The Drawing Room – A Gastronomic Painting Holiday / Art Master Class in Country House Luxury on Scotland’s West Coast
The Drawing Room is a residential art course with a difference. In stunning Argyll scenery, in the luxury accommodation of historic Ormidale House, what we offer is a residential course for the amateur artist, with only 18 places available. In the company of Charles Jamieson, one of Scotland’s most collected contemporary painters, course participants will be given tuition from some of the country’s most expert painting, drawing and design tutors, and the chance to develop their skills in a convivial and sociable setting.
 Ormidale is a fabulous 13 bedroom house set in 20 acres of landscaped grounds at the head of Loch Riddon in the Kyles of Bute. It is ranked at the very top of VisitScotland’s four star ratings for excellence, and the Drawing Room art school has exclusive use for the week. Just an hour and a half from Glasgow airport, the setting is spectacular, and the surrounding landscapes, seascapes and skyscapes have inspired generations of artists. You will meet several of them. Whatever the weather, there is something magical about the light in this bit of Argyll. The scenery in Spring and Autumn is arguably at its very best.
Over three, four, or five days, course participants will see lots of the area and will work with some of Scotland’s best art teachers. They will experience fine dining on a fully inclusive basis, and enjoy the sociable atmosphere of the drawing room for drinks and then the buzz of the grand dining hall. It dates from 1693 when the original house was built for the Duke of Argyll. A full size billiard room is housed in the beautiful extension designed by renowned architect Sir Robert Lorimer in the early 1900s. Throughout their stay, guests will have exclusive use of the more recently installed leisure facilities of tennis court, swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room.
Charles Jamieson (MFA, PAI, PPAI) is a great host and raconteur as well as a hugely respected artist and an intuitive and experienced tutor. Some of his best stories are of his life in theatre, television and film, starring in Take The High Road, Blakes Seven, Taggart and Bad Boys and working in films opposite Rutger Hauer, Charles Dance, and Patrick Bergin. He published a book of photographs of Glasgow in 2009, and appears in Ken Loach’s forthcoming film, but his focus has been painting for the last 20 years. Co-founder and Chair of The Aspect Prize, a past president of Paisley Art Institute and winner of the William Bowie and the Richmond Hill Gallery Awards, his paintings hang in collections all over the world including those of Ernst & Young, Biggart Baillie, The Prudential, Caledonian Breweries, Harry Enfield, John Le Carré, Keeley Hawes, and Lord McFarlane. He has taught at Glasgow School of Art, and has led residential courses at Candili in Greece.
 Course participants will have the chance to work in a variety of media, including printing methods that can be replicated at home, as well as drawing and painting. Rather than having any style or method forced upon you, encouragement will be given to follow areas of work that most interest participants. The Drawing Room is designed to provide a non-competitive and non-judgemental environment where the skills of any participant from the beginner to the truly accomplished, can be nurtured and improved. Most days will feature a studio or location visit. We will see some local studios and meet successful working Argyll artists.
Benmore Botanic Gardens, and its courtyard gallery, will be one highlight, with a visit to the old Castle Lachlan another. The social and sight-seeing aspect of the week will be as important to some participants as the art tuition. A whisky tasting and some local traditional music will be part of the experience.
The price includes all food, all drinks including alcoholic drinks, and all necessary materials.
The Drawing Room is open for one week in March (26th to 30th) and for one week in September (25th to 29th).
Guests can sign up for 2 night, 3 night, or 4 nights (giving 3 days, 4 days, and 5 days tuition respectively).
Start Dates –
March 26th for 2, 3, or 4 nights
March 27th for 2 or 3 nights
March 28th for 2 nights
September 25th for 2, 3, or 4 nights
September 26th for 2, or 3 nights
September 27th for 2 nights
Single Occupancy - two night, three day course is £799, with additional days and nights available at £200 each.
Twin or Double Occupancy – two night, three day course is £699 per person, with additional days and nights available at £150 each.
Special offer launch rate includes Gourmet “Dine and Dem” evening dinner worth £50, whisky tasting worth £40, on-going post-course mentoring and expertise worth £150, souvenir Portfolio worth £59.99. |
