In the spectacular setting of Findhorn, Moray Art Centre champions local artists and celebrates the North of Scotland’s rich culture with creative workshops, classes, seasonal programmes, residencies and events for all to enjoy – and its renowned Summer School is set to return from June to August with nine immersive workshops.
Drawing a mix of local creatives and international visitors, the programme will be led by award-winning artists and tutors, many of them returning to teach.
Plein-air artist Jonathan Shearer will guide students through exploring the local landscape, with outdoor and studio painting sessions. Artist Georgia Rose Murray is an arctic enthusiast and returns to focus on experimenting with light and colour, with an exploratory approach to landscape painting. Artist and tutor Celia Smith will help students develop their visual language and encourage a flexible mindset in developing techniques in abstract mark-making. Prize-winning artist Kenneth Le Riche offers students the opportunity to observe portrait-painting through an expressive lens, and portrait artist Allan Davies encourages participants to hone their skills through live model sessions, focusing on technique.
Tactile workshops will be offered, with photographer and printmaker Jill Welham returning to teach Cyanotypes, wherein participants can create their own photograms using this historic photographic process, book artist and printmaker Susie Wilson will be back to lead her popular artist book workshop, exploring book structures and techniques such as printmaking, drawing, stitching, and mixed media.
Artist and art teacher Helen Noyce (Cole), will be asking students to interpret landscapes in abstract forms, drawing inspiration from the artistic styles of Joan Eardley, Graham Sutherland and John Piper, and expand their mark-making to develop a cohesive body of work over the course of a week. And Glasgow School of Art’s Ginny Elston will lead a still-life class, encouraging a transformative approach to still-life using oil paint.
Summer Schools at the Centre benefit from being all-inclusive, with lunch and materials provided for every workshop. The Centre is nestled in a purpose-built ecological facility, and features four artist studios and three gallery spaces, with a tranquil garden providing an additional workspace for students and offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature, to enjoy the wellness benefits of outdoor creativity.
