Artists of Shambellie House

Scottish Colourist Series – F. C. B. Cadell – Seascapes Painting

From: £140.00

Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th June 2025

10aM to 4.00PM

Join us for a relaxing weekend exploring F.C.B. Cadell’s famous seascapes masterpieces. Learn about his life, work, and close connection to Shambellie House. See some of his original work on display and learn from his dynamic techniques and harmonious colour schemes in this unique two day workshop.

 

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Description

Our Seascapes Inspired by F.C.B. Cadell workshop offers an exciting opportunity to delve into the stunning coastal scenes of renowned Scottish Colourist, Francis “Bunty” Cadell.

Over the course of the weekend, you’ll learn about the artist himself and his deep connection to Shambellie House.

You’ll explore some of his methods for capturing the dynamic beauty of seascapes, and learning essential techniques in observational drawing, perspective, and compositional planning. You will also gain a deeper understanding of tonal values, helping you create a sense of depth and movement in your work. Through focused colour theory exercises, you’ll explore Cadell’s distinctive palette and learn how he masterfully used colour to evoke mood, light, and atmosphere in his seascapes.

This immersive weekend will give you ample time for painting in a relaxed and inspiring environment, alongside fellow art enthusiasts. You’ll receive one-on-one guidance, expert instruction, and practical tips, ensuring plenty of support and encouragement. By the end of the weekend, you’ll leave with a richer understanding of Cadell’s techniques, and the confidence to apply them as you capture the vibrant essence of the sea in your own artwork.

Your Tutor

Your Tutor

Ailsa Mackay

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.

What you will Learn

The workshop will take place from 10am to 4pm each day. Accommodation is not included however there are options locally. Please click here.

We will be outdoors,  on location and in the gallery which is upstairs so a level of mobility is required. Please call with any queries.

Skills gained from the workshop include:

  1. Learn mark-making methods
  2. Gain a better understanding of composition planning
  3. Improve your working knowledge of nonlinear perspective
  4. Learn to create harmonious colour palettes
  5. Develop your brushwork and explore new painting techniques based on Cadell’s approach

Positive Outcomes:

  1. You’ll gain more confidence in your drawing and painting skills as you learn simple, easy-to-follow techniques.
  2. Your creativity will improve, and you’ll feel inspired to explore new ideas and ways of looking at things. By trying out different styles and techniques, you’ll develop your artistic skills, express yourself in new ways, and find your unique artistic voice.
  3. You’ll enjoy a calm, relaxing space where you can focus on the process of drawing and painting.
  4. You’ll have the chance to connect with like-minded people who share your interests and passions.

What will be produced:

  1. Mark making exercises
  2. Non-linear perspective and tonal water-based sketches
  3. Colour palette exercises and Cadell-inspired swatches
  4. A series of practice thumbnails
  5. Expressive quick practice paintings
  6. A final seascape painting

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. All materials will be provided.

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

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