Tag Archives: Lauriston Castle

Spring Equinox at Lauriston CAstle

Saturday marked the Spring Equinox and the weather was marvellous in Edinburgh.

What a perfect day in Edinburgh for the #springequinox. We enjoyed a lovely walk in Lauriston Castle meeting up with friends who we haven’t seen for ages.

Spring is here and the warm weather makes such a difference to my mood , lets hope for another glorious sunshine filled spring in the capital.

I love Lauriston Castle, such a beautiful space to stretch the legs and get some well needed fresh air. See more about the 16th-century tower house which over looks the Firth of Forth at their website below.

Lauriston Castle

The Lord and Lady Provost of Edinburgh Community Garden Party

LauristonGarden_soldierOn the 29th July this year I was asked to cover the Community Garden Party at Lauriston Castle, these are my sketches from a lovely evening in Edinburgh.

Bag pipes could be heard along with pops of champagne and laughter as I walked around the beautifully kept grounds which overlook the Firth of Forth and rolling hills of Fife in the distance.

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Marques shared the lawn with croquet players offering lessons to visitors, all of which were dressed to impress in summer dresses or military uniforms, plus of course the top hat and tails of the High Constables.LauristonGarden_Provost

Each year the Lord and Lady Provost hold this garden party to recognise and thank the many people who do good for the city of Edinburgh. Amongst those being highlighted were charities as well as youth, community and voluntary groups based in the capital.

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I think its great that this exists and hope it continues to do so. I know that a little recognition goes a long way.

All my sketches were drawn on site with a fine liner pen, watercolour set and water brush. 

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Lauriston Castle

Edinburgh Council

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Sketching workshops at Lauriston Castle

sketchers3_fromYana_webThis summer I am running a number of sketch workshops at Lauriston Castle, in partnership with Edinburgh Council

My first day of workshops took place in July and I am very glad to say, a sell out. Marketed for families just starting their summer holidays we had a good range of ages attending, and a good range of accents as many had made the event part of their holiday in Edinburgh.

 

You may of seen some of the images below on my social media at the time but for those who didn’t the blue door selection was one of our subjects. I like to have a whole class focus in on a detail, such as the blue door and then see all the work together. It shows the range of styles and how each one has merits and personality.

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My next day of classes is tomorrow, Saturday 15th August and although the morning session is sold out, at the time of writing there was still a few places in the afternoon. The session runs from  1-3pm and costs £20. Tickets can be booked via the Usher Hall website HERE

 

Below are a few more photographs from the first event. Thanks to Yana from The Green Deer company who came along on the tour and supplied the images with myself in them!

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Book your tickets here

Lauriston Castle on facebook

 

Drawings from the Lauriston Castle Garden Party

LauristonGardenParty_LawnLast weekend I was invited to the Community Garden Party with the Lord Provost at Lauriston Castle in Edinburgh.

The Lord Provost was there to award Edinburgh’s many volunteers, those recognised for their crucial contribution to local life. He said: “I want this celebration to recognise and reward those who make a positive contribution to our great city – particularly the unsung heroes who give up their time tirelessly for others and for the good of their local community.”

 

Afternoon tea was served in front of the historic castle, on the croquet lawn which was where I drew the illustration above. In the foreground you can see the very talented Davidson’s Mains and District Pipe Band, who played while guests arrived and throughout the evening.

 

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There was also a marquee with various singing and dancing groups entertaining the guests. Above is a sketch with the Sco Vibe fusion orchestra on the stage. Part of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Sco Vibe is open to young musicians aged 11-18 from any musical background, including classical, folk, rock and pop.

 

Although a bit windy, the sun stayed out and it was an honour to be meet many of Edinburgh’s contributors, and see their everyday efforts recognised. Below are a few more sketches from the afternoon, click on each one to enlarge.

 

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My next Lauriston Castle sketch class

 

Scottish Chamber Orchestra website

 


Davidson’s Mains and District Pipe Band website

 

 

 

Sketching at Lauriston Castle a great success

4 Thanks to all who came to the sketch tour at Lauriston Castle this morning.

 

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Here are a few photos from our session, after we were back inside the beautiful castle and could compare our doodles. The location was stunning and everyone seemed to enjoy their time sketching in the beautiful grounds, situated close to the Firth of Forth in North Edinburgh.

 

We started with some timed sketching and drawing exercises to relax everyone and loosen up the line work. After focusing on cross hatching and close up details we built up to a watercolour version using the skills we had practised.

 

Here are some of the sketches produced, well done all who took part. If you would like to join us this Friday at the City Art Centre then follow the link below.

 

Lauriston Castle sketch tour link

Inside Lauriston Castle

LauristonCastle_LibraryToday I had a personal tour of Lauriston Castle, which over looks the Firth of Forth in the North East of Edinburgh.

I was only there for a quick look around, scoping the beautiful grounds and luxurious interiors of the castle for some sketching next week. I have visited the grounds in the past, there is a beautiful Oriental Garden and the views of the Forth to Fife are amazing. Especially now when there are daffodills are out all around.

 

But I had never until now and can’t wait to return next week to sketch more. Each of the grand rooms are packed with trinkets, portraits and beautifully crafted furnature, most of which are hundreds of years old.

 

The sketch above is from one end of the library, in a well lit corner of the room lies a writing desk and sculted chair, surrounded by books and ceiling to floor windows. Check back next week when I will have more to see after my second visit.