East Devon artists and makers open their studios to visitors

Over the course of the event, artists will open their workspaces to the public, providing an opportunity to observe the creative process first-hand. Now halfway through, the event enters its second week with many more studios still welcoming visitors. The event includes a wide range of practices, including painting, printmaking, ceramics, glass, jewellery, sculpture, and metalwork.

Here’s a small snapshot of the artists and makers in East Devon who will be taking part and welcoming visitors into their studios.

For a full list of exhibitions and dates, see devonartistnetwork.co.uk/devon-open-studios

A stunning Exmouth beach scene created by Michael Buckland(Image: )

In Exmouth

From his home studio in Exmouth, Michael Buckland presents a series of works characterised by vibrant colour and strong draughtsmanship. His paintings and drawings celebrate the beauty of Devon’s landscapes, with a particular emphasis on colour, form, and the unique character of the local environment. His studio at 52 Lyndhurst Road, Exmouth (EX8 3DT), will be open to visitors on Sunday 14, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September from 10am to 4pm.

In Sidmouth

Based at 88 Sidford Road in Sidmouth, Marian Littlejohn works across a variety of media, including digital drawing, illustration, mixed media, photography, and printmaking. Her primary focus is on expressive pastel paintings and drawings that explore the beauty of everyday moments. Using rich colours and layered textures, Littlejohn’s work evokes warmth, memory, and nostalgia, drawing attention to the often-overlooked moments of daily life. Her studio will be open to visitors on Sunday 14, Saturday 20, and Sunday 21 September, from 12pm to 3pm.

A beautiful picture by Norma Walton(Image: )

In Honiton

Exhibiting at The Beehive in Honiton, Norma Walton presents a collection of mixed media artworks that reflect the shifting light, colour, and mood of the Devon landscape. Her work draws inspiration from the ancient woodlands and the dramatic coastline of the Jurassic Coast. With a background in photography and a Fine Art degree completed in 2011, Walton has developed a practice that favours atmosphere over detail. Her use of mixed media, including collage, allows for a more abstract and expressive approach. Her work will be on display from Monday 15 to Friday 19 September, 9am to 5pm, at The Beehive in Honiton.

Also exhibiting at The Beehive in Honiton, Gary Winters presents a body of work shaped by influences from Pop Art, Conceptual Art, and the history of photography. His creative practice spans lens-based and print media, producing limited-edition screenprints, overworked pastel portraits, collaged photographic pieces, and one-off painted images. Having originally studied at Dartington College of Arts and spent many years working in performance and live art, Winters returned to the South West in 2023 with a renewed focus on visual art. His current work reflects an eclectic and evolving practice, shaped by a conscious effort to use existing materials collected over time. His work will be on display from Monday 15 to Friday 19 September, 9am to 5pm, at The Beehive.

In Kilmington, near Axminster

Exhibiting at Hills Farm Arts Centre near Kilmington (EX13 7NS), Trudi Ochiltree and Vivienne Littley present two distinct but complementary approaches to painting, both deeply rooted in their connection to nature and the surrounding landscape. Ochiltree’s work is inspired by seasonal change, colour, and atmosphere. Her paintings reflect a close observation of nature and an emotional response to place, capturing shifting moods across the countryside. Littley works across a broad visual spectrum, from delicate pen and ink portraiture to large-scale abstract acrylic pieces. The studio will be open from Sunday 14 to Tuesday 17 September from 10am to 5pm, closed on Wednesday 17, then open again from Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 September from 10am to 5pm, and from 10.30am to 3pm on Sunday 21 September.

In addition, a Watercolour Landscape workshop will be held on Friday 12 September from 11am to 12.30pm (£10 per person, materials included). Booking is essential via trudiochiltree@gmail.com or text 07812 856823.

In Otterton

Overlooking the Jurassic Coast near Ladram Bay, the Sea View Art Barn hosts a group exhibition featuring five accomplished artists: Frances Carter, Phil Creek, Julie Dunster, Penny Silverthorne, and Alison Summerfield. Located at Sea View Farm in Otterton, the barn offers generous exhibition space, outdoor sculpture, resident artists, coffee-making facilities, and ample parking. Frances Carter, known professionally as Frances Margaret, gained early recognition in the 1990s and 2000s for her equine sculptures. Her work was widely exhibited and sold internationally. Her current display includes bronze sculptures and recent naïve-style paintings. Phil Creek, is a landscape painter with a long-standing connection to Devon’s art community. Formerly the County Art Adviser for Devon, he has exhibited widely. His plein air and studio-based paintings reflect the seascapes and landscapes of the South West.

Julie Dunster is an award-winning oil painter and tutor known for her work painted from life. Dunster regularly exhibits with major London art societies. Penny Silverthorne, originally recognised for her floral watercolours, is now exploring more abstract approaches to landscape. She is also an illustrator of children’s books. Alison Summerfield works primarily in oils, often incorporating charcoal and inks to explore emotional responses to the natural world. Her paintings are held in private collections and exhibited throughout the South West. She has also contributed to a number of art publications. Sea View Art Barn (EX9 7BU) will be exhibiting the five artists’ work daily from Sunday 14 to Saturday 20 September, from 11am to 5pm.