, out in the open or under the trees and captured the essence of the day. One artist painted the tree-filled town with the top of the church tower peeping out above them.
26th June 2025
We were delighted to be given permission to paint at a location close to Therfield Heath, where the farmer is also a leading conservationist. There are huge meadows of wild flowers, set out in impressive patterns, and designed to attract specific butterfly species. The view from the crest of the rise over Royston and South Cambs was chosen as the subject for one of our group. The interior of an historic barn was painted by two artists, and the outside of a stone barn by another. Finally the towering avenue of trees made the fifth picture.
New members will always be welcome at any of our open air sessions, the next one is on Therfield Heath. We were made very welcome on this occasion and hope to return. It is exciting to know that work to share data, engagement and knowledge to sustain life for this and future generations is happening on our doorstep. Thank you Edward.
We were delighted to be given permission to paint at a location close to Therfield Heath, where the farmer is also a leading conservationist. There are huge meadows of wild flowers, set out in impressive patterns, and designed to attract specific butterfly species. The view from the crest of the rise over Royston and South Cambs was chosen as the subject for one of our group. The interior of an historic barn was painted by two artists, and the outside of a stone barn by another. Finally the towering avenue of trees made the fifth picture.
New members will always be welcome at any of our open air sessions, the next one is on Therfield Heath. We were made very welcome on this occasion and hope to return. It is exciting to know that work to share data, engagement and knowledge to sustain life for this and future generations is happening on our doorstep. Thank you Edward.
22nd May 2025
Our second session of the season was held at Tesco's Community Garden which is managed by Royston Environmental Group. It was good to support and encourage a like-minded organisation, and we thank them for the invitation. It's a good place to spend some time with nature, and if you'd like to volunteer to help maintain the garden please click on the link: https://frierley.com/roystonenvirogroup/nature/
Our group sat and painted the greenhouse, the shed and an assortment of garden tools. After packing up we retreated to the Costa in Tesco for a warming coffee.
Our second session of the season was held at Tesco's Community Garden which is managed by Royston Environmental Group. It was good to support and encourage a like-minded organisation, and we thank them for the invitation. It's a good place to spend some time with nature, and if you'd like to volunteer to help maintain the garden please click on the link: https://frierley.com/roystonenvirogroup/nature/
Our group sat and painted the greenhouse, the shed and an assortment of garden tools. After packing up we retreated to the Costa in Tesco for a warming coffee.
17th April 2025
A report from Joan Munden, organiser of the En Plein Air Painting an Sketching Group, about the first session of 2025 on Church Hill.
We couldn't have wished for better conditions for our first foray out onto Therfield Heath to paint outdoors. It was warm and sunny, with only a light wind. We walked up to Church Hill where the pasque flowers grow and strolled around a little while admiring the wonderful display of the beautiful and rare flowers, then found places to sit. That wasn't easy on the side of a hill on uneven ground while making sure we weren't treading on any plants. Birds were singing all around us - skylarks near the car park of course, then blackcap, robin and others. A red kite floated up over the hill several times, occasionally mobbed by corvids. Inquisitive insects kept landing on my painting but they didn't get stuck as the paint was drying so quickly. A steady stream of visitors came by, all loving the flowers, views and the welcome spring weather, and the sounds of happy children enjoying the end of their Easter break drifted up from the woods. At the end of 2 hours we all had pictures "in progress" to finish at home.
One of Mike's paintings has an extra object added digitally afterwards as he has always fancied the idea of a large sculpture on the top of Church Hill.
A report from Joan Munden, organiser of the En Plein Air Painting an Sketching Group, about the first session of 2025 on Church Hill.
We couldn't have wished for better conditions for our first foray out onto Therfield Heath to paint outdoors. It was warm and sunny, with only a light wind. We walked up to Church Hill where the pasque flowers grow and strolled around a little while admiring the wonderful display of the beautiful and rare flowers, then found places to sit. That wasn't easy on the side of a hill on uneven ground while making sure we weren't treading on any plants. Birds were singing all around us - skylarks near the car park of course, then blackcap, robin and others. A red kite floated up over the hill several times, occasionally mobbed by corvids. Inquisitive insects kept landing on my painting but they didn't get stuck as the paint was drying so quickly. A steady stream of visitors came by, all loving the flowers, views and the welcome spring weather, and the sounds of happy children enjoying the end of their Easter break drifted up from the woods. At the end of 2 hours we all had pictures "in progress" to finish at home.
One of Mike's paintings has an extra object added digitally afterwards as he has always fancied the idea of a large sculpture on the top of Church Hill.
21st September 2024
As part of this year's Royston Arts Festival the FOTH Plein-Air group set up in the market and invited members of the public to have a go at sketching. We were pleased that some children also joined in, drawing cars and shoppers. Past-Chair of FOTH, Janet, was able to pass on information about the Friends and encourage people to join. Our thanks go to the organisers of the Arts Festival and Rob, the market manager for providing a gazebo to shelter us.
As part of this year's Royston Arts Festival the FOTH Plein-Air group set up in the market and invited members of the public to have a go at sketching. We were pleased that some children also joined in, drawing cars and shoppers. Past-Chair of FOTH, Janet, was able to pass on information about the Friends and encourage people to join. Our thanks go to the organisers of the Arts Festival and Rob, the market manager for providing a gazebo to shelter us.
11th September 2024
For September Joan chose a location with water - the lovely Ashwell Springs, which is a 0.3 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (as is Therfield Heath). The canopy of trees over the water shielded the sun somewhat and its movement was even more pronounced than at most plein-air sessions. Her grandson joined the group and had great fun fishing for tiny freshwater shrimps. Some lovely pieces of work were produced at the morning's art session, including Joan's own, which was described as looking quite tropical (a work in progress!). The FOTH Plein-Air group does not meet in the colder months, but look out for the 2025 programme starting in May.
Our thanks to Ashwell Parish Council for giving us permission to access the Springs to sketch and paint.
For September Joan chose a location with water - the lovely Ashwell Springs, which is a 0.3 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (as is Therfield Heath). The canopy of trees over the water shielded the sun somewhat and its movement was even more pronounced than at most plein-air sessions. Her grandson joined the group and had great fun fishing for tiny freshwater shrimps. Some lovely pieces of work were produced at the morning's art session, including Joan's own, which was described as looking quite tropical (a work in progress!). The FOTH Plein-Air group does not meet in the colder months, but look out for the 2025 programme starting in May.
Our thanks to Ashwell Parish Council for giving us permission to access the Springs to sketch and paint.
7th August 2024
There are several greens in and around Therfield village, all belonging to Therfield Heath and Greens, and in August we set up our easels on the green outside the Fox and Duck to paint and sketch. It was a bit windy, with clouds and sunny spells, so fairly challenging light conditions. Houses around the green, and the pub itself were captured on paper and canvas, and a couple of artists ventured down Church Lane for their subjects. Unfortunately Wednesday lunchtime is not a time when the pub is open so we had to provide our own drinks and snacks.
There are several greens in and around Therfield village, all belonging to Therfield Heath and Greens, and in August we set up our easels on the green outside the Fox and Duck to paint and sketch. It was a bit windy, with clouds and sunny spells, so fairly challenging light conditions. Houses around the green, and the pub itself were captured on paper and canvas, and a couple of artists ventured down Church Lane for their subjects. Unfortunately Wednesday lunchtime is not a time when the pub is open so we had to provide our own drinks and snacks.
16th July 2024
The July plein-air session took place at the splendid location of South Farm, a wedding venue, just a 15 minute drive from Royston. It was a lovely memory for Joan and her daughter Melanie who got married there a year before. With lots of choice of subjects a wonderful variety of paintings and sketches were generated: the farmhouse, front and rear, the Romany caravans and the animal yard outside the Tudor Barn. South farm also generously provided a free lunch of sandwiches and hot drinks. Our thanks to the owner, Philip Paxman, and his staff - we'll definitely be back!
The July plein-air session took place at the splendid location of South Farm, a wedding venue, just a 15 minute drive from Royston. It was a lovely memory for Joan and her daughter Melanie who got married there a year before. With lots of choice of subjects a wonderful variety of paintings and sketches were generated: the farmhouse, front and rear, the Romany caravans and the animal yard outside the Tudor Barn. South farm also generously provided a free lunch of sandwiches and hot drinks. Our thanks to the owner, Philip Paxman, and his staff - we'll definitely be back!
20th June 2024
The May meeting of the FOTH plein-air group was postponed and then cancelled because of the cold, rainy weather. We were very happy to have a warm and partly sunny morning at the Royston Allotments on 20th June. The plots were all looking well-tended, and vegetables were starting to fill out and climb canes, but the main focus for many of us were the structures, the sheds, polytunnels, etc., and a passing train. Our thanks go to RAGA (Royston Allotments and Gardens Association).
The May meeting of the FOTH plein-air group was postponed and then cancelled because of the cold, rainy weather. We were very happy to have a warm and partly sunny morning at the Royston Allotments on 20th June. The plots were all looking well-tended, and vegetables were starting to fill out and climb canes, but the main focus for many of us were the structures, the sheds, polytunnels, etc., and a passing train. Our thanks go to RAGA (Royston Allotments and Gardens Association).
27th September 2023
To round off the year, we were delighted to have been invited to put on an event for the Royston Arts Festival, and chose the market for its colour and energy and to interact with as many people as possible. Four Plein-Air regulars were joined that morning by two Royston Arts Society members, two brave passers-by who were tempted to have-a-go, and Ann, FOTH secretary. The market manager, Rob Mills, set up 2 gazebos for us right in the thick of it, and we provided chairs, drawing boards, paper, pencils and paints. Many people stopped to see what we were doing, giving us a chance to talk about the Friends of Therfield Heath and maybe recruit some new members. We stuck finished artwork up in the gazebos, and our gallery had some bright abstract flowers, studies of people queuing, colourful stalls and produce, and sketches of the surrounding buildings. We are already looking forward to going out again next year and a programme of events will be published in the spring.
To round off the year, we were delighted to have been invited to put on an event for the Royston Arts Festival, and chose the market for its colour and energy and to interact with as many people as possible. Four Plein-Air regulars were joined that morning by two Royston Arts Society members, two brave passers-by who were tempted to have-a-go, and Ann, FOTH secretary. The market manager, Rob Mills, set up 2 gazebos for us right in the thick of it, and we provided chairs, drawing boards, paper, pencils and paints. Many people stopped to see what we were doing, giving us a chance to talk about the Friends of Therfield Heath and maybe recruit some new members. We stuck finished artwork up in the gazebos, and our gallery had some bright abstract flowers, studies of people queuing, colourful stalls and produce, and sketches of the surrounding buildings. We are already looking forward to going out again next year and a programme of events will be published in the spring.
14th September 2023
For our autumn meeting we visited the Royston Allotments again, where the last fruits of the year were in glorious colour. The sheds always provide interesting architectural subjects, and a cheeky little gnome just begged to be included. Luscious pumpkins, tomatoes, raspberries and towering sunflowers were all captured by paint and pencil.
For our autumn meeting we visited the Royston Allotments again, where the last fruits of the year were in glorious colour. The sheds always provide interesting architectural subjects, and a cheeky little gnome just begged to be included. Luscious pumpkins, tomatoes, raspberries and towering sunflowers were all captured by paint and pencil.
16 August 2023
The painting group met in Royston's Priory Gardens and chose iconic subjects such as St. John's Church, the Town Hall, and Thurnalls, as well as enjoying some refreshments from the Horse Box coffee shop. Against the backdrop of these historic landmarks, artists brought the town's timeless charm to life with their brushes.
The painting group met in Royston's Priory Gardens and chose iconic subjects such as St. John's Church, the Town Hall, and Thurnalls, as well as enjoying some refreshments from the Horse Box coffee shop. Against the backdrop of these historic landmarks, artists brought the town's timeless charm to life with their brushes.
13 July 2023
Docwra's Manor Garden provided the group with so many different viewpoints that there were no two pictures the same. With the kitchen lawn, the walled garden, the paved garden, the orchard, courtyards, greenhouses, sheds and the historic Manor itself, we were spoilt for choice. Docwra's owner, Faith Raven, kindly gave the group permission to sketch and paint, and the gardeners Peter and Joy welcomed us in. At 6.5 miles from Therfield Heath, this is the furthest the Plein-Air group has ventured from our base, but it added a new location to our programme.
Docwra's Manor Garden provided the group with so many different viewpoints that there were no two pictures the same. With the kitchen lawn, the walled garden, the paved garden, the orchard, courtyards, greenhouses, sheds and the historic Manor itself, we were spoilt for choice. Docwra's owner, Faith Raven, kindly gave the group permission to sketch and paint, and the gardeners Peter and Joy welcomed us in. At 6.5 miles from Therfield Heath, this is the furthest the Plein-Air group has ventured from our base, but it added a new location to our programme.
14 June 2023
We tried something new this month, an industrial landscape. This view of Johnson Matthey offered us bold lines, buildings, silos and pipework. Not much colour so we concentrated more on tones, shadows and depth. Trucks came and went, and one pink pick-up truck, in particular, caught our eye, and the woman driver was thrilled with Gina's sketch of her.
We tried something new this month, an industrial landscape. This view of Johnson Matthey offered us bold lines, buildings, silos and pipework. Not much colour so we concentrated more on tones, shadows and depth. Trucks came and went, and one pink pick-up truck, in particular, caught our eye, and the woman driver was thrilled with Gina's sketch of her.
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24 May 2023
After a wet and cold spring, we were very happy to get outdoors again and paint the views of our glorious Therfield Heath on a warm, sunny day. This time we were in or just outside the Jubilee Woods, off Therfield Road. At this higher elevation, the views across the heath into South Cambs are spectacular, and the fresh spring plants are a riot of different greens. In the beech woods, the trees grow tall and majestic, and although the pasque flowers are over now, the white helleborines are scattered through Fox Covert. |
Credit: Angela
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21 September 2022
Our last meeting in 2022 was back on Therfield Heath, in what is sometimes called the Fairy Woods, the bank of trees stretching from Baldock Road up the hill. The shapes of the trees and paths, the deep shadows and the bright sunlit patches were interesting to reproduce on paper using charcoal, pastels and pencils. Dog walkers and runners paused for a chat, and got captured on the page too.
Our last meeting in 2022 was back on Therfield Heath, in what is sometimes called the Fairy Woods, the bank of trees stretching from Baldock Road up the hill. The shapes of the trees and paths, the deep shadows and the bright sunlit patches were interesting to reproduce on paper using charcoal, pastels and pencils. Dog walkers and runners paused for a chat, and got captured on the page too.
24 August 2022
The FOTH Plein Air group met in Priory Gardens in Royston. There are many interesting viewpoints to choose from and we were well spread out. Scenes sketched or painted were the Church, the colourful playground and splash park, the beautiful flower beds, and the Horse-Box coffee kiosk. The sky was blue in one direction and grey in the other, but the weather stayed warm and breezy. It's always a challenge to paint with watercolours outdoors as they dry so quickly, so some did sketches with pencils or pens, and even an iPad painting in the style of David Hockney. Passers-by were interested in what we were doing and many stopped for a chat which was encouraging.
The FOTH Plein Air group met in Priory Gardens in Royston. There are many interesting viewpoints to choose from and we were well spread out. Scenes sketched or painted were the Church, the colourful playground and splash park, the beautiful flower beds, and the Horse-Box coffee kiosk. The sky was blue in one direction and grey in the other, but the weather stayed warm and breezy. It's always a challenge to paint with watercolours outdoors as they dry so quickly, so some did sketches with pencils or pens, and even an iPad painting in the style of David Hockney. Passers-by were interested in what we were doing and many stopped for a chat which was encouraging.
15 July 2022
On 15 July the Friends of Therfield Heath Plein-Air painting group met at the Royston Allotments. At such a good time of year, horticulturally speaking, we had a rich variety of places to sit and sketch or paint. Our thanks to the allotment society, RAGA, for welcoming us to your beautiful and well-maintained site. Newcomers will always be welcomed at future events, the next one is on 17th August in the Priory Gardens.
On 15 July the Friends of Therfield Heath Plein-Air painting group met at the Royston Allotments. At such a good time of year, horticulturally speaking, we had a rich variety of places to sit and sketch or paint. Our thanks to the allotment society, RAGA, for welcoming us to your beautiful and well-maintained site. Newcomers will always be welcomed at future events, the next one is on 17th August in the Priory Gardens.
15 June 2022
The Plein-Air painting group was fortunate this month to visit a different location, Burloes Hall, with the kind permission of Lady Katharine Newman. We had 10 artists who all found inspirational places to sit in the extensive grounds and spent a happy 2 hours painting the scene they chose, either the house, the gardens or the view across to Barley & Barkway.
We've all watched Landscape Artist of The Year on TV, where they say 4 hours isn't enough - well 2 hours certainly isn't! However some managed to finish or almost finish their pictures, and 3 are featured above, a watercolour by Mike of the Hall, a pastel by Richard of the yellow garden, and a crayon drawing by Janet of the secret garden.
Even though we weren't painting on Therfield Heath this time, money was still raised for FOTH to go towards the upkeep of the heath. On our first outing this year, on the heath in May, it rained and only a couple of hardy souls came out, but this time we were blessed with a glorious sunny day.
The Plein-Air painting group was fortunate this month to visit a different location, Burloes Hall, with the kind permission of Lady Katharine Newman. We had 10 artists who all found inspirational places to sit in the extensive grounds and spent a happy 2 hours painting the scene they chose, either the house, the gardens or the view across to Barley & Barkway.
We've all watched Landscape Artist of The Year on TV, where they say 4 hours isn't enough - well 2 hours certainly isn't! However some managed to finish or almost finish their pictures, and 3 are featured above, a watercolour by Mike of the Hall, a pastel by Richard of the yellow garden, and a crayon drawing by Janet of the secret garden.
Even though we weren't painting on Therfield Heath this time, money was still raised for FOTH to go towards the upkeep of the heath. On our first outing this year, on the heath in May, it rained and only a couple of hardy souls came out, but this time we were blessed with a glorious sunny day.
