Off The Rails Arthouse

Another in our series of introductions to the delightful, fascinating art of Chinese brush painting. This a great chance to try your hand at this expressive art form. Many people who have undertaken previous workshops have enjoyed them hugely and have found them beneficial to their own work, as you can see from the testimonials below. This workshop is suitable for beginners or people who have painting experience but have never tried Chinese brush painting techniques before. You might also;

We are delighted to welcome back Sarah Knox to Off the Rails Arthouse following a highly successful workshop last year. An artist and experienced art teacher based in Edinburgh, Sarah is known for her evocative paintings of the Scottish landscape, capturing the atmosphere and the fall of light on a place using fluid gestural brushstrokes and subtle restrained colour palettes. This course is aimed at people with different levels of experience including beginners, or those who would welcome one–to–one support;

Create a hand-bound leather / pleather  journal in this creative workshop with bookbinder Cass Barron We are delighted to welcome Cass Barron, expert bookbinder and teacher to Off the Rails Arthouse. Cass is based in Edinburgh and you can find out more about her on both her website and facebook page.   Many artists are interested in learning about making books as a way of showing their work or by personalising sketchbooks. The choice is yours. This is an afternoon introduction;

This workshop is open to people working at all levels. The workshop will begin with some short warm up poses, moving on to twenty to thirty-minute drawings. Theresa will demonstrate different techniques and you will be encouraged to try different approaches. We will look at strategies to achieve correct proportion in various poses. Theresa will offer advice throughout, discussing progress, aims and any specific queries with individuals. In the afternoon session we will decide together whether to do one, two;

Following a series of highly successful workshops, here is another chance to discover the fascinating art of Chinese brush painting and try your hand at this expressive art form. This workshop is suitable for beginners or people who have painting experience but have never tried Chinese brush painting techniques before. No prior knowledge is necessary, you should simply be keen to learn and willing to hold a brush. All tools and materials used during the workshop will be supplied. The;

A welcome return to Fife-based photographer Bruce Pert who will lead this session introducing visual and craft artists to skills that could help them improve the photographs they take of their work. This workshop is supported by Fife Contemporary. Bruce’s previous workshop was oversubscribed and had great feedback. Covered during the day will be: Cameras and lenses – an introduction to the necessary hardware Basic photographic practice Simple studio set-up and lighting Photographing the work Common problems encountered Getting images;

There are two chances to undertake this exciting three-hour workshop, led by feltmaker Aileen Clarke. This is a morning session, from 10 till 1. In this workshop you will make a wet felted flower brooch using merino and silk fibres. This includes learning how to form and layer three-dimensional flower shapes and how to make a felt ball for the centre.  You will go away with a finished piece ready to be sewn together when dry and full written instructions;

The deconstruction and reconstruction of an image, by redefining and remaking, surfaces and marks. We are delighted to welcome Susie Paterson, Edinburgh based artist, to the Off the Rails family.  Susie is a superb painter and printmaker, with a new body of work she describes below. You can see examples of her stunning word on her website. This one-day workshop is suitable for painters, printmakers, textile makers and anyone else who wishes to inject energy and experimentation into their work.;

After a very successful charcoal drawing workshop in October, we are delighted to welcome back Nichola Martin, an award-winning artist based in Fife.  A skilled draughtsman, she prefers to work in charcoal and oils and is highly sought after for paintings requiring a high level of technical detail. You can see examples of her stunning work on her website. Nichola is also a highly experienced teacher and runs regular workshops and classes across the country. This one-day workshop will consist;

Another chance to engage in the craft of feltmaking with one of Fife’s best known makers Aileen Clarke.  You can see examples of her beautiful artworks here. This one day workshop is a fun opportunity to try out some basic feltmaking techniques. It is suitable for beginners, or for those with some experience who wish to refresh or enhance their skills. Morning In this session you will make a wet felted flower brooch using merino and silk fibres. Learn how;

We are delighted to welcome local portrait and narrative painter Katy McKidd Stevenson to Off the Rails Arthouse. Katy’s own work is stunning and fascinating and you can see examples here. She has taught in secondary schools for many years, building up a successful programme for beginners and intermediate students. She is now bringing her introductory portraiture programme to adults. Her classes have been very well received, with students saying they have learned a huge amount and found the course;

This workshop is open to people working at all levels. The workshop will begin with some short warm up poses, moving on to twenty to thirty-minute drawings. Theresa will demonstrate different techniques and you will be encouraged to try different approaches. We will look at strategies to achieve correct proportion in various poses. Theresa will offer advice throughout, discussing progress, aims and any specific queries with individuals. In the afternoon session we will decide together whether to do one, two;

Here is another chance for a one-day introduction to the art of willow weaving, this time on a cold and frosty February Saturday. You will be mainly making an attractive nut bowls, but with opportunities to expand into other woven artefacts. You will learn to use the tools of the basket maker and the art of soaking and preparing willow and will have the opportunity to incorporate winter foliage into your piece, such as hazel, birch and dogwood. We will;

Saturday 25th January 2010 10-4pm Course fee- £50 (including  all tools, materials and refreshments.) Join us for a fun and colourful workshop where you will be introduced to the wonderful art of paper folding. This structured course is for designers, artists and anyone wishing to learn how to transform a sheet of paper into three dimensional forms. Participants will be introduced to the basic principles of paper folding and will learn various techniques and designs including linear divisions, zigzag and knife;

Due to popular demand, we are delighted to offer another Try for a Day Chinese brush painting workshop with Chi Zhang. Discover the fascinating art of Chinese brush painting and try your hand at this expressive art form. This workshop is suitable for beginners or people who have painting experience but have either never tried Chinese brush painting techniques before or wish to refresh their skills. No prior knowledge is necessary, you should simply be keen to learn and willing;

It’s that time of year again! We are delighted that willow weaving expert Jane Wilkinson is offering a one-day festive woven crafts workshops. This is a chance to get the season off to a lovely, creative start, and solve some of these Christmas presents into the bargain! Get together with some friends and enjoy an introduction to the art of willow weaving. Jane will help you to make attractive festive decorations such as stars, angels for your table top and;

Following the success of this workshop in May, we are offering another chance to work with jeweller and teacher Sheila Roussel who will introduce you to some basic techniques in a fun, fast-paced afternoon. You can see examples of Sheila’s beautiful work on her website. This class is suitable for those who are new to jewellery making or who have some experience and would like to try something new. At this jewellery workshop you will learn some jewellery making techniques;

We are delighted to welcome for the first time Nichola Martin, an award-winning artist based in Fife.  A skilled draughtsman, she prefers to work in charcoal and oils and is highly sought after for paintings requiring a high level of technical detail. You can see examples of her stunning work on her website. Nichola is also a highly experienced teacher and runs regular workshops and classes across the country. This one-day workshop will consist of drawing from still-life using charcoal. ;

We are very happy to welcome back expert printmaker and teacher Elspeth Lamb for a three-day intensive workshop in these fascinating printing techniques, which will extend your knowledge and skills.  Read on to find out more about them and what you will learn while you are taking part. Invented in the early nineteenth century in Europe and developed in the USA during the 1930’s to the present day, a collagraph print is essentially made from a plate constructed from card, thin metal;

Aileen Clarke, based in Fife, will be very well known to many of you as the designer and maker of the most delightful felt pieces. You can see examples of her beautiful artworks on her here. This one day workshop is a fun opportunity to try out some basic feltmaking techniques. It is suitable for beginners, or for those with some experience who wish to refresh or enhance their skills. Morning In this session you will make a wet felted;

We are delighted to welcome back Dominique Cameron for another one day workshop exploring and celebrating our local area. Anyone who knows her stunning work, seen here on her website, will know that she is immensely skilled at capturing the essence of a viewpoint at great speed. If you join this workshop, you are in for a hardworking but highly inspiring day. The workshop will involve walking in the landscape in and around Ladybank, drawing and writing. This will form;

Tutor- Fraser Taylor 15th – 18th June 2019, Saturday to Tuesday Course fee for 4 days: £195 10-4pm each day   “It is the impassioned impulse which swells these drawings”.  Henri Matisse, French, 1869 – 1954   This class will examine a range of contemporary approaches to drawing; using various materials to generate personally motivated images. We will work individually, collaboratively and consider site specific installations. Concepts and practice will pivot around the physical and physiological tensions set up between;

By popular demand, we are offering another chance to work with artist Sharon Black and repeat the very successful workshop held in February. The workshop is targeted at people who would welcome some guidance in developing a freer style when using acrylic paints and inks. It is based on Sharon’s own vibrant, colourful style and experimental approach to painting. Some basic principles about using acrylics will be covered on day one – including materials, paints and mediums – and will;

Sarah Knox is a well-established painter and printmaker based in Edinburgh. Her paintings are inspired by the spirit of place, and explore the poetry of dissolving form, atmosphere and light. Be inspired by the beautiful work on her website:  www.sarahknoxgallery.co.uk In this one-day workshop Sarah will help you to explore watercolour and show you how to reflect colour, atmosphere, space and light within landscape. Come with an open mind and experiment with paint, collage and pigments. It is a wonderful opportunity to;

After a very successful first workshop in February, we are delighted to offer another chance to discover the fascinating art of Chinese brush painting and try your hand at this expressive art form. This workshop is suitable for beginners or people who have painting experience but have never tried Chinese brush painting techniques before. No prior knowledge is necessary, you should simply be keen to learn and willing to hold a brush. All tools and materials used during the workshop;

We are delighted to welcome back jeweller and teacher Sheila Roussel who will introduce you to some basic techniques in a fun, fast-paced workshop. This class is suitable for those who are new to jewellery making and would like to try something new, or for those who have some experience but would welcome a refresher. You can see examples of Sheila’s beautiful work on her website. At this workshop you will learn jewellery making techniques including sawing, texturing, soldering and;

A Film, Drawing and Monoprinting workshop Tutor – Kate Downie RSA 27th -28th April 2019 10-4pm Course fee: £110 for two days Nature Vivante/ Un Still Life This is the title of Downie’s forthcoming solo exhibition at the Scottish Gallery in the autumn of 2019. It is also the working title of this weekend workshop. The artist wishes to work with a great group of participants to delve into some exciting experimental filming, drawing and monoprinting practices and to support;

Tutor: Elspeth Lamb 23rd and 24th March 10-4.30pm Fee: £110 for 2 days inclusive of all woodcut tools and materials What is Mokuhanga ? Japanese woodblock printing is a technique which involves inking the block with watercolour paints and specialist brushes as opposed to the western form of printmaking which utilizes oil based solvent inks applied with rollers. It only differs slightly in technique from those prints we recognize by artists such as Hiroshige and Kuniyoshi. It is an ideal;

The message is in the medium Claire Heminsley 10-5pm 2 day fee £95 Message [mesij] n indirect communication from one person to another; errand; inspired teaching, revelation; moral or social teaching. Medium (pl media, mediums) [meedi-um] n material in which an artist works; substance within which objects exist or through which a force is transmitted.   This 2 day workshop will explore the possibilities of incorporating a message within a textile piece. We will develop ideas, which convey a message;

CREATIVE CARTOGRAPHIES: Mapping imaginative landscapes Rebecca Sharp Creative/Writing course Sat 23 + Sun 24 Feb 2019 Two day course fee- £85  In this (very) creative writing course, you will develop innovative techniques for creating detailed imaginative worlds with originality and depth. We’ll explore elements in all forms of writing – poetry, prose, performance and creative non-fiction – with a particular focus on map-making. Beginners and seasoned writers and artists will be supported; all that’s required is an interest in the;

Here is another chance for a one-day introduction to the art of willow weaving, this time on a cold and frosty February Saturday. The course is perfect for those thinking that winter will never end and who are longing to get back into the garden. You will start by making an attractive nut bowls, and if you are still feeling St Valentines romance vibe, woven hearts! You will learn to use the tools of the basket maker and the art of soaking and preparing willow and will have the opportunity;

  Discover the fascinating art of Chinese brush painting and try your hand at this expressive art form. This workshop is suitable for beginners or people who have painting experience but would like to explore Chinese brush painting techniques. No prior knowledge is necessary, you should simply be keen to learn and willing to hold a brush. All tools and materials used during the workshop will be supplied. Using Chinese soft brushes, ink and colours, you will be shown how to achieve;

Following on from our last workshop, this will be a refresher for your skills and also an opportunity to refine and develop, as well as being open to those new to the craft. During this intensive day, you’ll have the opportunity to make both a spoon and a spatula, although you may wish to concentrate on producing a single, more finished piece to take home. You’ll leave with a thorough understanding of the process, and may even have produced something;

Get in the mood for the festive season with a creative, fast-paced event. Get together with some friends and enjoy a one-day class which will introduce you to the art of willow weaving. If you have some experience, this will also allow you to develop your skills and ideas. Jane Wilkinson, the tutor will help you to make attractive festive decorations such as wreaths, woven Christmas trees and even reindeers, while learning how to use the tools of the basket maker and the art of;

This weekend workshop introduces you to the techniques of transforming tired looking furniture into unique eye-catching pieces with a contemporary design. On Saturday artist and upcycler Cornelia Weinmann will talk about how to develop a design that matches the furniture you want to upcycle. Then you’ll learn and practise how to prepare furniture for painting, and explore decorative techniques like stencilling, stamping, craquelure, gilding, decoupaging, distressing and staining with antique wax. Ways to protect the finished piece will be shown.;

We are delighted to welcome back tapestry weaver Fiona Rutherford for another two-day workshop.  Fiona’s tapestries have been exhibited widely across the UK and internationally and are held in major public exhibitions. Her tapestries are highly narrative, infused with stories, poems and music drawn from everyday life. They contain simple abstract imagery infused with a love of colour that stems from her early childhood years in India. You can see examples of her beautiful work here. This workshop will appeal;

thinking on ones feet – take 2 19th(evening) 20th and 21st October 2018 Friday evening,  Saturday and Sunday Course fee: £110 This workshop will take you on an adventure. We will explore the movement of image and the development of narrative through experiments in drawing and mixed media. Working with low tech methods and techniques we will take our ideas on a journey, exploring motion and action. Interacting with our drawings and created structures, working frame by frame to create;

This two-day workshop is for anyone interested in surface, colour and pattern. It will be particularly suitable for those with a textile background but will also appeal to those with a more general interest in design. It is ideal for those working with children or young people. The workshop will introduce you to the art of gelatine printing, a simple, accessible and inexpensive monoprinting technique. Using gelatine to make a simple plate and using water-based paints, you will be able;

Draw….Think….Make….. Encouraging the unexpected and accidental.  29th and 30th September – optional extra Monday 1st October 10-5pm 2 day fee £90 3 day fee £125 This course is aimed at people of all levels of experience who wish to challenge their creative thinking, or who are at the very beginning of their creative journey, or who would welcome intense support for a specific project. The course will appeal to artists or designers who work in any media, as a catalyst;

A two-day creative writing course with Rebecca Sharp. All levels welcome. 10am-4.30pm both days Course fee £80 In this (very) creative writing course, you will develop innovative techniques for creating detailed imaginative worlds with originality and depth. We’ll explore elements in all forms of writing – poetry, prose, performance and creative non-fiction. You might intend to focus on one, or else try something new – all styles will be catered for. Rebecca’s own work includes devising and realising complex interdisciplinary;

  This is a full day workshop introducing you to the cyanotype process and to experimenting with printing onto fabric and paper. It is suitable for textile designers, painters, photographers and anyone else who might be interested in this fascinating, versatile process. Although the emphasis for the day is on fabric, you will, once you have coated some fabric with cyanotype chemicals, make prints on paper too. This will be a day of experimentation: once you have learnt the basics of;

Stephen Wragg Ukulele Workshop- Raise your game 28th July 2018 10-1pm (plus the workshop group will give a short performance to friends) Workshop fee- £20 The ukulele is a wonderful and versatile little instrument, and I’m passionate about helping people get the most out of it!  Ideally you’ll have been playing for a little while and have learned a few chords, now you’re ready to take the next step to develop your playing. We’ll be learning some songs while focussing on;

This one-day workshop is for those whose climbing plants have taken a wee shine to themselves and need a bit of propping up!  We are very glad that Jane Wilkinson is able to offer another garden structures workshop and hope that those who missed it last year can join this time round. Please note that the workshop is being offered on a Sunday. The garden structures course will be an introduction to the art of working in willow, its preparation and the appropriate use;

CUT AND SEW WORKSHOP 16th June 2018 10am-4pm £40 including materials. From recycled fabrics learn sewing techniques and tips and go away a more confident sewer with a fantastic bag to boot! Simply bring along a sewing kit, machine (if you have one!) and a packed lunch. Off the rails Arthouse has sewing machines if you don’t have your own! You will be using donated Glenlyon coffee sacks and recycled car seat belts from Perth Auto Recyclers to create your very;

4 Day course Saturday 9th June- Tuesday 12th June 2018 10am- 4pm each day This workshop will examine a range of contemporary approaches to drawing; using various materials to generate images, which will investigate an extensive vocabulary of visual dynamics. Drawing will be used as a device to access ideas and explore chance and the unpredictable. The immediacy of drawing allows for experimentation and risky moves. The objective is that this workshop will allow us to share ideas and discuss;

Due to popular demand, we are offering a further weekend workshop for people of all abilities who would like to learn this ancient craft or improve existing skills. It is also for people who have taken a basketry course before but would like to go over the basics again. Jane Wilkinson will tailor the course so that you work at your own pace and to the level which suits you. There will be staggered start times for groups of different;

A drawing workshop with Dominique Cameron. This is a workshop with a difference – not to be missed. Let Dominique tell you about it herself. ‘I am an artist based in Fife. My practice starts with walking as a means to explore different landscapes. I mark routes on maps which I return to repeatedly and which I draw, paint, converse, write and film. I am interested in knowing a place in its many guises of history, weather, time of year, light,;

Many of you will know and admire the work of Susan Winton, Fife-based artist and teacher. We are delighted to welcome her to Off the Rails Arthouse for a one-day workshop which will invigorate your creative thinking and set you up beautifully for your spring and summer work. The workshop is not just about the representational – it’s about the opposite, the imagined, the obscured and the hidden, all vitally important in a piece of art. It will be based;

Off the Rails Arthouse is delighted to welcome internationally renowned artist and textile designer Jilli Blackwood for a two-day workshop which promises to challenge and inspire you and invigorate your work. This workshop follows a very successful and entertaining evening presentation which she gave at the Arthouse in September. Jilli will be discussing and developing the making of a thread, a yarn, but she prefers to call them tendrils because they are more than a thread. The processes Jilli will be teaching and demonstrating are;

This is another of our ‘how to’ workshops. It will allow you to explore first principles of photography and learn how to make stunning images using the simplest of equipment. We all spend so much time staring at screens and consuming digital images. For this workshop you will be slowing right down, beginning with making your own camera. You will learn about the basics of pinhole photography followed by the magical chemical process of developing black and white prints in;

By popular demand, we are delighted to welcome back Jane Wilkinson for another one-day introduction to the art of willow weaving, again on a February Sunday.  This is a great workshop for those who are new to this skill. This time we are thinking of shared meals with family or friends (think of long summer meals in the garden) and will focus on making breadbaskets and other small bowls. You will learn to use the tools of the basket maker and the art of soaking and;

This class is suitable for those who have not made jewellery before and would like to try something new. We are delighted to welcome jeweller and teacher Sheila Roussel who will introduce you to some basic techniques in a fun, fast-paced workshop. It will also suit you if you have made jewellery before and would like to refresh or enhance your skills You can see examples of Sheila’s beautiful work on her website https://www.sheilaroussel.co.uk/ During the workshop you will learn some jewellery making;

Another chance to work with textile artist Fiona Rutherford and enjoy exploring the wonderful world of tapestry weaving. Fiona’s tapestries have been exhibited widely across the UK and internationally and are held in major public exhibitions. Her tapestries are highly narrative, infused with stories, poems and music drawn from everyday life. They contain simple abstract imagery infused with a love of colour that stems from her early childhood years in India. You can see examples of her beautiful work here. This;

Here is another chance for a one-day introduction to the art of willow weaving, this time on a cold and frosty February Sunday. The course is perfect for those thinking that winter will never end and who are longing to get back into the garden. You will start by making an attractive fruit bowl, followed by willow lanterns for your garden or this time, woven hearts for St Valentine’s Day! You will learn to use the tools of the basket maker and the art of soaking and preparing willow and;

This is a workshop with a difference. It has two purposes: firstly, to allow you to learn the craft of crochet (or improve existing skills) and secondly to take part in a creative conversation about how traditional domestic skills relate to women’s place in society. This will be a relaxed, cosy winter warmer of a day and will feature crochet, talking, tea, firesides and cakes. Artist Jill Skulina will focus on designing and making decorative doilies, those humble but fun objects;

This half-day workshop is either for those who have completed the workshop in hand-built ceramics on 4 November at Off the Rails, or who have to hand fired but unglazed ceramic pieces they would like to finish. We are delighted that local artist and teacher Andrew Parry is able to share his expertise in ceramics with us. The workshop, which we are calling Day 2, will begin with discussion about some of the techniques, materials and equipment needed for successfully decorating fired and;

In a new venture for Off the Rails Arthouse, we are delighted that Fife-based artist, designer and teacher Andrew Parry is offering a workshop in hand built ceramics! Andrew will introduce you to techniques such as slab or coiled pots, ceramic sculpture and tile making and decorating (please note this course does not include not throwing on a wheel). It will be ideal for anyone who wishes to take their work into three dimensions for the first time, or enhance;

We are delighted to offer another two-day Basketry Workshop is for beginners and improvers. It will help you try your hand (or extend your skills) at making a round willow basket. At this time of year, however, you will also have the chance to learn how to make a colourful, decorative rush plait and explore a technique for incorporating it into your basket. The rush is the soft Juncus rush grown in Norfolk especially for rush basketry. Rush weaving is an ancient craft and most rewarding to do – the ultimate;