Ellie Hutchison and Harper O’Driscoll Dommett, aged 10 and 11 respectively, have been awarded First Prize and Best in School at The Arts Society Chiltern & Chalfont’s Young Arts Painting Competition 2026. The competition attracted a remarkable 550 entries from children across four local schools, showcasing the talent and creativity of young artists in the region.
This year’s theme, “My Favourite Day,” encouraged participants to express their most cherished memories through art. Ellie stood out with a striking painting of the Château de Warsy in France, inspired by a school trip. Her work captured the atmosphere of the building at night, using bold colours and experimenting with a palette knife to create texture. Meanwhile, Harper chose to depict the River Seine, drawing inspiration from a family trip to Paris. Both girls impressed the judges with their confident use of vibrant palettes and their ability to translate personal experiences into compelling visual compositions.
The prize-giving ceremony took place at Chalfont St Peter Community Library, where the young winners were presented with canvas prints of their artwork, along with certificates, medals, and badges to celebrate their achievements. The Arts Society, which has supported the competition for 14 years, commended the high standard and creativity of this year’s entries, highlighting the dedication and imagination of the participants.
Ellie shared her experience of creating her winning piece, stating that she spent around four hours on her artwork. She particularly enjoyed mixing and applying her colours, which allowed her to bring her vision to life. Harper completed her painting in just over two to three hours, expressing her enjoyment of using bright tones and playing with colour. Both artists demonstrated a deep understanding of their chosen subjects and an ability to convey emotion through their work.
The winning paintings are now on display at Chalfont St Peter Community Library until April 10, offering residents an opportunity to appreciate the creativity of the area’s young artists. This exhibition not only celebrates the talents of Ellie and Harper but also highlights the importance of encouraging artistic expression among children. The competition continues to serve as a platform for young artists to showcase their skills and gain recognition for their efforts.
The success of this year’s event reflects the growing interest in the arts among local students and the support provided by the community. As the competition continues to evolve, it is expected to inspire even more young artists to explore their creative potential and contribute to the cultural landscape of the region.
