Visual Art Workshops

Life Drawing Weekend with Jonathan Shearer In this two-day workshop we will look at a variety of ways to explore life drawing, examining how to get proportions correct and exploring a variety of ways to 'mark-make' in direct response to the model. You will look at line, tone and a various mediums to create strong drawings. Several exercises will be set to help improve life drawing skills and your tutor, Jonathan Shearer, will also demonstrate and provide illustrations of a variety of different techniques and styles of life drawing. This course is suitable for all abilities. Please bring a sketchbook, paper (A2 or larger), charcoal, compressed charcoal, pencils, masking tape, erasers, hairspray (fixative), black ink (optional) and any other drawing materials you may wish to use.  If you wish to work in colour you're welcome to bring soft pastels, watercolour or acrylic/oil pain, palette if you prefer.  £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.

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 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.

Abstract Landscape Painting with Helena Barnes 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.