Visual Art Workshops

Using the same techniques and materials as the scribes that made the Book of Kells this workshop will involve working on real parchment and mixing traditional pigments to create a work of art inspired by the original insular manuscripts with the help of scribe, illuminator and parchment maker, Thomas Keyes. Following on from years of research into insular parchment and pigment making techniques and working with leading experts at Trinity college Dublin and the University of Cork this workshop will run in conjunction with Thomas’s Exhibition at Groam House Museum which shows the creation of a replica 8th century gospel book and the supporting scribes toolkit that would have been at Rosemarkie in its monastic phase. This course will involve getting as close to the world of the insular scribe as it’s possible to get and in so doing gain a deeper appreciation of Celtic insular art. Suitable for anyone with an interest in Celtic art or broadening their range of creative skills. No experience necessary. £150    Includes all materials, tea / coffee and delicious, home-made lunch each day at the Old Brewery.  To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. COVID-19 All our courses are run in strict adherence to the Covid safety protocols and regulations at the time. We exercise social distancing throughout the course as well as regular sanitising, wiping down of any shared equipment between uses, strict hygiene rules throughout each venue, wearing of masks in all communal areas, temperature checking on arrival and constant monitoring of the comfort and safety of participants.  If you feel at all unwell prior to the course, please alert us and DO NOT attend. As everyone is well aware by now, the Covid situation and subsequent government restrictions and advice can change on a daily basis. We will inform you of any cancellations or changes to any element of courses as soon as we become aware of these.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  

The aim of this workshop is to explore the versatility of painting and drawing through the process of mark-making and how to translate our direct response to the landscape to our canvas.  Working directly in the landscape you will explore ways of working in sketchbooks and how to scale-up to bigger canvases outdoors. During the workshop, tutor Jonathan Shearer will demonstrate different techniques and offer as much one-to-one teaching as possible. A small, friendly and informal workshop with the focus on individual development.   Participants will be sent a materials list in advance. £120   Includes a delicious, home-made lunch each day. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. COVID-19 All our courses are run in strict adherence to the Covid safety protocols and regulations at the time. We exercise social distancing throughout the course as well as regular sanitising, wiping down of any shared equipment between uses, strict hygiene rules throughout each venue, wearing of masks in all communal areas, temperature checking on arrival and constant monitoring of the comfort and safety of participants.  If you feel at all unwell prior to the course, please alert us and DO NOT attend. As everyone is well aware by now, the Covid situation and subsequent government restrictions and advice can change on a daily basis. We will inform you of any cancellations or changes to any element of courses as soon as we become aware of these.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  

This two-day, in the studio and 'En Plein Air' (weather depending) landscape painting course will give students the opportunity to learn a method of using oil paints that looks more like watercolour in the initial stages. You will be asked to bring in sketches and photos of a favourite scene and work from these with hopefully the chance of giving the method a go outside in beautiful Cromarty on the second day. There will be demonstrations in the use of oil paints and plenty of one-to-one guidance from tutor Anna Wimbledon. A medium sized primed board and small primed cards will be provided. Participants will be sent a materials list in advance. Suitable for all abilities. £130    Includes tea / coffee and a delicious, home-made lunch each day. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. COVID-19 All our courses are run in strict adherence to the Covid safety protocols and regulations at the time. We exercise social distancing throughout the course as well as regular sanitising, wiping down of any shared equipment between uses, strict hygiene rules throughout each venue, wearing of masks in all communal areas, temperature checking on arrival and constant monitoring of the comfort and safety of participants.  If you feel at all unwell prior to the course, please alert us and DO NOT attend. As everyone is well aware by now, the Covid situation and subsequent government restrictions and advice can change on a daily basis. We will inform you of any cancellations or changes to any element of courses as soon as we become aware of these.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  

This 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. The materials list is below and this will also be emailed to participants prior to the course.     £150    Includes tea / coffee and a delicious, home-made lunch each day at the Old Brewery. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. COVID-19 All our courses are run in strict adherence to the Covid safety protocols and regulations at the time. We exercise social distancing throughout the course as well as regular sanitising, wiping down of any shared equipment between uses, strict hygiene rules throughout each venue, wearing of masks in all communal areas, temperature checking on arrival and constant monitoring of the comfort and safety of participants.  If you feel at all unwell prior to the course, please alert us and DO NOT attend. As everyone is well aware by now, the Covid situation and subsequent government restrictions and advice can change on a daily basis. We will inform you of any cancellations or changes to any element of courses as soon as we become aware of these.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  

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 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.  £150    Includes tea / coffee and delicious, home-made lunch each day at the Old Brewery. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354.   COVID-19 All our courses are run in strict adherence to the Covid safety protocols and regulations at the time. We exercise social distancing throughout the course as well as regular sanitising, wiping down of any shared equipment between uses, strict hygiene rules throughout each venue, wearing of masks in all communal areas, temperature checking on arrival and constant monitoring of the comfort and safety of participants.  If you feel at all unwell prior to the course, please alert us and DO NOT attend. As everyone is well aware by now, the Covid situation and subsequent government restrictions and advice can change on a daily basis. We will inform you of any cancellations or changes to any element of courses as soon as we become aware of these.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

During this one day, experimental workshop, explore lino-cut printing using the reduction method (also known as lost-lino) and without using a press. Techniques include designing then transferring your design onto the lino block, cutting, proof printing and make a small series of 2 – 3 colour prints. All materials are provided including a mount for your final artwork.  This hands-on workshop with tutor, Morag Tweedie, is suitable for complete beginners as well as for those with some experience. There will be the option to buy a starter printing kit (roller, set of tools, lino block and some papers) at a cost of £20. This includes materials you will use on the day and allows you to continue honing your skills and having fun at home. Please order at time of booking.        Cost, including starter kit - £85 Cost without starter kit  - £70  Both include tea/coffee; please bring a packed lunch. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. COVID-19 All our courses are run in strict adherence to the Covid safety protocols and regulations at the time. We exercise social distancing throughout the course as well as regular sanitising, wiping down of any shared equipment between uses, strict hygiene rules throughout each venue, wearing of masks in all communal areas, temperature checking on arrival and constant monitoring of the comfort and safety of participants.  If you feel at all unwell prior to the course, please alert us and DO NOT attend. As everyone is well aware by now, the Covid situation and subsequent government restrictions and advice can change on a daily basis. We will inform you of any cancellations or changes to any element of courses as soon as we become aware of these.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.