Artists have been out and about celebrating our fine city in paint as the annual Paint Out Norwich competition takes place.

Eastern Daily Press: Sue Field taking part in Paint Out Norwich by Bishop Bridge. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYSue Field taking part in Paint Out Norwich by Bishop Bridge. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

About 30 artists are taking part in this year's open air art competition which today saw them exploring Norwich's riverside area with their paintbrushes.

Among them was John Behm, 61, from Tasburgh, who was not afraid to get his feet wet in the River Wensum as he found the perfect spot to paint Bishop Bridge.

'I take part in Paint Out Norwich every year because what is to beat, whatever the weather, sitting out here painting? You get to meet interested and interesting people coming by and I love putting paint on canvas,' said Mr Behm, who added he was drawn to painting the bridge because of the stunning reflections its arches made in the water.

Richard Bond, 62, from Norwich, had set up his easel on Bishop Bridge, and said he enjoyed Paint Out Norwich because it was a unique experience and a challenge.

Eastern Daily Press: Richard Bond taking part in Paint Out Norwich by Bishop Bridge. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYRichard Bond taking part in Paint Out Norwich by Bishop Bridge. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

As he painted, he said: 'This is beautiful, this bridge...the light has changed but it has been a beautiful light throughout, and with the balance with the sky and the reflections in the water, if I could just get that [all in my painting] I would be quite happy.'

A little further along the river Sue Willmer, 71, from Woodton, was painting her first picture of Pull's Ferry. When asked why she liked Paint Out Norwich, she said: 'It's because I love painting outside and it's fun to be outside with lots of other artists.'

After their morning by the river, the artists moved to the Cathedral Quarter this afternoon, and will be painting around the Westlegate area tomorrow morning from 9am until 12pm and around Norwich Market tomorrow afternoon from 1.30pm until 4.30pm.

The two-day painting competition is the main event of five days of Paint Out Norwich festivities which started on Saturday and have also included a mass Paint Out event on Sunday when members of the public were invited to join the artists and paint at Mousehold Heath and Kett's Heights.

Eastern Daily Press: John Behm taking part in Paint Out Norwich by Bishop Bridge, as the tidal River Wensum rises and he has to take off his shoes and socks. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYJohn Behm taking part in Paint Out Norwich by Bishop Bridge, as the tidal River Wensum rises and he has to take off his shoes and socks. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

A gala private view of the Paint Out Norwich artists' work takes place on Wednesday at Norwich Cathedral's Hostry from 6.30pm. Tickets £15. To book, visit www.paintout.org or call 01603 598676. The free exhibition will then run from October 19 to 28 at the Hostry.

Paint Out Norwich is part of the Hostry Festival - visit www.hostryfestival.org

Eastern Daily Press: Sue Willmer taking part in Paint Out Norwich, painting Pull's Ferry. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYSue Willmer taking part in Paint Out Norwich, painting Pull's Ferry. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: John Behm taking part in Paint Out Norwich by Bishop Bridge, as the tidal River Wensum rises and he has to take off his shoes and socks. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYJohn Behm taking part in Paint Out Norwich by Bishop Bridge, as the tidal River Wensum rises and he has to take off his shoes and socks. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: Sue Willmer taking part in Paint Out Norwich, painting Pull's Ferry. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYSue Willmer taking part in Paint Out Norwich, painting Pull's Ferry. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)