Pleinair painting in Largs & the Isles of Cumbrae and Bute

with Lee Craigmile (First Session)

In this 5 day course students will learn the technique of pleinair painting—painting the landscape from life, outside—in the picturesque, seaside town of Largs on Scotland’s west coast.

       Join GAFA co-founder and instructor, Lee Craigmile, on this landscape painting course in his native town of Largs and the surrounding isles. Lee will guide you through every step of his process, from how to organise your outdoor painting set-up to how to approach the painting process. Lee’s own process is based on the academic method of landscape painting, which dates back to the 17th century and was employed by such artists as Corot, Constable and Sargent. In this course students will use sight-size technique to approach the landscape from a visual perspective, whilst also emphasising value-relationships and the handling of a limited palette of colours. 

       In this 5-day course Lee will take you to various scenic locations in the area; you will begin with the stunning views of the Firth of Clyde as seen from Largs’ promenade. Next, you will go to as the picturesque and quaint Isle of Cumbrae, just a 15 minute ferry ride from Largs. And finally you will go to the Isle of Bute to paint one of its iconic castles. On this course you will learn how to scout for painting locations, and what to consider in selecting both a stunning view and a practical location to paint from. Lee will then teach you alla prima painting technique: how to work up a painting in a single session, aiming immediately for direct colour-values as observed in nature. He will discuss how to approach colour, composition, proportion/drawing, and dealing with an ever-changing light effect due to whether and time of day.

Students will receive instruction in the form of a group lecture and demonstration at the beginning of each day, and then through individually tailored critiques.

During this course, you will gain an understanding of the following key concepts:

-How to organise an outdoor painting setup and select a painting spot en pleinair

- How to make observations directly from nature using sight-size technique

-Colour mixing and palette organisation

-How to create a successful, dynamic composition 

-How to break down a complex scene into a simple series of colour-values

-How to resolve a painting in a single session, alla prima style

Materials List

Most materials can be purchased on either Jacksonsart.com or Cassart.co.uk unless stated otherwise, and we have provided links in gold lettering the the specific products/ranges.

Materials:

·      Metal tri-pod field easel:

I would recommend the Loxley Devon Metal Sketching Easel available at: www.artdiscount.co.uk

·      1x Metal palette cup with lid OR small glass jar with lid

·      Cold pressed linseed oil

Chelsea Classical Studios is the best

·      1x Palette Knife

· Palette box

To go with metal tri-pod easel. You can purchase one HERE

·      Panels:

Jacksons’ handmade boards

OR

Raymar Panels L64C

I recommend students buy two 20 x 30 cm. panels, three 24 x 30cm. panels, and one 30 x 40cm. for their pleinair studies.

· Oil Paints:

(Michael Harding is recommended, unless stated otherwise):

Titanium White

Ivory Black

Yellow Ochre

Naples Yellow Light (if you cannot get this pigment, then cadmium yellow light is an alternative, though it will perform VERY differently)

Cerulean Blue

Ultramarine Blue

Vermillion Extra (Old Holland)

Raw Umber

·      Odourless Mineral Spirits:

Gamsol odourless mineral spirit 500ml

***For those traveling by plane to the UK, Gamsol will be provided for you as you***

·      Brushes:

Hog hair filbert sizes 1,2,4,6,8. Ideally, two of each.

Sable round size 2. (www.cornelissen.com or www.rosemaryandco.com)

·      Brush case

·      Brush cleaning tin with air-tight lid

· Brush soap

·      Masking tape

· Paper towels/kitchen roll

ACCOMMODATION and Travel details

Accommodation in Largs.

Largs is a small and picturesque town, which is easy to navigate. There are number of hotels and B&B’s at a range of prices. Please book as early as possible, as the workshop takes place during peak season. We would recommend the following hotels and B&B’s:

Hotels:

The Brisbane House Hotel, a 4-star hotel in the heart of Largs

The Seamill Hydro, a luxury hotel just 30 minutes’ from Largs via bus.

B&B’s:

St. Leonards Guest House

Haven House B & B

Traveling to Largs

There is a train from Glasgow Central Station to Largs every hour—and it is lovely journey with views that will whet your appetite for pleinair painting! Train tickets can be purchased in the station just prior to boarding, or in advance at www.scotrail.com .

*If flying into Glasgow International airport: you can get a rail-link bus from the airport to Paisley Gilmore Street Station from which you can catch the train to Largs.

*If flying into another UK airport: you will need to get a train to Glasgow Central, where you can then catch the train to Largs.

Everyday Travel to Painting locations

On the first day of the workshop we will all meet at a central location in Largs, which will be clearly outlined in our itinerary (this will be sent out to you via email prior to the start of the workshop). All subsequent painting locations will be travelled to together, either on foot, via bus, or via bus and ferry. All the painting locations will be outlined in our itinerary and will be discussed on the first day of class.

Packing

As the weather in Scotland is highly unpredictable, and can be very chilly and wet even in the summer, we recommend that you pack for your trip as if you were camping. You will want to dress in layers to prepare for any weather, and be sure to bring good, sturdy walking shoes/hiking boots and a waterproof jacket with a hood.

Food and Drink

Largs has an array of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs which will be convenient for lunches and dinners. Our locations on Cumbrae and Bute may be near to a cafe/restaurant, but we would still suggest that you go shopping at one of the local grocery stores (Morrison’s or Tesco’s) at the start of each day, so that you can pack snacks, lunch and water for your time at these painting locations.