Paint Like FCB Cadell

Scottish Colourist Series – F. C. B. Cadell – Painting Colourful Interiors

From: £140.00

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October 2025

10aM to 4.00PM

Dive into the vibrant world of Scottish Colourist F.C.B. Cadell, exploring perspective, colour palettes, and composition to create stunning interior paintings of Shambellie House that capture the essence of his iconic style.

 

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Description

Step into the world of F.C.B. Cadell, one of Scotland’s most renowned Colourists, and learn to capture the beauty of Shambellie House’s interiors in this immersive two-day workshop. Explore Cadell’s bold colour palette, master perspective techniques, and create your own expressive interior painting.

Your Tutor

Your Tutor

Ailsa Mackay

A graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, I have dedicated over 30 years to a professional career as an artist and designer. My creative journey has spanned a wide range of disciplines—from fashion and home décor to interior and stationery design—with my designs sold and licensed internationally, including in the UK, USA, Germany, and Australia. Alongside commercial work, I have consistently developed and exhibited original artworks, with paintings and prints held in private collections both across the UK and overseas.

My artistic practice is rooted in a bold, expressive style that reflects my background in design. Working primarily in acrylic, gouache, and soft pastels, I draw inspiration from the natural world and the nuances of everyday life. Each piece is a dynamic exploration of colour, texture, and form—seeking to capture moments of vitality and reflection.

Now based in Scotland after many years working in the south of England, I continue to balance creative practice with education and public engagement. As an experienced art educator, I teach foundational drawing and painting skills to learners of all levels, encouraging confidence and curiosity through accessible, skills-based learning.

I currently serve as a Trustee of DG Unlimited (Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of the Arts) and sit on the Artists of Shambellie House Steering Group. My commitment to the wider impact of the arts also extends into research and policy. In my role as Lead for the National Centre for Resilience—a scientific centre focused on community preparedness for natural hazards and climate change—I champion creative methods as a means of strengthening personal and collective wellbeing.

This cross-sector work has included co-authoring research on community resilience and supporting young people with additional needs.

My work has been exhibited widely throughout the UK, with recent exhibitions including Shambellie House in New Abbey. I continue to pursue opportunities for collaboration, exhibition, and engagement that sit at the intersection of art, education, and wellbeing.

About the Day

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:

· How to draw interiors with one-point perspective

· How to mix and use Cadell’s bold colour palette

· Techniques for brushwork, composition, and colour application

· How to create a balanced and harmonious composition

What You’ll Create:

· Perspective sketches of Shambellie House’s interiors

· Colour swatches inspired by Cadell’s palette

· A series of expressive interior studies

· A final Cadell-style interior painting to take home

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop offers a fun, relaxed, and supportive environment to learn and create.

Kit and Requirements

We will use acrylic, watercolour or gouache paint. Acrylic paint does not come off when dry. Please wear old clothes or bring an apron.

There is an additional charge of £15 per person for materials, paper and stretched canvas.

What to Expect

Day 1: Capturing Interior Perspectives

· Discover Cadell’s artistic style and his approach to painting house interiors.

· Learn one-point perspective drawing and apply it to sketch the elegant rooms of Shambellie House.

· Experiment with Cadell’s bold colour palette, mixing harmonious and dynamic colours for your painting.

Day 2: Painting in the Studio

· Plan your final composition, incorporating perspective and colour theory.

· Develop your expressive brushwork and colour application skills.

· Begin your own interior painting, with one-on-one guidance from an expert tutor.

· Wrap up with a discussion on practical tips to develop your painting skills beyond the workshop.

Why Join?

· Gain confidence in perspective drawing, colour mixing, and composition.

· Learn painting techniques inspired by Cadell’s unique style.

· Enjoy a creative and supportive atmosphere with like-minded artists.

· Take home your own finished painting, ready to display.

Limited spaces available – book now and bring Cadell’s vibrant artistry into your own work!

If you have answered yes and would like to discuss your requirements then please get in touch.