
December 2019
Fused Glass sale
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE! Now becoming an annual event, the fused glass group which meets regularly at the Arthouse is holding a sale of their lovely vibrant work. This is a great chance to buy Christmas decorations, or presents, possibly for yourself! The group members will be there to welcome you and talk about their work. Free entry
Find out more »Artist-led Christmas Market
Come and get festive with 15 local artists and makers at Off the Rails Arthouse. A great chance to see high quality work, meet the artists and get that Christmas shopping underway! Painters Sharon Black, Laura Appere, Alison Cage, Sheila Page, Jean Ashcroft, Paul Dodman, Naoimh O’Shea; Photographers Jenni Gudgeon, Mark Alexander, Peter Valente, Rachael Taylor; Jeweller/silversmiths Tracey McSporran, Anne Barclay and wood artists David McKeen and Jack Anderson will welcome you with open arms. And as a special treat,;
Find out more »November 2019
Try for a day – Chinese brush painting – Fish
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;
Find out more »Festive Woven Crafts
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;
Find out more »Beach Glass and Silver Pendant – Introduction to Jewellery Workshop
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;
Find out more »Sip and Paint with Sharon : BYOB
Fancy creating a fabulous piece of art in a relaxed, sociable atmosphere? No experience needed! And if you fancy relaxing just that wee bit more, it’s a Friday night, I’ll have the glasses ready and the nibbles out! You just need to bring along your favourite tipple and we’re away! We provide all the materials – paint, canvas, brushes and an apron in case it gets a bit messy. You just bring you, perhaps a friend or two and;
Find out more »Sip and Paint with Sharon : Coffee, Cake and Canvas
Fancy creating a fabulous piece of art in a relaxed, sociable atmosphere? No experience needed! And there’s tea or coffee and scrumptious homemade cake too, just to keep you going…Yum. We provide all the materials – paint, canvas, brushes and an apron in case it gets a bit messy. You just bring you, perhaps a friend or two and away we go! In this session we’ll be painting an Autumnal Scene. Don’t worry if you’re not arty or can’t;
Find out more »October 2019
Ways of Making and Thinking
Fraser Taylor Monday 21st – Friday 25th October 2019 10-4pm each day The intention of this 5 day course will be to strike the right tone between structured demonstration and free experimentation, guiding the participants towards something that feels equal parts committed play and enlivened inquiry. Above all there will be a commitment to the deep practice of looking and responding visually. The class with allow each participant to develop strategies in advancing their own studio practice. Work will be;
Find out more »Platform
PLATFORM Platform Sessions returns for the autumn with another dazzling line-up of poetry and music. Guest poets are Stewart Conn and Anna Crowe, with music from duo Rachel Simpson and Seth Bennett. Be sure to catch this October date, before Platform takes a break for winter (returning in February). Entry is £5 on the door. To book a place please email [email protected] Please note the new earlier start time of 7.00pm. All welcome. Easily accessible by train from both Edinburgh & Dundee.;
Find out more »Charcoal Drawing Workshop with Nichola Martin
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. ;
Find out more »Collagraph and Carborundum Printing Workshop
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;
Find out more »Living in Colour, an Exhibition by Four Fife Artists
A weekend positively sizzling with colour! Sheila Page, Alison Cage, Sharon Black and Laura Appéré invite you to join them for a one evening and two-day exhibition of their vibrant, exciting work. Subject matter varies but the common factor is a visual celebration of living form and a delight in experimenting with media and technique. Drawings and paintings will be on show and there will be cards and prints for sale. Free entry. Friday 4 October – evening reception with;
Find out more »September 2019
Fun Felt Making Workshop with Aileen Clarke Crafts
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;
Find out more »August 2019
Getting lost- an exhibition
Friday 30th August Opening night 6-8pm Saturday 31st August 11am-5pm Sunday 1st September 11am-5pm ‘Leave the door open for the unknown, the door into the dark. That’s where the most important things come from, where you yourself came from, and where you will go.’ Rebecca Solnit – from A Field Guide to Getting Lost In the summer of 2018 a group of 10 people from different individual landscapes, came together to make work with Fraser Taylor to test ideas;
Find out more »Cyanotype on fabric and paper
Following last year’s very successful workshop, we are delighted to welcome back Kit Martin for another day of cyanotype. This is a full day workshop introducing you to the cyanotype process and provides an opportunity to experiment 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. Beginners are welcome, but you will also benefit if you are looking for a refresher in this;
Find out more »July 2019
East meets West – Summer School
East meets West : a fusion of eastern and western printmaking. Elspeth Lamb 10-4pm each day 4 day course fee- £195 Japanese woodblock printing (Mokuhanga) is a technique which involves inking the block with watercolour paints and specialist brushes as opposed to western forms of printmaking which mostly utilize oil based inks applied with rollers. Today, Mokuhanga only differs slightly in technique from those prints we recognize by artists such as Hiroshige and Kuniyoshi. The ‘greener’ philosophy of Mokuhanga being;
Find out more »The Message is in the Medium- Summer School
Claire Heminsley Tuesday 2nd to Friday 5th July 10-4pm 4 day course fee £195 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. The success of the workshop ‘The Message is in the Medium’ held in March has prompted Claire to expand it into a 4;
Find out more »June 2019
Alternative Watercolour techniques- Summer school
Alternative Watercolour techniques Angus McEwan AWI RWS RGI RSW 10am-4pm each day 4 day course fee £195.00 We are delighted to offer another opportunity to work with one of Scotland’s foremost artists in watercolour. Angus McEwan has a well-deserved international reputation for his stunning work. His deep love of texture, weathered surface and subtle colour shines through his paintings. You can see examples of his work at http://www.angusmcewan.com/McEwan/ The aim of this 4 day summer school is to realise the true potential;
Find out more »Platform
The new season of Platform Sessions kicks off with poets Jon Plunkett & Judith Taylor with music from The New Ordnance Survey Players. Entry is £5 on the door. To book a place please email [email protected] All welcome. Born among the granite and drumlins of Ireland, JON PLUNKETT now lives and writes in Scotland. He is a widely published slam winner and collaborator, often working with musicians and artists to present poetry in new ways. Jon is founder of The Corbenic Poetry Path;
Find out more »A Walk, a Draw, a Book, a Story
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;
Find out more »Drawing as Impulse- Fraser Taylor
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;
Find out more »Flower landscapes in acrylic – developing a freer style
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;
Find out more »May 2019
In conversation with: Kirsty Lorenz
We are delighted to welcome our Ladybank Station neighbour Kirsty Lorenz, for an evening presentation about her stunning work. Many of you will know Kirsty’s studio which is based on the station platform and will have seen examples of her work as you go past on the train. Find out more about her work at https://www.kirstylorenz.com/ Kirsty Lorenz is a visual artist for whom flowers are a central subject, depicting them in different ways and contexts through painting, drawing, mixed;
Find out more »Lyrical landscape – the creative process
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;
Find out more »Try for a Day – Chinese Brush Painting
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;
Find out more »Beach Glass and Silver Pendant – Introduction to Jewellery 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;
Find out more »Full Steam Ahead – an Exhibition by Indigo Tracks
Indigo Tracks are a group of contemporary textile and mixed media artists. They meet regularly at Off the Rails Arthouse and work with paint, print, paper, textiles, stitch and more. You can see examples of their work on their Facebook page. All members have different skills and strengths and by working in a supportive group they are able to further develop their work. This exhibition is part of the Artline Open Doors weekend and is entitled ‘Full Steam Ahead’. The;
Find out more »April 2019
Nature Vivante/ Un Still Life- Kate Downie
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;
Find out more »March 2019
Introduction to Mokuhanga (Japanese Waterbased Printmaking)
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;
Find out more »The message is in the medium- Claire Heminsley
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;
Find out more »Shoreline – Mixed Media Workshop
We are delighted to welcome back internationally renowned artist Lara Scouller to Off the Rails Arthouse for a workshop exploring natural form on the theme shoreline. Lara will arrange natural materials gathered along the Fife coast including shells, skulls, feathers, seaweed and crustaceans to create a sense and feel of the shoreline – and you can also contribute a relevant found item big or small to be incorporated into the still life. Over two days Lara will guide you through the;
Find out more »February 2019
CREATIVE CARTOGRAPHIES: Mapping imaginative landscapes
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;
Find out more »One-day introduction to woven bowls
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;
Find out more »Try for a day – Chinese brush painting
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;
Find out more »Flower landscapes in acrylic – developing a freer style
This workshop is targeted at people who would welcome 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 also include tips on composition, colour mixing and paint techniques. There will be demonstrations and plenty of opportunity to try various techniques and be;
Find out more »December 2018
GREENWOOD SPOONCARVING 2
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;
Find out more »November 2018
CARVE
Another chance to take part in CARVE – a fun and unique workshop that brings jewellery making together with unique and inspiring venues. Learn the skills to CARVE your unique ring or charm from jeweller’s wax and we’ll transform it for you from wax to silver. CARVE classes are run by Kate Pickering who has over 10 years of jewellery making experience. Kate has built a reputation for supporting and promoting the jewellery industry in Scotland through her jewellery incubator programme Vanilla Ink,;
Find out more »Festive Willow Crafts
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;
Find out more »Ukulele group
We are starting a weekly group at Off The Rails Arthouse for up to 10 ukulele players who wish to improve their existing skills. The group will be tutored by Ewen Campbell, an experienced ukulele musical arranger and performer. The sessions are best suited to intermediate ukulele players that know a good range of chords, can strum a few strumming patterns and understand the basic theory of finger picking and TAB. The weekly sessions will be tailored to suit intermediate;
Find out more »Paint and decor: upcycling furniture
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.;
Find out more »October 2018
Texture and Colour in Tapestry Weaving
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;
Find out more »thinking on ones feet – take 2 Sally Payne
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;
Find out more »…….making an impression
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;
Find out more »September 2018
Draw….Think….Make – Claire Heminsley
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;
Find out more »Plotting, Scheming and Dreaming: Making Worlds with Words
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;
Find out more »Working with greenwood – carving a unique spoon or spatula
This workshop is for beginners who would like an introduction to this wonderful craft. Working with wood fresh from the forest, Fife-based artist and maker Steve Bretel will guide you through a day designing and making your own unique spoon or spatula, with instruction in using simple specialist carving hand tools. Manipulating the wood and allowing the design to take account of its natural twists and turns is both challenging and enjoyable, being a direct connection with the natural world around;
Find out more »New Beginnings – Textile exhibition
Visit this exhibition by Indigo Tracks, the textile group which meets regularly at the Arthouse. Promises to be excellent!
Find out more »August 2018
Cyanotype on Fabric (and Paper)
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;
Find out more »July 2018
Developing a Studio Practice- Fraser Taylor
Developing a Studio Practice Fraser Taylor Monday 30th July – Friday 3rd August, 2018 10am-4pm each day Course fee- £225 The workshop will allow each participating artist or designer to develop strategies in advancing their studio practice. Work will be developed individually. There will be emphasis in building a community invested in sharing and discussing ideas. Course objectives; making, group critiques, visual research, developing conceptual enquiry, understanding material interests and appropriateness to practice, presentation and installation ideas, influences, identifying goals;
Find out more »Ukulele workshop- Raise your game
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;
Find out more »CARVE
CARVE is a fun and unique workshop that brings jewellery making together with unique and inspiring venues. Learn the skills to CARVE your unique ring or charm from jeweller’s wax and we’ll transform it for you from wax to silver. CARVE classes are run by Kate Pickering who has over 10 years of jewellery making experience. Kate has built a reputation for supporting and promoting the jewellery industry in Scotland through her jewellery incubator programme Vanilla Ink, her countrywide festival Scottish Jewellery Week,;
Find out more »Breaking the Boundaries– Experimental Printmaking Summer School with Kittie Jones
Breaking the boundaries- experimental printmaking Kittie Jones 10am-4pm each day Course fee- £225 This exciting week will take the theme of Boundaries as a starting point, thinking about the edges between town and country, as well as the contrasting ideas of home and journeys. Day one will focus on gathering information out and about in the varied landscapes around Ladybank. Students will be guided through different sketching methods, working with colour, tone and composition. Sketches made will then be used;
Find out more »June 2018
Woven Garden Structures
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;
Find out more »MESSENGER BAG from recycled coffee sacks- with Ruth Morris (ROOBEDO)
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;
Find out more »Discovering Drawing……….Fraser Taylor
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;
Find out more »May 2018
Two-day workshop in basketry for beginners, refreshers and improvers!
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;
Find out more »Into the Woods….
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,;
Find out more »Summer Drawing and Painting for All!
A six week afternoon course for those wishing to get going with their summer artwork! This follows on from Alison Cage’s very successful Tuesday afternoon classes which we have run for a couple of years. It will suit those who would like to continue on after taking part in her previous courses, or who are ready to get started afresh in 2018 and explore their hidden talent. This course will encourage you to take drawing into painting, but will also cater for those who wish to concentrate purely on drawing.;
Find out more »April 2018
The Imagined, the Obscure and the Hidden – a Personal Response to Nature
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;
Find out more »HOW TO MAKE AN OMELETTE- An exhibition and performed gallery talk
HOW TO MAKE AN OMELETTE- An exhibition and performed gallery talk Exhibition 10am – 5pm daily FREE Gallery Talk Saturday 14th April. 2pm & 5pm £5 Sunday 15th April. 2pm & 5pm £5 Chris Duffy from The Auchtermuchty Food Museum tells the story of how the purchase of a battered cookbook in 1983 snowballed into a journey of obsessive collecting. In How to make an Omelette he shares items from the collection;
Find out more »March 2018
Tendrils
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;
Find out more »Introduction to Pinhole Photography
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;
Find out more »February 2018
Woven breadbaskets and bowls
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;
Find out more »Introduction to Jewellery Workshop – Make a Pendant or Earrings –
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;
Find out more »In conversation with Marian Leven
We are privileged to welcome one of Scotland’s foremost painters to speak with us as part of our series of evening lectures. Marian Leven, RSA, RSW who lives and works in Tayport, will speak about the development of her work from student times to the present and will talk about the range of influences within her paintings. In her artist biography for the Tatha Gallery she states: ‘My painting is concerned with Scottish landscape and seascape, an expression of the harmony, balance and emotional interaction I experience;
Find out more »Tapestry workshop: Creating with Colour
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;
Find out more »More Drawing and Painting for All!
How about celebrating the return of the light by sharpening up your drawing and painting skills? This eight session course follows on from Alison Cage’s very successful Tuesday afternoon classes which we have run for a couple of years. It will suit those who would like to further their skills after taking part in her previous courses, or who are ready to get started afresh in 2018 and explore their hidden talent. This course will encourage you to take drawing into painting, but will also cater for those who;
Find out more »One-day introductory course – Woven fruit bowls, lanterns and hearts!
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;
Find out more »Doilies of Domestic Delight
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;
Find out more »January 2018
Two-day workshop in basketry for beginners, refreshers and improvers!
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;
Find out more »November 2017
Land and Light: evening lecture with artist Georgia Rose Murray
In the second of our new series of ‘In Conversation with’ evening lectures, we are delighted to welcome Scottish artist and university lecturer Georgia Rose Murray. Georgia, who graduated from Edinburgh College of Art with a Master’s Degree in Fine Art in 2013. is steadily building an international reputation for her painting and teaching. Over the past three years, she has developed an outstanding body of work which reflects her deep interest in the landscape, ecology and spiritual impact of;
Find out more »Black Cat Jook Band
Vintage Americana Jug band music and ragtime Blues and Vaudeville What a treat for a dark November night! By popular demand, we welcome back Black Cat Jook Band for an evening of sparkling live music. This is a rare chance to see this unique band play an acoustic gig in the intimate surroundings of Off the Rails Arthouse, Ladybank Station. Not to be missed! Numbers are strictly limited, so admission is by ticket only. The band’s last gig here was a sell-out, so;
Find out more »Decorating and glazing hand-built ceramics
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;
Find out more »Pre-Christmas Sale of Fused Glass
We are delighted to host another special one-day selling exhibition of fused glass, made entirely by a group which meets regularly at the Arthouse. A wide range of items will be on show, including decorations and gifts. A great start to your Christmas shopping, just as the season gets underway.
Find out more »Art Space
This is a six week evening course for young people from 14 to 18 who love art and design and would like to spend time experimenting with different materials and methods. It is perfect for you if you would like to complement artwork you are doing at school, or if you haven’t opted to study art just now and are missing it, or are building a portfolio for further study at college. It is also great if you would simply like;
Find out more »Hand-built Ceramics
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;
Find out more »October 2017
Two-day basketry workshop for beginners and improvers
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;
Find out more »‘About Trees’ Watercolour workshop
This one-day workshop is suitable for those who would like to try watercolour for the first time, or for those with more experience who would like to enhance their skills. It offers a chance to explore all aspects of trees, including leaves, bark and lichen, through this lovely medium. Jane Murray, one of the artists involved in the ‘About Trees’ exhibition on at Off the Rails Arthouse will introduce you to some basic techniques, but thereafter, you will be free to develop any aspects;
Find out more »‘About Trees’ Creative Art Workshop, for children and adults
This short workshop is the second of two which are for adults, but also for children over 7 accompanied by adults (over 18). If you are looking for a delightful October holiday activity then this is for you. It is inspired by the exhibition ‘About Trees’, showing at Off the Rails Arthouse at the same time. One of the artists, Renira Barnes, invites you to create layered, mixed media drawings, paintings and prints, to make your own mini wood. You will start by using line then;
Find out more »‘About Trees’ Creative Art Workshop, for children and adults
This short workshop is the first of two which are for adults, but also for children over 7 accompanied by adults (over 18). If you are looking for a delightful October holiday activity then this is for you. It is inspired by the exhibition ‘About Trees’, showing at Off the Rails Arthouse at the same time. One of the artists, Renira Barnes, invites you to create layered, mixed media drawings, paintings and prints, to make your own mini wood. You will start by using line;
Find out more »Exhibition: About Trees
SHEILA PAGE, JANE MURRAY and RENIRA BARNES An exhibition not to be missed, especially if you are interested in how artists respond to the natural world. These three artists, who live in Fife and Northumberland will be showing a diverse selection of paintings, drawings and prints which reflect their shared interest in trees. They explore all aspects of trees, including woodland, leaves, bark and trees in the landscape. Each artist approaches the subject from strikingly different perspectives though always from the starting point of;
Find out more »September 2017
Lecture- Jilli Blackwood
Jilli Blackwood. My Creative Process – An Intimate Relationship A pilot Thursday evening lecture- Jilli Blackwood at Off the Rails Arthouse. Jilli will talk about the relationship between herself and the textile. Her confidence, courage, inspiration, motivation and over coming self – doubt. Jilli Blackwood is an internationally renowned textile and fibre artist and designer who creates embroidered and woven paintings. She is an award-winning graduate of the renowned “The Glasgow School of Art”, achieving a First Class BA;
Find out more »Another Flowers in Watercolour Masterclass!
By popular demand, we are delighted to welcome back Jenny Matthews for another masterclass. This follows a highly successful first workshop in June. Places are likely to be taken very quickly, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you are free this September weekend. Jenny is one of Scotland’s foremost watercolour specialists in botanical subjects. Trained at Edinburgh College of Art in Drawing and Painting, including a period tutored by Elizabeth Blackadder, she has been a professional artist for 30 years.;
Find out more »C A R V E
C A R V E is a fun and unique class that turns wax to silver, let us show you how to CARVE a bespoke ring in jewellers wax in just two hours. With jewellery know-how from the CARVE team and a selection of tools you will be guided through this workshop to make a unique ring. We will then send it to be cast in solid silver (using the process of lost wax casting), professionally finish it in our Glasgow workshop;
Find out more »PAINTING AND DRAWING FOR ALL!
A welcome return for this eight-session course which follows the very successful Drawing for All! courses which we ran last year. It will suit those who would like a follow-up to that course, or who are ready to get started afresh in 2017 and explore their hidden talent. The course will encourage you to take drawing into painting, but will also cater for those who wish to concentrate purely on drawing. It will be suitable for beginners, those who wish to refresh current approaches, or for more experienced;
Find out more »Introduction to Japanese Woodblock Printing
Another chance to work with expert printmaker and teacher Andrew Parry. This weekend workshop offers you the chance to learn the basic principles and techniques of the ancient artform of Japanese woodblock printing. Working over two days will allow you to go at your own pace, really immerse yourself in the techniques and take time to develop strong, graphic images. It will suit anyone wishing to try out or refresh their skills in this area, whether you are a complete beginner or have knowledge;
Find out more »August 2017
Exhibition: Reconnections – Art, Life and Friendship
Fifty years ago, the year of the summer of love, a group of young people began studying at art colleges in Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. They then scattered to launch careers in art and design, teaching, management and other areas. A chance encounter at North Fife Open Studios in spring 2016 led to them contacting each other, rekindling their friendships and deciding to hold an exhibition of their artwork, in celebration of a lifetime of artistic achievement. The result is;
Find out more »Two-day summer basketry for beginners and improvers
This two-day Summer Basketry Course 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 learn how to make a colourful, decorative rush plait and explore a technique for incorporating them 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 technique for combining creativity, colour,;
Find out more »Developing a Studio Practice- Summer school
This Summer school will allow each participating artist or designer to develop strategies in advancing their studio practice. Work will be developed individually. There will be emphasis in building a community invested in sharing and discussing ideas. Course objectives; making, group critiques, visual research, developing conceptual enquiry, understanding material interests and appropriateness to practice, presentation and installation ideas, influences, addressing goals and ambitions, professional practice, current thinking in art and design, and what makes a practice relevant and contemporary.;
Find out more »July 2017
Summer School – Monotype – The Painted Print
This five day workshop offers an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of monotype printmaking, in other words making one-off pieces using printmaking techniques. It will cover key technical aspects, but importantly, will also focus on using these creatively. It will be suitable for complete newcomers to printmaking or those with some experience looking to broaden their range. While some previous artistic practice would be helpful, anyone who wishes a truly creative, enjoyable experience in a delightful environment is;
Find out more »Tales of the unexpected!- Summer School
This summer school 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. While it is primarily textile and design based, the course will also appeal to artists or designers who work in other media, as a catalyst for developing ideas and extending their creative approaches. The course will focus on colour,;
Find out more »June 2017
Two-day workshop in basketry for beginners, refreshers and improvers!
A weekend workshop for people of all abilities which 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 abilities. Those who are new to basketry will;
Find out more »Shoreline – Mixed media workshop Postponed
Lara Scouller’s drawings portray the natural world at its most beautiful and vulnerable – preferring to work directly from life Lara is able to respond intuitively to her surroundings. Scotland’s landscapes and coastlines have informed some of her most recent works, exploring the unique characteristics and natural riches of the East Neuk of Fife, the Isle of May and Shetland. Her experience of being ‘in’, as well as looking ‘at’ the landscape can be seen in her drawings of enigmatic;
Find out more »Drawn to the Edge
“Life is a travelling to the edge of knowledge, then a leap taken.” D.H. Lawrence Cutting edge, water’s edge, gilt edged, edge of darkness, edgy, jagged edge are just some of the common phrases regularly used in conversation and yet the ‘edge’ is an underused area when creating. We usually work within the plane or surface of the paper or canvas, centred maybe, with little consideration given to the edge, however it offers us a rich area to explore. This;
Find out more »Flowers in Watercolour Masterclass
This weekend workshop offers you a chance to work with one of Scotland’s foremost watercolour specialists in botanical subjects. Trained at Edinburgh College of Art in Drawing and Painting, including a period tutored by Elizabeth Blackadder, Jenny Matthews has been a professional artist for 30 years. She exhibits regularly in the Royal Watercolour Society in London, where she won an award in 2015, and in 2016 was nominated for an international watercolour prize ‘Marche d’Acqua’ in Italy. To see examples;
Find out more »May 2017
Lecture and workshop postponed until later in the year.
Jilli Blackwood- 2 day workshop & lecture will take place later this year. https://www.jilliblackwood.com About Jilli Blackwood Born in Scotland, Jilli Blackwood studied at ‘The Glasgow School of Art’ 1982-86. She specialised in embroidery and weave, graduating with a First Class BA Honours in Art and Design. Her fine art wall hangings can be found in many public, corporate, museum and private collections world wide. The diversity of textiles has enabled Blackwood to work on different projects. “Millennium;
Find out more »Making a ‘Haiku-Hoose’
one whole day watched sky change from grey to blue – Gerry Loose (from the collection the deer path to my door) This weekend workshop offers an opportunity for exploration of word, image, material and 3-dimensional structure. It is aimed at anyone who wishes to extend their practice, work in unfamiliar materials and challenge their creative processes. This is for you, whether you explore and express ideas through the visual arts, through making/crafting or through words. We will spend;
Find out more »April 2017
The Indoor Garden – still life painting
This two-day workshop invites you to look afresh at the indoor garden as the subject for a large-scale work in either oil or acrylic paints. The studio set-up will emulate an outdoor environment with a collection of plants of varying species and dimensions, with vibrant colour and natural forms to inspire you. The workshop is designed to guide you through the complete process of making a still life painting using highly successful, professional techniques. It begins with an introduction to still;
Find out more »March 2017
COLOUR – THE BIGGER PICTURE
Rescheduled from January, this workshop is a great chance to try out several painting mediums. You will learn useful information and techniques that will help you and give you more confidence in your creative artwork. Whether you are a beginner, or would like to refresh and widen your existing knowledge, this short workshop is for you. Regardless of your level or ability there is much to learn about the technical aspects of artists’ paint. We are offering this three-hour workshop;
Find out more »Woven Garden structures
This one-day workshop is for those who are thoroughly fed up with winter and are getting into their gardens in time for spring and summer! We are very glad that Jane Wilkinson is able to offer another workshop and hope that those who missed it last time can join this time round. Please note that the workshop is being offered on a Sunday this time. The garden structures course will be an introduction to the art of working in willow, its;
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