A DAY TO PAUSE, PAINT & PLAY - in person workshop, Dumfries House

One day Plein Air Painting Retreat at Dumfries House Estate 🎨🌿

SATURDAY 10th MAY
10am-4pm
The Wellbeing Centre, Dumfries House Estate

Step away from the hustle and into a peaceful, tucked-away corner of the stunning Dumfries House Estate. Nestled in the natural surroundings of the Wellbeing Centre, this small, friendly plein air workshop is perfect for those who want to paint outdoors in a calm, supportive space—away from the crowds.

☀️ What to Expect:

• Relaxed Start with Coffee & Pastries – Arrive, settle in, and enjoy fresh coffee, tea, and pastries as we discuss the day ahead.
• Guided Plein Air Sketching Session – Learn to capture the atmosphere, and energy of the surrounding landscape through loose, expressive sketches with plenty of demos and 1-2-1 guidance.
• Delicious Picnic Lunch – Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, mini sausage rolls, cakes, and lashings of ginger beer (I've gone all Famous Five on you) to keep you fuelled for an afternoon of painting.
• Afternoon Painting Session – Back in the studio space, we’ll translate our sketches into small alla prima (wet-on-wet) paintings using a limited palette—a fantastic way to loosen up and embrace bold, confident brushwork.
• Loads of Demos & 1-2-1 Support – Whether you're new to plein air or experienced but looking to refine your skills, I’ll be right there to guide and encourage you every step of the way.
• A Day to Create, Unwind & Be Inspired – This isn’t just about painting; it’s about giving yourself permission to slow down, soak up the beauty around you, and create relaxed sketches and paintings that are very personal to your experience there.

This workshop is perfect for those who have dabbled in painting and beyond—whether you’re new to plein air or a seasoned artist looking for a fresh approach ... or just some time away from the noise of everyday life to immerse in calm contemplative surroundings.

✨ Pause, Paint & Play—step away from the noise, embrace the moment, and create in a space where inspiration comes naturally.

INCLUDES: 
tea/coffee, morning pastries, picnic lunch 

PLUS:
ALL charcoal, paint, materials & surfaces included but please bring:

• Any brushes and tools you like to use
• Baby Wipes
• Rags (chopped up t-shirt is perfect)
• A vessel for water which you can take outside (jar with lid)
• A drawing board or a board to lean on (around A3 size is perfect)

Ayrshire weather can be 'unreliable' however the wellbeing centre offers an undercover outdoor option so unless it's torrential rain and howling winds, we'll be able to work outdoors. If weather is so poor, worry not, we'll be working in a similar way inside our studio. Weather update and guidance on clothing, etc will be contained in an email on the Monday before your workshop.

You'll receive an email on the Monday before the workshop with all info you need for the weekend - please check spam*