Hello there, fellow art lovers

I have been meaning to write this blog for some time but time got away with me and I am only just getting around to sitting down and writing now. Anyway I wanted to share incredible opportunity I had to attend a two-day plein air painting workshop led by the talented Jonathan Shearer at the tail end of last year.

The workshop was organised by Resipole gallery on the Ardnamurchan penninsula and took place in the Salen village hall and out on on the Loch.

First off, there's something truly magical about meeting new people who share your passion for art. The workshop was a diverse mix of artists, all with unique styles and backgrounds. It's always a joy to spend time with other supportive and talented creatives who inspire and encourage you.

Now, let's talk about the setting. Picture this: the first day, we were lucky to have glorious weather on our side. We set up our materials all over the Salen area, I chose the Jetty, right by the loch. I spent hours just watching the gentle movements of the water, taking in the breathtaking scenery, and letting the inspiration flow.

On the second day, we moved indoors to dive deep into the world of colour. Jonathan, our tutor, was fantastic. He was not only incredibly skilled and generous with his knowledge but also kind and honest in his feedback. His guidance and expertise added so much value to the experience.

Throughout the workshop, we had the freedom to choose our preferred mediums, whether it was oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel, or something else entirely. Jonathan was there to demonstrate techniques and provide valuable insights into using different materials effectively.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was the emphasis on exploration and development. We were encouraged to bring our sketchbooks and existing sketches to work from, but also had access to a variety of reference materials for inspiration and learning.

Now, here's the best part - the plein air experience. We were out there, capturing the beauty of nature on our chosen medium. It was invigorating, and I even found myself fancying the idea of painting in the midst of a storm – talk about embracing the elements!

If you're an art lover like me and have the chance to attend a workshop like this, don't hesitate. Meeting incredible people, honing your skills, and immersing yourself in the great outdoors – it's an artistic adventure you won't want to miss.

Since the workshop I have continued to play with colour and embrace the lessons Johnathon taught us. I wasn’t a fan of violet and cadmium yellow as a combo at first but i have embraced my discomfort and love this tryptic which came from my since many sessions exploring colour.

Until next time, keep creating, keep exploring, and keep finding joy in your artistic journey or everything around you! 🎨✨

Here are some links to some of the amazing artists I met and their work

http://www.jonathanshearer.co.uk/

https://lisahouston.co.uk/