Visual Art Workshops

Japanese Suminagahi Marbling - CANCELLED. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control, we have had to cancel this workshop. We hope to run it again in future years.  In this workshop you will learn the ancient art of Japanese Suminagashi Marbling using traditional techniques and materials; you will absorb this beautiful meditative technique in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Your tutor Catherine Whiteman will bring traditional tools for participants to see and handle as well as examples of work, both traditional and contemporary. At the start of the workshop Catherine will tell you about the history of this ancient artform.  You will go on to learn the various steps, each process demonstrated. You will also be shown different ancient, pattern processes. On the second day you will have various papers to try printing on; Japanese and Korean handmade and vintage papers. You will also have the opportunity to try making larger prints in bigger marbling vessels. This will be done inside or, weather permitting, this can be done outside. Workshop suitable for beginners onwards. Catherine studied archive restoration and conservation in London specialising in manuscript restoration. She has a life long love of words and the surfaces they are written or printed on. She works from her studio in Aberdeenshire on letterpress projects, limited edition books and one-off artists’ journals incorporating her own handmade and marbled papers. Her background in medieval illustration, illumination and calligraphy is an ongoing inspiration for her work. She believes passionately in the welfare benefits of creativity. Catherine learnt how to grind Japanese ink when she was 16 years old before starting on her path in Western calligraphy. Her suminagashi is held in private collections (in journals and artworks) and in public collections such as the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish National Archives. £125 includes all materials. To book, download the booking form here and return it to [email protected]. If you have any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.

Portrait Painting with Anna Wimbledon This popular two-day portrait course will offer you the opportunity for intensive study under the tuition of artist Anna Wimbledon. We will aim to produce a finished painting of the portrait model over the two days.  There will be demonstrations and guidance in oil technique, colour and form with plenty of one-one contact. A materials list will be send on booking. £160 includes tea and coffee. To book, download the booking form here and return it to [email protected]. If you have any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.

Abstract Landscape Painting with Helena Barnes - COURSE NOW FULL This painting workshop will be led in an informal way, with a focus on experimentation and play rather than accuracy and detail. Expect to make a mess! Over the weekend we will explore: •    experimental techniques with acrylic paint •    Composition and balance  •    colour theory and mixing During day one we will paint a series of mini abstract landscapes. Day two will involve bringing together what we have learned to create a few larger and more resolved pieces. If the weather allows we will try to get outside to find some inspiration, as well as using imagination, memories and photographs. By the end of the weekend you should have a good selection of paintings to take home with you. This course is suitable for complete beginners or anyone looking to loosen up their approach to painting. Helena is originally from Northumberland. She studied Fine Art & Art History in London before moving to the Highlands to teach Art and to paint in her studio by the sea. A sense of place, movement, light and atmosphere take precedence over form and figurative representation in all of her work. £160. To book, download the booking form here and retun it to [email protected]. If you have any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.

AUTUMN WORKSHOP WITH JULIE PRICE  “Capturing Autumn – Fruits, Nuts, Squashes and Seedheads” Autumn rewards us with a wonderful array of brightly coloured berries, vegetables and seedheads.   In this two-day watercolour course, Julie will focus on accurate observation and drawing, using various watercolour techniques so that you can create a selection of subjects from shiny berries to unusually shaped squashes and seedheads.  Participants can complete various subjects as a composition or one individual study. Guidance will be on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting with demonstrations using seasonal subject matter. Reference materials will be available, and you are welcome to bring along your own botanical subject or project which you may wish to develop.  The course is designed to help you improve your existing skills in watercolour and move you to the next level of detail in your work.    It is not suitable for complete beginners.  Places are limited to 10. The cost is £170 for SSBA members and £190 for non-members. This includes tea/coffee and a ‘pack lunch’ each day. For a booking form or any further information please contact Julie on [email protected]