Workshops

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

From: £150.00

Date; Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June 2026

Time: 10am – 4pm each day

Suitable for beginners

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 to create your own seascape in this unique two-day workshop.

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Description

Description:

Our Painting 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.

 

What to Expect

  • Explore Cadell’s Legacy
    Learn about the life and artistry of one of Scotland’s celebrated Colourists and his deep connection to Shambellie House.
  • Master Essential Techniques
    Develop skills in drawing, nonlinear perspective, and compositional planning to bring dynamic seascapes to life.
  • Understand Tonal Values
    Gain insight into creating depth and movement through tonal contrasts.
  • Dive into Colour Theory
    Experiment with Cadell’s distinctive palette and discover how colour can evoke mood, light, and atmosphere.

Your Experience

  • Hands-On Painting Sessions
    Enjoy ample time to paint in a relaxed, inspiring environment alongside fellow art enthusiasts.
  • Expert Guidance
    Benefit from one-on-one support, practical tips, and professional instruction throughout the weekend.

About the Day:

 

Location & Accessibility:

This workshop will take place 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 Take Away:

By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with:

·       A deeper understanding of Cadell’s techniques.

·      A repository of mark-making methods

·      An understanding of composition planning

·      Basics in nonlinear perspective

·      Harmonious colour palettes

·      Developed brushwork and a range of new techniques based on Cadell’s approach

·      Confidence to apply these methods in your own work.

·      Artwork that captures the vibrant essence of the sea.

 

What You’ll Create:

1.        Mark making exercise sheets

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

 

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

 Materials:  An extra £20 will be payable directly to the tutor on the day.

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 am currently acting of Chair 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.

Do you have any access needs?

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

Have you any dietary requirements?