Back in my old stomping ground after two years absence, I’m delighted to be hosting this year’s ‘Windswept Wilderness’ sketching itinerary next week. The primroses beneath the birches have now been joined by bluebells and I am hoping they will herald the start of summer, which is painfully late this year. We’ve had rain clouds from the north, but we are promised our usual south-westerly airflow next week, so my fingers are crossed for the sunny weather we usually enjoy on this itinerary. Of course, being Scotland, you can never guarantee anything, and wet weather contingencies are on hand. They can include painting from the car (although quite often a squally rain shower in accompanied by zero visibility, leading to an exercise on painting white on white!)
Windswept Wilderness is the only painting holiday running in Scotland this year, and it is full. Assynt definitely deserves its popularity, yet there is no reason why the other locations should be overlooked. For 2027 I have moved this itinerary to run ahead of ‘The Bonnie Broom’, which would make a fine extension, especially with the addition of the Western Isles as a fitting finale. This second itinerary involves slightly less walking exertions, so could act as a ‘rest’ once all the strenuous activity has taken place. The sketching and painting is equally inspiring in both areas so I do hope some of you will be able to do both, next year.
Colonsay, home of the ‘Where the Corncrakes Sing’ retreat, is one of the sunniest places in Scotland. I can’t promise warmth; beginning in April, we could even see the odd hail shower (or the infamous ‘lambing snows’, although flakes don’t settle on an island). But the beauty of this trip is that we stay together in a cosy farmhouse, and can work from inside if the weather won’t play. Colonsay is compact, varied, peaceful and unspoiled; the perfect place for any landscape/nature-inspired painter. This trip MUST be booked several months in advance due to limited accommodation on the island and the needs to reserve it early. I can’t reserve accommodation without bookings, so if you think you may be interested in this holiday, why don’t we start planning for it now?
Most visitors love Scotland. Artists love the Northwest. Luckily for me, most Vistas participants seem to love the trips I offer, too! Here are just a couple of the lovely things said after a ‘Windswept Wilderness’ week. If you still have doubts, or would like more information about any of the Scotland itineraries and the difference between them, why not drop me a message?
‘So many memorable times but probably the most memorable was our walk and sketching at the base of Suilven and the day at Handa island. Mary was superb in taking us to remote places that were excellent to sketch and made it all the more special with bringing coffee and particularly yummy sandwiches.’ (Fiona)
‘Don’t dither do it! I really can’t thank Mary King enough for getting me back painting with a vigour and freedom that I haven’t had before. Her teaching style is hands free and persuasive, recognising and developing the very varied styles of the six amateurs on the trip.
From the very first email correspondence to the ‘last supper’ in Lochinver, Mary went the extra mile to ensure we got to see and sketch the very best of the countryside of NW Scotland. This took us to many peaceful places off the beaten track that were simply stunning.
I promise you, you’ll return home with a book full of sketches with some paintings you can be proud of and a shed load of memories from a week very well spent.’ (Mike)
