Sketching and Painting Scotland

“Everything in miniature!” The lady at the art shop smiled as she scanned my purchases.

A tiny, smaller-than-postcard-sized black sketchbook, 5 x 7 inch canvas panels, a teeny watercolour sketchbook. Mini brushes. And just five basic colours.

This was all I needed – and all I allowed myself – to pack for my trip to Scotland. After having travelled with a baby and toddler on my last few flights, I was relieved to be able to travel light. Plus, I knew I’d be having to carry these supplies around with me and doing plenty of walking.

Here are some of the highlights from my Scotland sketchbook and highland paintings.

Three Sisters of Glencoe Highland Painting

Painted after a magical day in the highlands. Original painting now sold

The wide, deep valley. The steeply rising granite peaks smudged with ochre and yellow. First impressions of this magical place: ancient, colourful, every mountain has its own story.

The Sound of Birds and Water

Exploring the Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens, there was a quaint little waterfall tumbling between the yellow rocks under a little bridge. The soft roar of the water and the distant birds were the only two sounds to be heard in this tranquil place. I crouched down – the ground was wet and there were no decently shaped/sized rocks to sit on – and painted where I stood.

Tree Study – West Side 

Of all the trees in the garden, brimming with leaves and whistling in the breeze, it was this one that caught my eye. Its branches bare and severed, it looked somehow out of place, yet oddly at peace.

Landscape Painting of the Edinburgh Botanical Garden – East Side

Painted back at my flat later that day, I combined a few of my favourite elements: sky holes and a dominant tree, and the delightful red and pink hues that stood out magnificently in the grey daylight.

Highland Skies Acrylic Painting on Panel

The painting is available for sale

A little 5 x 7cm panel where I chose to put the sky in focus vs the peaks, with intriguing results! I think this could work on a larger painting: time will tell!

Nesting

I can't resist a penguin!

If there’s one thing you can predict about Scotland, it’s unfortunately poor weather. I’d planned on this day to hike up to Arthur’s Seat and maybe even catch a sunset, but the sky had been staunchly overcast for three days, with no signs of the sun in sight. So, I changed plans and spent a very cold, drizzly day at Edinburgh Zoo, with the nesting gentoo penguins for company. In between squabbles, pooping and stone-tossing, they were really quite tranquil and charming little things, sat on their nests patiently waiting for their eggs to hatch.