Strathmore arts festival

Oil Painting Workshop led by John Downie

John is a self taught Scottish artist from Blairgowrie and now residing in Dunkeld, where most of his early influences were born. Having travelled through Europe, worked in the mountainous parts of Romania and travelled through Canada's west coast, he has recently travelled and painted his way through New Zealand where he found inspiration and ideas for some of his works in New Plymouth. John's main inspirations come from the landscapes and coastlines of his home country Scotland where reflection, water and skies play an important part in his works. John's style is his own, taking many years to achieve and could be described as minimalist at times, quite abstract with fresh and flowing colours. John's work has been described as very tranquil and peaceful, full of illusion the thought.

The workshop was part funded by a stART up grant - funding received by the Scottish Government as a Cultural Pathfinder.

The art work will be on display in the Session House over the next 2 to 3 weeks. It can also be viewed at the Hot Cross Bun Coffee Morning, Friday 21st March 10am - 12noon, donation at the door, or any time the Session House is open.

Members of the 5 week Oil Painting Workshop held at Kirkmichael Session House in April, led by John Downie. From left to right - Pauline Burns, Kate Imlay, Bob Maynard, Ivy Bailey, Teresa Parnham, John Downie.

The following pictures were taken during the course of the workshop.
Hover your mouse over the thumbnails.