Tag Archives: Robert Burns

Daily Sketch

A birthday sketch for the Baird

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Robert Burns ink sketch

Today’s sketch had to be a portrait of Robert Burns, drawn using ink and a fountain pen

I do have a hundred other things to get on with but I thought I would take a moment out of commissions this morning to make this ink sketch using my fountain pen.

I love using the smooth nib of a fountain pen, although my hands often end up covered in ink.

I also made a small video so was practicing holding the camera and drawing at the same time, but it turned out okay. I was inspired by a couple of videos online to use real time snippets of the drawing rather than a speeded up time lapse as I have in the past.

I think the chopped up real time video shows more of the truthful process, but what do you think?

Enjoy your haggis, neeps and tatties tonight, and remember to raise a wee dram to Rabbie!

Daily Sketch

Robert Burns returns to Leith

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Removed to make way for the tram works, the land mark statue returns to Bernard Street in time for Burns Night.

I was just passing by as the crane was lifting Rabbie from the back of a lorry and placing him in position, on the corner of Constitution street in Leith.

The statue was erected by the Leith Burns Club in 1898 and has been moved a few times but hopefully now he can relax, he looks pleased to be back in his rightful place, looking over Leithers as they pass by.

The statue will be officially unveiled once again, on Burns Night 2022, the 25th January.

Daily Sketch

A wee beastie sketch for Robert Burns

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ToAMouse_Colour
National poet of Scotland, Robert Burns was born on this day in 1759. Here I have sketched a personal favourite of his poems, ‘To A Mouse’.

Starting with the famous words ‘Wee, sleekit, cow’rin, tim’rous beastie’, the ploughman’s tale tells of a mouse’s nest which is destroyed by the plough, leaving the tiny creature vulnerable to the harsh winter despite her careful planning. Burns notes how like the mouse, man’s best-laid plans often go awry.

 

My sketch is in black ink with a little watercolour on the mouse. I may make it into a tea towel or framed piece on canvas. What do you think?

 

For more information about Robert Burns, who wrote many world famous poems, including ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and ‘A Red, Red Rose’ follow the links below.

 

And be sure to raise a glass to the Baird tonight, when you settle down to your haggis , neeps and tatties.

 

 

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Robert Burns website

Robert Burns National Trust for Scotland

BurnsNight

 

Daily Sketch

Burns night at the Scotsman Hotel

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NorthBridgeBrasserieaI’m looking forward to my Burns Night Supper here tonight. The Scotsman Hotel on the North Bridge is one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful buildings. Built in 1905 the building was of course formerly the home of The Scotsman Newspaper, up until 2001 when the paper moved to its present location near the Scottish Parliament.

This view shows the North Bridge Bar and Brasserie entrance, where I’ll be dining tonight.

 

You too can join Executive Chef Paul Hart at the North Bridge Brasserie tonight and experience his contemporary twist on a traditional Burns Night classic. This culinary extravaganza is definitely one not to be missed. Paul’s four course supper will be served between 5.30pm and 10.00pm on the 25th January 2013… to book your table click HERE

If you can’t make tonight the Scotsman Hotel are also holding a wine tasting evening on Wednesday 6th February, for more information call 0131 556 5565

 

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Daily Sketch

In the Burns spirit

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RobertBurnsI’m getting in the Burns day spirit with today’s sketch as I have just booked a table at The Scotsman Hotel for their Burns Night Supper. The menu by head chef Paul Hart sounds delicious and I’m looking forward to raising a glass to the baird in the traditional way with haggis, neeps and tatties!!

 

Where will you be having your Burns Night Supper? Click HERE to see the Scotsman Hotel’s Burns Night Supper menu and book your table.