The Friends of Bushy and Home Parks group has announced its first ever Park Art Competition.

Supported by Landmark Art Centre, the competition aims to showcase the most "inspiring elements" of either of the Royal Parks near Teddington, and is open to any amateur artist from seven years old and upwards.

The competition's organisers have told entrants to look for features in Bushy and Home Parks "that will encourage others to explore and respect the beauty of the parks".

Prizes for the winners include a guided nature and history work donated by Bushy Park coffee shop Colicci, a 12-month membership to both Friends of Bushy and Home Parks and Landmark Arts Centre, and cash prizes courtesy of Teddington Community Lottery.

All two-dimensional artworks besides photography are welcome, provided they are no larger than A2.

A spokesperson from the Friends of Bushy and Home Parks said: "We are encouraging artists to get creative and capture their favourite scenic view or a detailed study of a plant or animal from either Bushy Park or Home Park. 

"We ask that the artwork has been created this year, either in the studio based on photographs, or during an en plein air visit to one of the parks."

An exhibition of shortlisted artworks will be held from 12 to 15 September at the Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington. (Photo: Oliver Monk)

Shortlisted works will be displayed at Landmark Arts Centre from 12 to 15 September, with winners being announced at a reception on the evening of 14 September.

Besides the competition's judges, a public vote during September's exhibition will help decide an additional 'People's Choice Award', giving artists plenty of opportunities to have their work recognised.

Artists have until 11:59pm on 31 July to submit a digital copy of their submission along with a completed entry form to one of four categories:

• 7- to 11-year-olds
• 11- to 18-year-olds
• 19 years plus – Studio based-study
• 19 years plus – En plein air study (photo proof required)

Adult entries will also be asked to pay a £10 fee upon submission.

For more information on how to enter the competition, visit the Friends of Bushy and Home Parks website here.

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