Devon CPRE launches 2025 hunt for the county’s best young landscape artists

Devon CPRE, the countryside charity dedicated to protecting the county’s natural beauty, has officially launched its 2025 competition to find Devon’s Best Young Landscape Artist.

Now a much-anticipated annual tradition, the contest invites young artists aged 18 and under to capture the diversity of Devon’s landscape, from its dramatic coastlines and windswept moorland to tranquil river valleys and village green spaces.

Entrants can submit original artworks in a variety of forms, including paintings, drawings, textiles, collages or mixed media, with the only requirement being that it depicts a real-life Devon landscape; whether a favourite beach, a local park, or even the view from the artist’s own back garden.

There are two age categories:

• 7 to 11 years

• 12 to 18 years

Winners in each group will receive £100, while runners-up take home £25. The most impressive submissions will also be put on public display at the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton, offering a prestigious platform for young artists to showcase their work.

Winner 2023 - Jay Fennell, aged 15

The competition, supported by Exeter-based artist Kath Hadden, was launched several years ago to encourage creativity while raising awareness of Devon’s unique natural heritage. Kath helps judge the entries alongside Devon CPRE Director Penny Mills.

“Kath and I love looking through all the artwork, and we are always amazed by the talent of the children and teenagers who enter,” said Penny Mills. “Their depictions of Devon’s coast and countryside are impressive, and we are very grateful to the Museum of Dartmoor Life for the opportunity to put their artwork on public display.
No doubt, we will again have our work cut out deciding on this year’s winners. We look forward to seeing what 2025 will bring.”

The deadline for entries is Saturday, 27 September 2025.

To enter, artists should submit their work on A3 or A4 paper, clearly labelled on the back with name, age, address, email, and phone number, along with the title of the piece and location depicted. Entries should be posted to:

Devon CPRE, PO Box 26, Beaworthy, EX21 5XN

Participants who wish to have their artwork returned must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with the correct postage.

For full details, visit: www.devoncpre.org.uk

With a rich history of highlighting both artistic talent and the beauty of Devon’s countryside, the 2025 competition is expected to draw a wide range of inspiring and imaginative entries once again.