Shambellie House Trust, New Abbey, Dumfries. DG2 8HQ
01387 440082 |
From: £140.00
Step into the world of F.C.B. “Bunty” Cadell, one of Scotland’s most celebrated Colourists, in this immersive two-day painting workshop. Learn how to capture light, perspective, and bold colour in your own artwork, guided by expert instruction in a relaxed and inspiring setting.
This 2 day workshop offers a comprehensive learning experience focused on understanding and applying key elements of Cadell’s artistic style, colour palette and perspective techniques to create a painting that takes learnings from the famous Scottish Colourist.
After graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Ailsa has spent over 30 years as a professional artist and designer. Her designs have been sold globally, appearing on fashion, home décor, and household products in the UK, Australia, Germany, and the USA. She has also worked as a stationery and interior designer and as an art tutor. Commissions for her original paintings and prints have sold widely across the UK and internationally.
Ailsa’s bold and dynamic style, influenced by her design background, breathes life into her acrylic, gouache, and soft pastel works, drawing inspiration from daily life and the natural world.
Now back in Scotland after working in the south of England for the majority of her career, Ailsa has become an established art educator, teaching core drawing and painting skills to all abilities.
She is a Director of “For Enjoyment CIC” an arts based social enterprise that teaches core creative skills throughout Dumfries and Galloway. She is a Trustee of the DGUnlimted, the Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of the Arts, and sits on the Artists of Shambellie House Steering Group.
Beyond art, she works across academia, government and practice, as Lead for the National Centre for Resilience, a scientific research centre focusing on community resilience to natural hazards and climate change. She is passionate about employing creative approaches to improve health and wellbeing, utilising them in a way that can help individuals build better and stronger resilience to the inevitable challenges that we all face throughout our lives.
Ailsa is the co-author of a number of research projects exploring community resilience building and fostering resilience in young people with special needs. She was recently interviewed on ITV Border news for spearheading a landmark creative Burns event in collaboration with Dumfries Museum. She has regularly displayed her work across the UK and her most recent exhibition was at Shambellie House, New Abbey.
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM each day Includes: Lunch, tea, coffee, and plenty of cake! Accommodation: Not included, but you can find local options on our website.
Location & Accessibility
This workshop will take place outdoors in the beautiful Shambellie Estate and indoors in the Gallery. Please note that the Gallery is located on the second floor and is only accessible via stairs. If you have any access requirements, let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What You’ll Learn
· Master perspective techniques through guided sketching exercises
· Explore Cadell’s bold colour palette and mix harmonious colours
· An understanding of Cadell’s techniques and influences
· Develop skills in creating one-point and two-point perspective
· Improved brushwork, colour mixing, and composition planning
· Techniques to enhance your own artistic style
What you’ll create
· A series of mark making studies
· Vibrant plein air colour sketches inspired by the surrounding gardens
· A final expressive painting on watercolour paper
Enjoy a relaxed and inspiring creative retreat, connect with fellow artists, and leave with new skills and your own finished painting.
We will use acrylic, watercolour or gouache paint. Acrylic paint does not come off when dry. Participant should wear old clothes or bring an apron.
We will be sketching in the garden. Participants should bring appropriate clothes and footwear. A waterproof is essential. Please also bring a camping chair to use on day 1.
There is an additional charge of £15 per person for materials, paper and stretched canvas.
Day 1: Perspectives & Colour Exploration
· Discover Cadell’s artistic style, influences, and techniques.
· Master perspective drawing through hands-on sketching exercises.
· Explore Cadell’s bold colour palette and learn how to mix harmonious tones.
· Enjoy an outdoor sketching session at Shambellie House, applying your new skills in a real-world setting.
Day 2: Painting in Cadell’s Style
· Using your exploration from day one of applying Cadell’s techniques.
· Plan your composition, focusing on shapes, light, and form.
· Begin painting your own artwork, with one-on-one guidance from expert tutor Ailsa.
· Wrap up with a final discussion and practical tips to continue your artistic journey.
Why Join?
· Learn essential painting and perspective techniques from a professional tutor.
· Gain confidence in colour mixing, brushwork, and composition.
· Enjoy a creative and supportive environment with like-minded art lovers.
· Take home your own finished painting, inspired by Cadell’s iconic style.
Limited spaces available – book now and bring Cadell’s vibrant artistry into your own work!
