Embark on a journey through Scotland’s captivating landscapes under the guidance of artist Heidi Lorenz. Participants will immerse themselves into the spirit of Scotland, interpreting and documenting their experiences through their chosen creative form. Each day unveils a new traditional Scottish location, offering abundant opportunities to create and be inspired, fueling future artistic projects.

Comfortable and convenient accommodations provide a base for daily creative escapades. Enjoy shared evening meals or dine alone. Share optional activities such as critiques, leisurely walks, or work outs.  The choice is yours.

Daily group outings to one or two locations will occur each morning and afternoon across various regions of Scotland. Participants enjoy creative exploration, with plenty of opportunities for self-guided adventure, too.

Each location offers a wealth of inspiration–from historical cities to breathtaking landscapes, encouraging your artistic expression. Following evening meals, reflect on your day’s endeavors, partake in discussions on technique, composition, or just relax. Group critiques and art discussions focus on where you are as an artist and your individual insights.

Breakfast and dinner are provided at the hotel. Lunch breaks offer the opportunity to eat and explore on your own. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for these daily explorations.

Space is limited to 8 participants.

Packing guidance is available upon registration; refer to the FAQ section below for art supply suggestions.

Pre-requisite:

Open to creative individuals eager to explore and document their journey through various art forms. While basic skills are beneficial, participants of all levels and mediums are welcome to join this enriching creative exploration.

This workshop focuses on artistic inspiration and guidance rather than structured lessons. Heidi, your artistic facilitator, will offer valuable insights drawn from her own rich experience.

TRIP COST: $3,950-$4,395

Cost varies based on room preference and includes eight nights’ accommodations, traditional Scottish breakfasts and dinners, transportation between the hotel and exploration sites, artist guidance, and certain local tour admissions.

**Airfare not included.

Participants are responsible for booking their own airline reservations, lunches during the trip, and personal incidentals.  *Included meals do not include gratuity, alcoholic beverages or other premium add-ons.

NOTE:  The cost of the trip you see above is based on a single occupant in a room.  The price of your trip may significantly decrease if you are inclined to share a room with another trip participant.  Trip costs for those sharing rooms would range from $2,950-$3,395 depending on room choice.  Check out the accommodations at the Keavil House Hotel to see shared room options. 

If you would like to share a room with another trip participant, please contact us via email so we can invoice you for your adjusted trip amount, rather than paying at the link below. 

*Itinerary is subject to change and may be flipped to accommodate for weather shifts.
**Travel Days on April 30th and May 9th.  Workshop dates:  May 1st-8th

Travel Day – April 30th
Leave Boston 7:40pm, Arrive Edinburgh 10:20am May 1st

MORNING ARRIVAL

Meet at the airport and ride in the group van to the hotel.

Dunfermline Abbey & Pittencrieff Park

Dunfermline Abbey, is a historic site originally founded as a Benedictine priory in the 11th century by Queen Margaret, later Saint Margaret. It served as a major religious center and the burial place for Scottish royalty, including King Robert the Bruce and Queen Margaret. The abbey’s stunning Romanesque nave is a notable remnant of its original structure, surviving the Scottish Reformation that destroyed much of its monastic buildings. Today, managed by Historic Environment Scotland, it draws visitors interested in history, royal heritage, and medieval architecture.

Adjacent to the historic abbey, Pittencrieff Park is a serene 76-acre green oasis, offering a delightful escape with its woodland walks, charming greenhouses, and the captivating Pittencrieff House Museum. Visitors can enjoy inspiring views alongside the statue of Andrew Carnegie, whose legacy is intricately tied to this beautiful park. With convenient facilities such as toilets and parking, Pittencrieff Park provides the perfect recreational spot for relaxation and leisure painting. Its proximity to our hotel makes it an ideal location for those who may wish to take a peaceful respite after our long night of travel, allowing everyone to unwind and recharge in a tranquil setting.

Pittenweem  – Coastal Village

Pittenweem is a picturesque historic fishing village on the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland, celebrated for its artistic community, vibrant harbor, and stunning coastal views. The village is home to colorful terraced houses and narrow alleys leading to a bustling harbor, alongside the annual Pittenweem Arts Festival attracting global artists and enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy charming streets and traditional cottages, rich with history and culture. The village also offers cozy cafes and eateries serving fresh seafood and local dishes. Pittenweem’s welcoming community and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for art lovers and travelers alike.

Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, one of Scotland’s two national parks, offers breathtaking landscapes perfect for plein air painting. Featuring Loch Lomond’s expansive waters and The Trossachs’ wooded hills and glens, the park is a natural muse for artists. Outdoor activities abound with hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching, while scenic drives provide panoramic views. The area’s rich cultural heritage and diverse wildlife further enhance its appeal, making it an ideal locale for capturing Scotland’s beauty and history through art.

As an artist wandering through Balloch Castle and Country Park, you’re enveloped in a canvas of lush, tranquil beauty. The winding trails offer ever-changing perspectives, leading you through vibrant gardens and serene woodlands, each corner a potential painted creation. The historic Balloch Castle stands stoic amidst this natural splendor, and its timeless architecture perfectly juxtaposed against the dynamic play of light upon Loch Lomond’s waters. It’s a landscape that invites creative exploration, where every view inspires a fresh stroke of the brush and every moment is a captured glimpse of Scotland’s enchanting heart.

Luss is a picturesque village located on the western shore of Loch Lomond in Scotland. It’s well-known for its charming views, historic cottages, and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for visitors to the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

EXPLORE EDINBURGH on your own (or with Heidi)

Morning: Calton Hill

Perched gracefully above Edinburgh’s cityscape, Calton Hill is a treasure trove for artists, offering an unparalleled vantage point where sweeping vistas of historic and modern Edinburgh unfold. This iconic hilltop is crowned with an eclectic mix of neoclassical monuments, including the striking silhouette of the National Monument and the elegant Dugald Stewart Monument, both providing dynamic subjects against the ever-changing Scottish sky. The play of light over Arthur’s Seat, the Firth of Forth, and the spires of the Old Town creates a mesmerizing palette, inviting painters to capture the juxtaposition of nature and architecture. Calton Hill is not only a focal point of artistic inspiration but also a serene escape within the city’s heart, where every angle offers a new perspective that speaks directly to a creative soul.

Afternoon/Early Evening:  Edinburgh Castle, Scottish National Gallery and Royal Botanic Garden

Edinburgh, the cultural heart of Scotland with its rich blend of history and vibrant culture, is a treasure trove for artists seeking inspiration. Begin your exploration at the majestic Edinburgh Castle, offering dramatic architecture and sweeping vistas of the city below. A stroll down the iconic Royal Mile unveils a tapestry of historic buildings, lively street performers, and unique shops—perfect for capturing dynamic street scenes or take this day to cast aside your sketchbook and explore at your leisure.

In the heart of the city, the Scottish National Gallery houses masterpieces from Van Gogh to Scottish colorists, providing artistic inspiration across centuries. 

The Royal Botanic Garden invites artists to sketch its diverse plant collections and glasshouses in a tranquil setting. Edinburgh’s rich combination of architectural grandeur, natural beauty, and cultural vibrancy make it an inviting city for artists to explore and capture its unique essence.

Stirling

Perched majestically atop Castle Hill, Stirling Castle offers artists a remarkable site where history and stunning landscapes converge. As you approach, the imposing fortress captures the imagination with its commanding views over the surrounding countryside and the distant Highlands. The castle’s architecture, with its grand halls and intricate details, provides a diverse array of subjects for plein air painting. The warm tones of the stone, contrasted with the vibrant sky, create a dynamic palette, inviting artists to explore the rich textures and play of light across the ancient walls.

Descending from the castle, the historical city of Stirling unveils narrow cobbled streets and charming old town architecture, each corner revealing new inspirations. The view from the castle’s esplanade extends over the lush Valley of Menteith and the tributaries of the River Forth, offering expansive vistas that change with the shifting light. Nearby, the stirring sight of the Wallace Monument adds a layer of historical depth to the landscape, providing a compelling focal point for artists capturing the region’s storied past.

Around the castle, artists will find peaceful spots within the Queen Anne Gardens, where they can paint the juxtaposition of manicured landscapes against the rugged natural backdrop. The gardens not only offer floral beauty but are a tranquil retreat for setting up an easel and capturing the serene ambiance that surrounds the area. Stirling Castle and its environs are a treasure trove for artists, where every panorama and hidden detail holds the potential to turn a canvas into a narrative of Scotland’s rich heritage.

Culross

Culross is one of Scotland’s last intact 17th-century villages, offering artists a unique glimpse into the past with its beautifully preserved architecture and cobbled streets. Key vantage points include Culross Palace and Garden, where the tiered landscapes provide sweeping views of the town and River Forth. At the heart of the village, the Mercat Cross is surrounded by traditional buildings, making it an ideal spot to capture the essence of a historical market square.

The coastal path offers expansive vistas of Culross against the River Forth, offering stunning scenes, especially at sunset. Artists will also find inspiration at Culross Abbey, perched on a hill with panoramic views, and the Back Wynd, a steep street that presents charming perspectives of the village’s hillside homes. With its historical charm and varied landscapes, Culross is a perfect destination for capturing the essence of Scotland’s rich heritage in art.

Lunch in Culross, you can enjoy a meal at the Red Lion Inn, a charming pub located in the heart of the village. The Red Lion Inn offers traditional Scottish fare and a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for lunch. You can savor dishes made with fresh, local ingredients while enjoying the historic ambiance that complements your exploration of this picturesque village. Another option is Biscuit Café, situated within Culross Pottery and Gallery, where you can enjoy light lunches, homemade soups, and delicious baked goods in a quaint setting. Both venues offer a delightful break amidst your artistic adventures in Culross.

Queensferry Crossing and Forth Bridges & Margrats Marsh

The Queensferry Crossing and Forth Bridges present an exhilarating canvas for artists, blending architectural grandeur with Scotland’s natural beauty. Spanning the Firth of Forth, these bridges connect Edinburgh to Fife, each showcasing unique design elements. The Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as an iconic red latticework masterpiece of Victorian engineering. Nearby, the Forth Road Bridge offers graceful suspension spans, while the modern Queensferry Crossing dazzles with its sleek, cable-stayed design as the longest of its kind in the world.

Exploring vantage points from South and North Queensferry, artists are treated to breathtaking scenes where these engineering marvels meet shimmering waters and rolling hills. Whether capturing the vibrant hues of sunrise or the majestic silhouettes at sunset, the Queensferry Crossing and Forth Bridges offer endless inspiration for those eager to explore and paint Scotland’s rich interplay of industry and nature.

St. Andrews

For a group of plein air painters, St Andrews is a treasure trove of scenes waiting to be captured on canvas. Known as the “Home of Golf,” its historic links and expansive greens offer artists sweeping vistas of manicured fairways against the rugged coastline of the North Sea. Here, the interplay of light and shadow across the undulating landscape creates a dynamic canvas, perfect for capturing the essence of Scotland’s storied golfing heritage.

The heart of St Andrews is characterized by its charming cobbled streets and historic architecture, offering endless subjects from the majestic ruins of St Andrews Cathedral to the atmospheric St Andrews Castle perched on the cliffs. These ancient structures, with their weathered stonework, provide a compelling contrast to the vibrant life of the bustling university town surrounding them.

The beaches of St Andrews, with their vast expanses of sand and tidal rhythms, offer another dimension for artists. The light reflecting off the North Sea creates a kaleidoscope of colors to inspire seascapes. In the early morning or at twilight, the coastal views are particularly captivating, as the changing light paints the sky and sea with hues that shift from gentle pastels to vibrant oranges and purples.

For plein air painters, St Andrews is not only a place of historical and cultural richness but also a landscape of diverse beauty where nature and history meet, offering infinite possibilities for artistic expression and discovery.