PAINTING THE LANDSCAPE with KIRSTIE COHEN

We are delighted to welcome acclaimed Highland based artist Kirstie Cohen to Cromarty Arts Trust to lead our Painting the Landscape course.

Born in Edinburgh, Kirstie studied painting at Glasgow School of Art from 1983 to 1987, followed by postgraduate study from 1987 to 1988. She began developing landscape as a central focus of her practice soon after graduating and held her first solo exhibition in London in 1990. Since then, her work has featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the UK. She now lives and works in the Highlands near Inverness.

This practical and exploratory workshop will focus on creating expressive landscape work through colour, mark making, observation and experimentation.

Kirstie will begin with a short introduction and demonstration, exploring some of the elements that contribute to a successful artwork and different approaches to creating strong and dramatic visual statements.

Participants will work initially on a series of small panels, creating multiple images and experimenting freely with colour, materials and different kinds of mark making. On the second day, there will also be an opportunity to work on a larger scale.

Inspiration can come from the landscape itself, photographs, drawings and sketchbooks, or from memory and imagination. Participants can also allow the qualities of their chosen materials to influence the direction of their work.

Throughout the course Kirstie will provide individual guidance, helping participants develop their ideas, explore their chosen medium and work through creative challenges as they arise.

Expect an absorbing, supportive and enjoyable two days of painting, experimentation and discovery, with a collection of new work and ideas to take forward into your own practice.