There is a big difference between making a painting OF a photo and making a painting FROM a photo.
It is rare that artists can have the luxury of face to face painting of a person until completion and so knowing how to work from photos can be necessary, but also liberating and quite fun to decide on different backgrounds and so on.
Come to our friendly 5 week course to learn how to avoid pitfalls of working from photo reference, and how to make your paintings stand out as works of art, based on your favourite photo.
Hopefully it will help develop your painting skills along the way. You can decide what image you like and what background you would like and any other ideas for making a personal fantastic painting.
We will be looking at :
Composing a portrait
The limitations of the camera
How to take useful reference pictures
Understanding what we SHOULD see and compensating using logic and knowledge
Theory of light on form
Colour mixing and creating harmony.
The course starts from 22nd February at Leith Academy from 6.30 – 8.30pm but book asap to secure your place.
(£48.30 standard – £24.25 senior citizen/ student – £19.15 benefits)
Exciting FREE annual open studios event returns to Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios
Featuring over 30 artists from paintings to photography and mosaics to fashion
Meet the makers, watch demonstrations and get the chance to win an original piece of art in a free raffle
Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios are delighted to be opening their doors to the public again this Christmas for another exciting Open Studios weekend (their second of the year) onSaturday 2 & Sunday 3 Decemberfrom12 – 5pm.
Come along to see their creative spaces, meet the makers and browse a wide range of original artworks and gifts. Everything is handmade by local designers and makers here in the heart of Edinburgh. It’s the perfect chance to get some Christmas shopping done, or perhaps to just treat yourself.
With over 30 artists and makers taking part, there really is something for everyone, from fine art, paintings and illustration to ceramics, textiles and photography.
There will be FREE art/craft/animation demonstrations and workshops taking place over the two days, plus a FREE raffle featuring exclusive prizes donated by Abbeymount Studios artists.
Artists include Robin Paine who exhibited at The Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour’s winter exhibition, and was twice a finalist in London’s National Portrait Gallery Portrait Award.
Her work is in National and International Collections and she has taught widely, with a specialty in drawing and painting from observation. Up-and-coming wildlife painter Kirsten Mirrey whose work for the past five years has focussed on both exotic and endangered wildlife in a highly realistic style will also be taking part of the two days. She’s also just completed her first successful solo exhibition at the Watson Gallery.
Helen Miles represents the world of mosaics. Trained in Greece, Helen designs and makes mosaics for interior and exterior spaces, using a variety of materials from unglazed ceramic tiles to Venetian glass and found objects.
From ceramics, Frances Priest is represented in national collections including the National Museums of Scotland Edinburgh, the Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge, the Victoria & Albert Museum London & the McManus Galleries Dundee. She has also been awarded The Wesley Barrell Craft Award and the Arts & Business Scotland Award.
Award-winning designer Judy R Clark is famed for her exquisite hand-tailored womenswear designs comprising of Harris Tweeds, Scottish lace and antique fabric. Judy was crowned Designer of Year at The Scottish Style Awards.
Her twin sister Christine Clark will also be taking part. She has been exhibiting internationally with group and solo shows in London, France, Washington and Edinburgh including a large commission for the Rohallion Care Clinic in Perth.
The poster for the Christmas Open Studios Weekend was designed by resident illustrator Rebecca Sheerin. She makes narrative illustrations mostly inspired by landscapes and the natural world. She starts by painting a watery base layer then adding the fine details with coloured pencils and crayons.
Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studio Manager Bob Guilianotti says: “Out of the Blue Abbeymount biannual open studios showcases the work of all 48 resident artists in an iconic building which is an arts and crafts creative hub right in the centre of Edinburgh.”
Details of the Christmas Open Studios Weekend, as well as a list of participating artists and makers can be found on the Abbeymount Studios website.
ELREC are organising a very exciting workshop in partnership with Heriot-Watt University exploring people’s perception of their language and how it can be reflected in a form of art.
Join us for this very creative course. Attendance at all the sessions is not necessary, you can come along to as many sessions as you wish. All materials and food are provided
Garden centre unveils magical holiday club store for children in its Edinburgh store
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is embracing the spirit of Halloween with its Little Seedlings Holiday Club workshop in its Edinburgh store, with a look at mystical plants and their extraordinary powers.
Tailored for Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club members aged 4-10, this interactive workshop is filled with fun activities to help children appreciate their natural environment.
Under the guidance of Dobbies’ horticultural experts, young gardening witches and wizards-in-training will embark on a journey through time. They will uncover ways in which ancient cultures used plants for their mystical properties. For example, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that Rosemary could enhance memory retention and the ancient Egyptians thought Verbena could ward off evil spells.
Children in Edinburgh will explore the fascinating world of medicinal plants, such as the Evening Primrose and Dandelion, uncover the secrets of their potent healing qualities, and dare to venture into the realm of the most poisonous plants, like the Deadly Nightshade and White Snakeroot.
Games and activities will spark the imagination of the children, where they will get a chance to brew a magical potion, cast a spell of their own, and craft magical plant charms to proudly take home as cherished mementos.
Dobbies’ Community and CSR Communications Executive, Chloë Bell, said: “We are very excited to welcome children to this workshop in our Edinburgh store during the October break.
“Our Little Seedlings Holiday Club gives attendees a chance to make friends and learn something new, and we hope to nurture the next generation of gardening enthusiasts in a playful and informative setting.
“We believe that learning should be fun, and that’s why we’ve incorporated engaging games and activities that will ignite children’s imagination. From potion-brewing to crafting magical plant charms, this workshop will encourage creativity and a hands-on connection with the natural world.”
Returning for its fourth year, Stories and Scran celebrates the dynamic and thought-provoking work created by Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen participants.
This year’s event showcases the diverse voices and creative talent from local groups across the city including the Tollcross Writing Group, North Edinburgh Drama Group and WHALE Writers plus the Book Festival’s own Adult Writing Group and Citizen Collective.
With sumptuous snacks provided by Scran Academy, what’s not to like?
New FREE Collage Animation workshops at Granton:hub!
Discover the hidden tales of North Edinburgh as you craft mesmerising animations using the captivating technique of stop-motion animation.
Dive into granton:hub’s archives and bring history to life through the medium of collage animation. Contribute to the ‘Filling the GAP’ archive and get a chance to showcase your unique animations at upcoming events.
You will be able to download and share your creations to inspire others with the vibrant spirit of the community. Join us for an extraordinary opportunity to ignite imaginations and bring local history to life!
Hosted at Madelvic House in Granton Park Avenue, Granton, EH5 1HS, this workshop promises to be a unique experience. Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of animation and discover the endless possibilities it offers.
This 2.5 hour long workshop will provide hands-on guidance and expert tips on creating captivating collages that come to life through animation. You’ll learn various techniques and gain valuable insights from an experienced professional in the field.
An inspirational sculpture created by school children in Orkney goes on display at the National Galleries of Scotland: National
Your Art World
FREE
National Galleries of Scotland: National
24 June 2023 – 14 April 2024
A sculpture created by school children in Orkney will arrive at its new home in the National at the National Galleries of Scotland this month. Named Bob, the inspirational artwork has been travelling across Scotland touring to schools and communities to highlight the importance of art for young people.
Bob has become a school mascot, spreading the children’s important message to protect our world from pollution.
Created by Dounby Community School the sculpture will join the Your Art World exhibition, which opens today (24 June).
The exhibition aims to engage with young people and encourage them to think creatively, supporting future generations of artists.
Digital screens will also display the artwork from over 270 incredible 3-18 year olds who uploaded their creations to the website. The young people could be as imaginative as they liked and use any type of materials for their creations, resulting in a superb and broad range of artwork.
The exhibition is a celebration of what happens when young people are encouraged to be wildly imaginative with no limitations.
Families and young people inspired by the creativity will also be able to get involved in making their own creations in the galleries this Summer.
With a specially created ‘make and share’ area allowing them to produce and upload their own work to the website. There is also the added bonus of having their artwork added to the digital showcase on the screens.
Four core groups have created spectacular physical installations for the exhibition, which will be displayed alongside the collection of digital art works.
Dounby Community school’s installation will feature, as well as creations from young people in their final year at Galashiels secondary school and Granton Primary.
A group of children and their families from PAMIS, an organisation in Scotland working with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities for a better life, are also featured.
Touring to schools and communities, Bob has challenged children across the country to make and share their own creations.
Giving them the opportunity of having their own works displayed on digital screens as part of the final exhibition at the National. Bob visited Inverness, Skye, Aberdeen, West Lothian, Dundee, Fife, Stirling, Glasgow and Galashiels along the way.
Even taking a trip to Holyrood to join Orkney MSP Liam McArthur (top), where the school pupils were commended in the Scottish Parliament for their hard work.
The creation was inspired by Dounby Community School’s chosen theme of ‘protect’, with the children making a life size character named Trashy.
Made of rubbish found on the beach, the sculpture is a meaningful representation of their desire to protect the world from climate change. As a friend for Trashy they created Bob as their mascot.
Bob will soon re-join Trashy at the Your Art World exhibition, as part of the wider installation created by the 152 pupils from Dounby Community School.
Dounby Community School Head Teacher, Islean Gibson, said:“Being part of such an amazing gallery exhibition has given everyone here at Dounby School such a sense of pride and motivation.
“Sharing our thoughts and ideas as part of a national project has really inspired our whole school community. The power of creation will have a lasting legacy.
“It makes me swell with pride every day seeing just how impactful creativity can be for a wee school and its community. I would wholeheartedly recommend everyone take that step into Your Art World and see where it takes you!”
Siobhan McConnachie, Head of Learning and Engagement, National Galleries of Scotland, said: ‘I feel so excited and proud to be showcasing the art work of the talented young artists of Scotland.
“The response to challenges has been truly inspiring and we have been so impressed with everyone’s creativity. The Your Art World project is incredibly important to us at National Galleries of Scotland as it hands over the creative process to young people and celebrates their work.
“Art has its place in every school, home and young person’s life, whether that be encouraging people to think creatively, use it as an expressive outlet or simply for some fun, this project and exhibition celebrates that art really is for everyone.’
This exhibition is made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who have raised more than £5 million awarded by Postcode Culture Trust to support National Galleries of Scotland.
All submissions can be viewed via the online gallery and will also be displayed digitally at the National until spring 2024.
Exciting FREE annual open studios event returns to Out of the Blue Abbeymount
Featuring over 30 artists from paintings to photography and mosaics to fashion
Meet the makers, watch demonstrations and get the chance to win an original piece of art in a free raffle
Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios are delighted to be opening their doors to the public again this spring for another exciting Open Studios weekend onSaturday 20th & Sunday 21st May from 12noon – 5pm.
Come along to see their creative spaces, meet the makers and browse a wide range of original artworks and gifts. Everything is handmade by local designers and makers here in the heart of Edinburgh.
Fine art / painting / ceramics / illustration / animation / mosaics / fashion / textiles / photography
There will be FREE art/craft/animation demonstrations and workshops taking place over the two days, plus a FREE raffle featuring exclusive prizes donated by Abbeymount Studios artists.
With over 30 artists and creatives taking part, there really is something for everyone. Artists include wildlife painter Kirsten Mirrey whos work for the past five years has focussed on both exotic and endangered wildlife in a highly realistic style.
Award-winning filmmaker Holly Summerson is one of several animators taking part. Her work includes short films, music videos, projections for events, interactive online art and community workshops. The world of textiles and fashion are also covered with the work of ByJenByre. She specialises in creating one of a kind reimagined fashion from vintage second hand materials.
The poster for the Open Studios weekend was designed by resident children’s print designer Blythe Mackenzie of Little Yellow Scribbles who will also be taking part on the 20th and 21st. Little Yellow Scribbles is a children’s textile brand specialising in vibrant, illustrated textile accessories and clothing.
Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studio Manager Bob Guilianotti says: “We’re delighted to be opening the doors of Abbeymount to the public again for our Open Studios weekend.
“There’s an exciting choice of artists and makers to meet as well as the chance to explore this historic building. It’s a chance to meet our resident artists and makers as they demonstrate their work and discuss their inspirations.”
Details of the Open Weekend, as well as a list of participating artists and makers can be found on the Abbeymount Studios website.
Join us for ’Rooted in Community: Artistic Expressions from North Edinburgh and Wester Hailes’, an exhibition showcasing the work of local artists as part of Create Community Wealth – a collaborative community wealth building project, delivered in partnership between WHALE Arts, North Edinburgh Arts, SCOREscotland and Passion4Fusion.
The project aims to support local people living in North Edinburgh and Wester Hailes to explore their creative and enterprising ideas, to tackle social exclusion and improve wellbeing and local economic prospects through creativity.
The exhibition, ‘Rooted in Community’, is a celebration of community and diversity, highlighting the unique experiences and diverse cultures of people living in North Edinburgh and Wester Hailes.
Through their work, the artists explore themes such as community, identity, grief and mental health, inviting us to reflect on our own experiences and engage with the world around us.
From colourful paintings to representative photography, sculpture, portraits and pencil drawings, we invite you to take a journey through the works on display, each one telling a different story about life in North Edinburgh and Wester Hailes.
Through their art, these talented individuals demonstrate the power of community and the importance of self-expression.
For many of the artists featured, this is their first exhibition, and the Create Community Wealth team are delighted to support them in showcasing their work publicly.
The exhibition is a testament to the importance and power of community, providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent and connect with a wider audience.
As we come together to celebrate the creativity and diversity of our community, we hope that this exhibition will inspire us to continue to support and uplift one another, as we work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.
Satellites is Collective’s development programme for emerging creative practitioners based in Scotland. In 2023, four creative practitioners at a pivotal point in their practice will be selected to participate in a peer development programme.
The programme includes discussions, workshops, events, retreats and public presentations of new work.
As part of our Collective Play programme, we are excited to invite emerging artists and practitioners with an interest in child-led approaches to play, nature and the outdoors to submit a proposal for our Lead Artist opportunity.
The Lead Artist will devise and deliver one year of Friday Play sessions, as well as one Play Weekend.
New FREE Collage Animation workshops at Granton:hub!
