AFGU group is delivering another family friendly Paste-Up day!
TOMORROW – Monday 3rd August 12 – 4pm
Over the course of the day, we’ll add to and extend our big, paste-up collage on the hoardings at the front of the building.
Please come along and join in – for the whole day, or just for a wee creative break!
All Best Wishes – See yous on Monday!
ALICE BETTS
Art For Grown Ups & The NEA Film Group
Granton Hub Big Nature Drawathon
Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July 2026
Dig out your pencils and come out and play for a weekend celebrating nature and art in our community.
Whether you are a keen artist, or last drew at primary school, all are welcome to come and get stuck in with our art materials and activities. Get arty on Saturday and see the full exhibition of works on Sunday.
Activities include:
• Learning plant identification through sketching (workshop at 11am and 1pm)
• Design your own mythical beast of Granton
• Clay creature sculpting
• Ant’s eye view – get up close to tiny worlds
• Get imaginative with our art materials – stay and make for as long as you like
• Add your nature art to our exhibition
• Teas, coffees and snacks by donation
Click here for free Eventbrite booking.
Find us at Granton Hub, Maldevic House, Granton Park Avenue, EH5 1HS (We are wheelchair accessible).
Get arty – Saturday 25th July, 10.30am to 3.30pm
Exhibition of work – Sunday 26th July, 2 to 4pm
Pupils at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh have spent the past year working alongside acclaimed Scottish artist Robbie Bushe RSA through a unique artist-in-residence programme, gaining a behind-the-scenes insight into how a professional artist works.
The year-long residency culminated in the unveiling of a major new artwork inspired by the school community at a special exhibition attended by pupils, parents, alumni and leading arts patron Richard Demarco, founder of the Richard Demarco Gallery.
Throughout the year, Robbie worked from a studio space within the school’s Faculty of Technologies & Creative Arts, giving pupils the opportunity to see a large-scale work of art evolve from initial sketch to finished piece, and to experience first-hand how ideas are brought to life.
At a time when creative subjects face increasing pressure in schools, the residency reflects Merchiston’s belief that the arts help young people build confidence, think independently and see the world differently. As technology and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the workplace, skills such as creativity, problem-solving and adaptability are becoming increasingly important.
Robbie joined the school in October 2025 and invited pupils and members of the wider school community to contribute drawings, stories, memories and imagined futures for the school, many of which helped shape the final work.
Polly Prosser, Lead Teacher of Art & Design at Merchiston Castle School, said: “The art and design curriculum encourages pupils to engage directly with artists and artworks, but nothing compares to seeing that process unfold in front of you every day.
“The boys have seen every stage of the journey with Robbie and our small class sizes have meant every pupil has had the chance to speak with him, ask questions and share ideas. It’s been fantastic to see how much they’ve taken from the experience.”
Among them was Chester, a pupil originally from Hong Kong, who incorporated elements of Robbie’s approach into his own coursework, drawing inspiration from his use of storytelling, architecture and memory.
He said: “Through my conversations with Robbie Bushe, I became interested in how different moments in time can exist simultaneously within one image.
“His detailed cityscapes and narrative approach inspired me to layer architectural forms, personal memories and imagined spaces in my final piece, reflecting my experience of migration between Hong Kong and Edinburgh.”
The artwork forms part of a wider series exploring memory, community and the hidden structures that shape everyday life. Drawing on Robbie’s own school experiences alongside stories and ideas contributed by the Merchiston community, the painting features familiar landmarks, imagined spaces and visual references inspired by conversations with pupils throughout the year.
Among them are imagined underground train systems beneath the school, hidden worlds within buildings and a gecko peering from a stack of library books – ideas that emerged through discussions with pupils during the residency.
Robbie Bushe RSA said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of the residency was the curiosity of the pupils. Their ideas, questions and observations constantly challenged me to look at things differently.
“Artists can sometimes work in isolation. Spending a year immersed in a school community brought a completely different energy to the work and many of the details within the painting grew directly from conversations with pupils.
“Being given the opportunity to work alongside the boys and become part of the daily life of the school has had a real impact on my own practice. The finished piece is as much a reflection of the community as it is of my own experiences and ideas.”
To learn more about Merchiston Castle School, please visit :
Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios are delighted to be opening our doors to the public again this Summer for another exciting Open Studios weekend on Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st June from 12noon – 5pm.
Come along to meet the local designers and makers in their studios and browse a wide range of original artworks and gifts. Everything is handmade here in the heart of Edinburgh.
Fine art / painting / ceramics / illustration / animation / fashion / textiles / photography
There will also be 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 Edinburgh-born printmaker Rob Stevenson Art, who transforms his photography with bold, bright colours. His work is shaped by the cities he’s lived in and loved, blending precise imagery with the energy of larger-scale street art.
Also participating is up-and-coming wildlife artist Kirsten Mirrey whose work is inspired by the nature and wildlife around her growing up. The most recent collection of work spanning the past five years has been focusing on both exotic and endangered wildlife in a highly realistic style. Each piece is created “hair by hair” and can take many months to complete.
The world of textiles and fashion is also covered with the work of award-winning slow fashion designer Jen Byrne. Sustainability & ethics are at the heart of her process and inform every decision while impeccable quality and attention to detail are staples of the brand. Jen’s limited edition pieces reflect the changing landscape of a craft made using exclusively what can be found second hand or as waste textiles.
The poster for the Open Studios weekend was designed by Abbeymount-based illustrator and children’s book author Trista Yen. She works digitally but picked up her painting brushes again recently to explore more possibilities of illustration.
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.”
Out of the Blue CEO Rob Hoon adds. “Out of the Blue are delighted that Abbeymount Studios artists take the trouble to show their expertise to the world.
“Open Studios is an increasingly popular event that illustrates the breadth of creative talent working away all year round” .
Details of the Open Studios Weekend, as well as a list of participating artists and makers can be found on the Out of the Blue website.
LifeCare Edinburgh has announced the launch of a new weekly watercolour class for unpaid carers in Portobello, offering much-needed opportunities for relaxation, creativity and social connection.
Unpaid carers—those who support family members, friends or neighbours without pay—play a vital role in communities but often face significant challenges, including social isolation, stress, and limited time for themselves. Access to regular short breaks and supportive activities can have a profound impact on their wellbeing.
This new class aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive space where carers can take time out, learn new skills, and connect with others who understand their experiences. No previous art experience is required, and all materials are provided.
Sarah Duckmanton, Community Activities Lead at LifeCare Edinburgh, said: “Caring for someone can be an honour—a deeply meaningful and loving thing to do—but we also understand the toll it can take.
“That’s why we’re here to make sure unpaid carers have the chance to take a meaningful break, so they feel valued, recharged and better equipped to continue in their caring role.
“As part of that commitment, we’re continuing to grow our free support for carers by launching these activities in Portobello for the first time.
“We’ve been delivering day club support for people living with dementia in the area for many years, so it feels like a natural step to expand our carers programme here too. We know there are many carers who need time out, and we’re here to provide that opportunity.
“These groups are about so much more than the activity itself—they create space for people to relax, build connections, and feel supported. We’d encourage carers to get in touch and come along to give it a try.”
The new workshop builds on LifeCare’s wider programme of free health and wellbeing activities for unpaid carers, delivered from its fully accessible hub in Stockbridge. The programme includes a range of physical, creative and social sessions designed to support carers in maintaining their own health while continuing in their caring roles.
The Watercolour Workshop will take place every Monday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at 53 Milton Road East, Edinburgh (EH15 2NL).
The class is free to attend and is open to anyone who provides unpaid care for an adult. Carers are also welcome to attend with the person they care for.
All activities are funded by the Short Breaks Fund.
To book a place or find out more, contact sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk or visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/free-activities-for-unpaid-carers/ the full timetable of activities.
An acclaimed painting by renowned artist JMW Turner is now on display at the National in Edinburgh. Norham Castle, Sunrise is one of the artist’s most celebrated late works and a highlight of the Turner Bequest at Tate.
Its arrival offers visitors a unique opportunity to see this iconic painting, which is on display in Scotland for the first time and free to visit until 4 October 2026.
Norham Castle, Sunrise is one of Turner’s most hauntingly beautiful and intriguing paintings. With its loose, watercolour-like brushwork and glowing colours, it shows Turner’s work at its most experimental, pushing his exploration of sunlight on landscape to extremes.
Unknown in the artist’s lifetime, Norham Castle, Sunrise was one of over 300 oil paintings left in his studio at the time of his death. It is often regarded as emblematic of the expressive, free style of painting now most associated with Turner.
The most famous British artist of the 19th century, Turner was born in London in 1775. His combination of exceptional talent, intellectual curiosity and relentless hard work resulted in paintings which capture the sublime beauty of nature and encourage us to look again at the world around us.
In a career spanning 50 years, he developed new ways of painting. Experimenting with an array of techniques and colour, Turner created works which continue to captivate and excite audiences today.
Norham Castle is situated on the River Tweed, six miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed and at a point where the river forms the border between England and Scotland.
Set on a high mound on the English side and commanding a vital crossing point, the 12th-century castle was one of the most important Border strongholds and was besieged at least 9 times.
It remained a site of military significance until the union of the English and Scottish crowns in 1603 and is integral to Borders history and legend, inspiring Sir Walter Scott’s influential long-form poem Marmion (1808).
Turner felt enormous affection for Norham Castle. He first visited in 1797, aged 22, returning in 1801 as part of his first extended tour of Scotland, and again in 1831, when he was staying with Scott at Abbotsford, near Melrose in the Borders.
Captivated by the vision of the great tower silhouetted against the sky, he sketched the castle from different viewpoints and studied the site under different light conditions, constantly finding something new.
Norham was a rich source of inspiration for him, generating showpiece watercolours and landscape prints. Such was the importance of Norham to Turner’s career that on his final visit in 1831, he is said to have bowed and doffed his hat to the mighty ruins.
Norham Castle, Sunrise comes from a group of light-filled oil paintings from the 1840s, in which Turner revisited favourite subjects from earlier in his career, basing his compositions on his Liber Studiorum prints – a series of 71 engravings intended to demonstrate the power and importance of landscape art.
Drawing upon memory and imagination, Turner captures the essence of this much-loved landscape and shows it transformed by the power of light.
Charlotte Topsfield, Senior Curator European & Scottish Art, said: “We are so excited to have Norham Castle, Sunrise on display in Scotland for the first time and free for everyone to see.
“One of Turner’s best loved paintings, it is an astonishing exploration of light, landscape and the power of memory. We are very grateful to Tate for this special loan, allowing us to share this wonderful picture with our visitors.”
Norham Castle, Sunrise can be found on display at National Galleries Scotland: National, with works from Scotland’s national art collection including another oil by Turner, Somer Hill, Tonbridge by Joseph Mallord William Turner | National Galleries of Scotland and a later painting of Norham Castle from the collection by Scottish artist George Reid, Norham Castle by Sir George Reid | National Galleries of Scotland.
As the National Galleries of Scotland opens Joan Eardley | The Nature of Painting at Modern Two, a remarkable rediscovery has brought one of her paintings back into public view more than sixty years after it was last handled by The Scottish Gallery.
In the summer of last year, The Scottish Gallery received an unexpected call. A manager from a charity shop in the East Midlands had taken in a dark, unassuming painting through a house clearance donation.
On the reverse, a worn and fragmentary label revealed just six words: “Summer, Joan, Exhibited, The Scottish Gallery.”
Intrigued, Director Tommy Zyw turned to The Scottish Gallery archive. After searching through its historic day books, he uncovered a handwritten entry from May 1961 recording the sale of a painting titled Summer Fields by Joan Eardley. The possibility was compelling.
The painting was retrieved and brought to Edinburgh for inspection. From the moment it was unwrapped, its authenticity was clear. The surface, the handling, the authority of the mark all pointed unmistakably to Eardley. Sixty-four years after it had left us, Summer Fields had returned.
Conservation brought the work back to life, revealing an atmospheric landscape painted in the final years of Eardley’s life in Catterline. A corner of a farmer’s field is caught in the golden light of late September, with the foreground alive with textured grasses and seed heads. It is a deeply observed and quietly powerful work, rooted in the landscape that she loved and defined her practice.
The painting was unveiled by The Scottish Gallery at the British Art Fair in September 2025, where it attracted significant attention, and was later exhibited at the gallery on Dundas Street, Edinburgh.
It has recently been acquired by a distinguished collector of Scottish art. Its rediscovery carries impact beyond the art historical. Sold on behalf of the charity from which it emerged, the work achieved the largest single work sale in the charity’s history of £29,500, directly supporting vital medical research in the UK.
Tommy Zyw, Director of The Scottish Gallery commented: “This story speaks of the enduring power of Joan Eardley’s painting and of the role of careful stewardship, archives, and expertise in bringing such works back into the public arena.
“From Joan Eardley painting this work in Catterline, its sale in 1961, decades enjoyed privately then its arrival on the charity shop’s shelf, to the phone call that started its return to Scotland; we have been proud to support Summer Fields on its continuing journey.”
Since first exhibiting Joan Eardley’s work in 1955, The Scottish Gallery has played a central role in shaping and sustaining her reputation through scholarship, exhibitions, and careful placement in major private and public collections, ensuring each work is presented with context, care, and authority.
The Gallery sells many works on behalf of private clients and families, offering a discreet and considered alternative to auction, allowing works to be placed directly with committed collectors and achieve consistently strong results without the uncertainty of a single sale day.
Running from 2 April to 28 June 2026 at Modern Two, the National Galleries of Scotland exhibition brings together over 30 works by Eardley, alongside paintings from the national collection.
It places Eardley’s work within a wider artistic context, revealing her engagement with both international and Scottish contemporaries, while reaffirming her status as one of the most powerful painters of the twentieth century.
It is a timely moment to reflect not only on her legacy, but on the extraordinary journeys her paintings can take.
An Edinburgh-born painter who built her practice in Glasgow has been awarded a major UK art residency, securing a year-long Freelands Studio Fellowship at the University of Brighton.
Alice Campbell, who graduated with First-Class Honours from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee in 2017, has been selected for the highly competitive fellowship, which supports emerging artists with time, funding and studio space to develop their work within a leading art school environment.
The fellowship, delivered in partnership with the Freelands Foundation, is designed to foster exchange between professional artists and students, combining teaching, mentorship and creative development. Hosted within the School of Art and Media at the University of Brighton, the fellowship will enable Alice enjoy institutional support while deepening her practice over the year.
Originally from Edinburgh and having lived and worked in Glasgow for several years, Alice has recently relocated to Brighton to begin the 12-month residency. The fellowship provides a £33,000 bursary alongside a dedicated studio and mentoring support, enabling her to expand her large-scale oil painting practice while working closely with students.
Alice is known for richly layered paintings influenced by magical realism and the Proto-Renaissance period, blending historical visual language with contemporary questions around identity, connection and storytelling.
Her work often depicts groups of figures at ease in one another’s company, inviting viewers to actively participate in constructing meaning within the scene.
Alice said: “I’m so delighted to have been selected for the Freelands Fellowship at the Brighton School of Art and Media. It really feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity to have the time and space to experiment in order to develop my practice in a nurturing art school environment.
“Having just moved down to Brighton from Scotland, I’m excited to see how the change in location as well as the wealth of new influences affects my work. Additionally, I’m looking forward to working with the painting students and enjoying being in such a vibrant, creative atmosphere.”
Throughout her career, Alice has remained closely connected to the Scottish art community, having developed her practice between Edinburgh and Glasgow. She is also represented by Castlegate House Gallery in Cumbria.
The fellowship is designed to create a dynamic environment where artists and students benefit from mutual learning, mentorship and creative exchange.
Professor Tamar Jeffers McDonald, Dean of the School of Art and Media at the University of Brighton, said: “The Freelands Fellowship brings enormous value to our painting community. It gives students direct insight into sustaining a contemporary artistic practice while contributing to a rich exchange of ideas across the School.
“Alice’s imaginative, narrative-driven work and her engagement with historical influences in a contemporary context will offer a compelling perspective for our students. We are thrilled to welcome her to Brighton.”
The Freelands Studio Fellowship and residency at the University of Brighton will culminate in a solo exhibition at Phoenix Art Space in Brighton.
Lucy Day, Executive Director at Phoenix Art Space, said: “In recent years, Phoenix Art Space has welcomed Freelands Fellows whose exhibitions have been enjoyed by our artistic community and attracted strong public engagement.
“We are delighted to be working with this year’s Fellow, Alice Campbell, through our partnership with the University of Brighton and Freelands Foundation. We look forward to hosting the exhibition and sharing her work with audiences.”
A spokesperson of the Freelands Foundation, said: “We believe in the symbiotic benefits of teaching and making, and that placing an artist in residence in the art school studios is an invaluable resource for students and staff alike.
“We are delighted to welcome Alice Campbell as Brighton’s next Studio Fellow and look forward to seeing how her practice evolves over the coming year.”
Through the fellowship, Alice hopes to have the time and freedom to experient and develop her practice in exciting, rewarding and possibly unpredictable ways. She hopes to create an ambitious body of new work by the end of the year.
Visit Alice’s website for more information on her work.
Have you experienced loss in the past two years? Join us for gentle, creative walks, designed especially for those navigating grief.
Together, we’ll explore the local landscape through art-making, reflection and connection.
Facilitated by Caledonia Funeral Aid’s Emma Ritchie and St Columba’s Hospice’s community artist Isla Macleod, you will be warmly welcomed to share space with others who understand and find comfort in nature and community.
Talented local Edinburgh artist Joe Capps has seen a significant surge in commissions following his recent appearance on the prestigious Sky Arts competition, Portrait Artist of the Year.
Joe, whose distinctive style captured the attention of viewers nationwide, participated in Series 12 of the hit show, where he was tasked with painting the acclaimed singer and songwriter Jacob Collier.
Competing in the high pressure environment of the studio in front of a live audience, Joe produced a striking portrait of Collier within the four hour time limit. While he did not progress to the final rounds, the response from the judges and the public alike has been overwhelmingly positive. Since the episode aired, Joe has seen a record number of enquiries, leaving the artist inundated with new commissions.
Joe commented: “The response to the show has been incredible. Participating in Portrait Artist of the Year was such an intense but rewarding experience.
“Painting someone as creative as Jacob Collier in just four hours was a massive challenge, but the feedback I’ve received from the public since then has been really heart warming.
“I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve received, and I’m looking forward to an incredibly exciting 2026.”
Joe’s rise in the art world is particularly notable given his background. A self taught artist, his formal art education ended after school. However, his career has been defined by a dedicated period of stylistic refinement. This journey led to his 2019 debut solo show, Atlas, in Kendal, and a 2021 showcase for Around The House Productions.
The momentum continued into 2025; alongside his television appearance, Joe’s piece Artemis was long-listed for the prestigious Jackson’s Art Prize. He is currently in the process of devising his second solo exhibition, further cementing his reputation as a rising talent in the contemporary Scottish art scene.
As his profile continues to grow, Joe remains committed to his commission work. He offers a diverse range of bespoke services, including personal portraits, celebrity studies, wedding portraits, and pet portraits.
For more information on Joe’s work, to view his portfolio, or to enquire about future commission availability, visit: https://www.joecappsart.com/.
