Paint Like FCB Cadell

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

From: £140.00

Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th June 2025

10aM to 4.00PM

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking coastal scenes of renowned Scottish Colourist F.C.B. “Bunty” Cadell in this inspiring weekend workshop. Perfect for artists of all levels, this hands-on experience will guide you through Cadell’s techniques for capturing the movement, light, and atmosphere of the sea.

 

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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 To Expect

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

Day 1: Master the Foundations

· Discover the art and techniques of Cadell, his life and connection to Shambellie House

· Master essential techniques in drawing, perspective, and composition

· Understand tonal values to create depth and movement in your seascapes

· Explore Cadell’s signature colour palette, practice colour mixing, and prepare for your final painting.

Day 2: Bring Your Painting to Life

· Plan your composition inspired by Cadell’s dynamic arrangements.

· Experiment with Cadell’s colour palette to evoke mood and atmosphere

· Receive expert demonstrations on brushwork and colour application.

· Enjoy relaxed, guided painting sessions with expert one-on-one instruction

 

With plenty of time to paint in a supportive and inspiring environment, you’ll leave with new skills, fresh inspiration, and your own stunning seascape painting.

Limited spaces available – book now and capture the beauty of the sea!

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.

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:

· Mark-making techniques to bring energy and texture to your work

· Composition planning for dynamic and well-balanced paintings

· Nonlinear perspective to create depth and movement

· Colour mixing and harmony using Cadell’s distinctive palette

· Expressive brushwork to add personality and style to your paintings

What You’ll Gain:

· Confidence in your drawing and painting skills with easy-to-follow techniques

· A fresh perspective and new creative inspiration

· A calming and enjoyable space to focus on your art

· The chance to connect with like-minded art lovers

What You’ll Create:

· Mark-making and colour palette exercises

· Tonal and perspective sketches

· Quick expressive practice paintings

· A final, Cadell-inspired seascape painting to take home

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