Ysbridoli gan Eryi – Inspired by Snowdonia – Art Competition and Exhibition
Art and nature have always been intertwined, and Snowdonia’s rugged beauty has inspired artists for generations. In a nod to this heritage, the Royal Oak proudly sponsored the Ysbridoli gan Eryi/Inspired by Snowdonia painting competition and exhibition, reigniting the spirit of the 1800s artist colony that once thrived at the Royal Oak in Betws-y-Coed. Born of an idea by local artist Debbie Baxter the event sought to bring together local outdoor painters, allowing them to forge connections and celebrate the breathtaking landscapes of Eryri/Snowdonia.
Britain’s First Artist Colony
Having attracted artists such as Paul Sandby and J.M.W. Turner since the late 18th Century, and by the mid 1800s, the Royal Oak was home to a vibrant community of artists, headeed by David Cox Jnr, who gathered to paint, share ideas, and revel in the beauty of Eryri -Snowdonia and it’s people. This year, we aimed to revive that tradition, creating a space for modern-day painters to come together in the same spirit of creativity and collaboration. As Debbie puts it “Community is everything, people together can make positive & powerful changes, now more than ever we need this on our beautiful earth.”
The Competition
The Ysbridoli gan Eryi – Inspired by Snowdonia competition invited professional painters from across the area to submit their finest work, reflecting the unique landscapes of the region. Participants ranged from seasoned professionals to emerging talents, each interpreting Snowdonia through their own artistic lens. With over 50 submissions, the judges faced the difficult task of selecting winners, who were announced at the exhibition’s opening evening.
The Exhibition: Celebrating Local Talent
Held at Eglwys Santes Mair/ St Mary’s Church, the exhibition showcased the exceptional talent of local artists and their deep connection to the landscape. Visitors marveled at the variety of styles, from traditional plein air paintings to more contemporary interpretations of the natural world. The opening night was a resounding success, with a large attendance including representatives of Arts & Business Cymru, local residents, visitors to the area, and community leaders as well as the artists themselves. At the end of the evening Debbie pesented Glenn Evans our Managing Director with a painting of an Oak tree to commemorate this new beginning.
A New Artists Group: Breathing Life into Tradition
One of the key goals of this initiative was to lay the foundation for a new artists’ group based at the Royal Oak in Betws-y-Coed, inspired by the 19th-century artist colony. We were graced with the presence of Storyteller Sian Roberts who bought to life the historical context of Betws’ success alongside ancient community legends. We are thrilled to announce the formation of the New Betws Outdoor Painters Group already has over 20 members, an exciting collective willing to collaborate, share ideas, and continue capturing the ever-changing moods of the Eryri landscape.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the Group plans to hold regular painting sessions, workshops, and exhibitions. We believe this community will not only nurture individual artistic talent but also contribute to the cultural richness of Betws-y-Coed and beyond.
Join Us
Are you an artist inspired by the landscapes of Snowdonia? We invite you to join us to paint, connect, and be part of this exciting revival of an artistic tradition. For more information on how to get involved contact Debbie Baxter or send us an email & we’ll link you up!
