Join artist Julie Galante for an afternoon of homemade botanical inks made from foraged plants and kitchen scraps. In 2023 Julie dove into ink-making, producing more than 300 inks from over 100 different botanical sources. In this three-hour workshop, Julie will share what she’s learned from all these inky experiments, giving you the skills and knowledge to create your own library of botanical colours. She'll share her core learnings, including the best ways to extract colours, the best plants to use, and how to preserve and store your inks. We'll also cover different ways of finishing your inks depending on how you'd like to use them. Please note this workshop will take place in Julie's Stockbridge studio, which is accessible via three flights of stairs. We will also spend part of the workshop foraging outside, weather permitting, so please dress accordingly. Tea and coffee will be provided.
The perfect Mother's Day gift! On the very cusp of British Summertime starting we’ll be spending an appropriately colourful afternoon steeped in drawing/painting Spring Flowers. The studio will be full of plants such as mini iris, grape hyacinths, tulips, primroses and daffodils. There will be cut flowers in still-life arrangements and a wealth of beautiful photo references to work from too. We’ll take inspiration from Scottish Colourist Samuel John Peploe’s tulip paintings amid an immersive, fun afternoon of Spring botanicals. All levels of artistic abilities are embraced in this workshop so it’s a great opportunity to try out a class with plant-lady tutor Suzanne Gibson. All materials and refreshments will be provided - including cake and a complimentary glass of fizz. Minimum class numbers apply.
A perfect follow-on course for those who have already completed an introductory darkroom printing course, or who have a reasonable level of B&W darkroom printing experience. Please bring B&W negatives (35mm or medium format) that relate to each other in some way (subject matter, tonal range, environment etc.) as we will be making a number of prints that can be read as a series. Please note: This course only covers the printing of images and participants should therefore bring previously processed negatives and if you have one, a printed contact sheet along to the session. All other materials (including a range of papers) will be provided. Class sizes are currently limited to 4 participants to enable social distancing throughout the course. Morning Presentation and analysis of what makes a successful series of photographs, and how the final print can be crafted to accentuate the photographer’s artistic intent Reading the negative and pre-visualising the print Re-cap of darkroom skills – including overview of single filter printing, test strips and making a work print Learning how to split-filter print Afternoon Making a printing plan Using fibre based paper Plenty of practical darkroom time to work on your images and gain confidence in the new skills and processes Finishing your prints Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy before booking. Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout. Stills uses ILFORD PHOTO chemicals on this course that can potentially pose a risk to pregnant and breast feeding women and asthmatics. We take every care to ensure good working practices and adequate ventilation in our darkrooms. If you feel you may be adversely affected, please visit the Health and Safety section of Ilford’s website for further information. General Guidance Notes for Pregnant and Breast Feeding Women and Asthmatics: From a risk assessment standpoint, provided all necessary control measures (such as good working practices, adequate ventilation, and the use of appropriate PPE) are in place then pregnant and breastfeeding women should be able to continue to work safely with photochemical products.Inhalation is the main route by which fumes and gases enter the body, making good ventilation a high priority. Exposure to irritant chemicals that would not affect most people may provoke an asthma attack in a person who already has asthma. For example, low levels of the gas sulphur dioxide can be produced by some ILFORD PHOTO processes. Most individuals would be unaffected but asthmatics may suffer adverse affects. ILFORD PHOTO products include no known human carcinogens, and no substances to which phrase R46 (May cause heritable genetic damage) or R64 (May cause harm to breastfed babies) applies. Most ILFORD PHOTO developers use hydroquinone, and their classification therefore includes R40 (Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect) and R68 (Possible risk of irreversible effects). Some ILFORD PHOTO chemicals use boric acid or borates. These substances are classified as toxic for reproduction. As a result, the classification of some of the powder developers includes R60 (May impair fertility) and R61 (May cause harm to the unborn child).
Unlock the Artistry of the Written Word with CalligraphyDive into a world where letters transform into captivating works of art, where each stroke of the pen tells a unique story. Welcome to the enchanting realm of calligraphy, where tradition meets creativity, and ordinary writing becomes an extraordinary masterpiece.My "Introduction to Calligraphy" course is your gateway to the mesmerising world of elegant script and graceful lettering. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course offers an immersive journey that will awaken your inner artist and transform your writing into a true work of art.Discover the secrets of calligraphic styles, from the timeless beauty of Copperplate to the bold and expressive strokes of Brush Calligraphy. With expert guidance and hands-on practice, you'll learn the art of manipulating pen and ink to create stunning compositions that captivate the eye and stir the soul.Throughout the course, you'll:Master Essential Techniques: You'll gain a solid foundation in calligraphy techniques that will empower your creative expression.Explore Tools and Materials: Delve into the world of calligraphy tools, from classic dip pens to modern brush pens, and learn how to choose the perfect materials to suit your style.Unlock Your Creativity: Calligraphy is more than just writing—it's a form of self-expression. Discover how to infuse your unique personality and creativity into your lettering, making every piece a reflection of your individuality.Build Confidence: Watch your skills flourish as you gain confidence in your ability to create beautiful, handcrafted letters and designs.Whether you dream of crafting elegant wedding invitations, expressing yourself through decorative lettering, or simply finding a soothing creative outlet, my "Introduction to Calligraphy" course offers the perfect starting point. Join me and embark on a journey of self-discovery, artistic expression, and the timeless beauty of the written word. Unleash your inner calligrapher and let your pen dance across the page in a symphony of elegance and creativity.
Join artist Julie Galante for this in-person workshop, where we’ll take inspiration from the sweeping view of Edinburgh’s distinctive skyline as viewed from Inverleith Park. Participants of all experience levels are welcome for this friendly, small-group experience. We’ll start with some guided warm-up sketches before moving on to drawing exercises focused on composition, tone, and observation. By the end of the workshop you’ll feel more confident drawing a city skyline, no matter your previous drawing experience. Please come dressed for the weather, ready to spend two hours outside. You may also want to bring along a folding stool or a rug to sit on while you draw (there may be benches available, but this is unpredictable). Participants will also need to bring along some basic art supplies: A sketchbook and/or some drawing paper and board (A4 or larger recommended) Various drawing pens and pencils Charcoal or graphite sticks An eraser Any other favourite art supplies that you may like to use
Francesca Wyllie (BA Hons Fine Art) has an amazing north-facing art studio at El Retiro in Andalucia, which was purpose-built to accommodate painting groups. Bespoke painting and sculpture workshops can be arranged or Francesca can travel locally to guide you in your own studios or locations.