It was almost three years ago, just before the global pandemic that shook our reasonably stable world apart, that I had been quietly, excitedly planning my first solo art holiday. I planned to go to Austria, to a little alpine retreat called Hallstatt, for some much needed winter beauty, and plenty of inspiration.
The pandemic had other ideas. Like millions of people around the world, my plans got postponed, or put indefinitely on hold. I pushed the idea of solo travel out of my mind, particularly when I found out I was pregnant with my son just as the pandemic escalated.
Now my son is fast approaching his two and half orbits around the sun, and finally, it’s time for me to put my plans into action.
The location has changed, on a whim or perhaps on a gut feeling. I had a good feeling about this place, have read plenty of favourable reviews, and have found a place which feels familiar enough yet is not home. It has beautiful green spaces, rich history, many of the UK’s finest museums and galleries outside London, castles and fluffy orange cows.
Of course, it’s Scotland!
I’ll be heading off after Easter with little more than a backpack full of art materials and (unusually for me, but knowing my appalling sense of direction and people skills) a fairly packed and regimented itinerary.
Day 1 - Edinburgh:
Arrive in Edinburgh early evening, check into my Air BnB and explore the city.
Day 2 - Edinburgh Castle:
Explore Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding areas.
Day 3 - Scottish Highlands:
Highlands Day Trip – visiting Glen Coe – a beautiful mountain region filled with waterfalls and wildlife, Loch Ness, Rannoch Moor and stopping by the UK’s highest peak Ben Nevis. No doubt this will be my favourite day, packed with sketching, painting, photographing and inspiration.
Day 4 - Art Galleries:
A day exploring Scotland’s finest art galleries. Everything from Botticelli to Ramsay, Van Gogh and Vermeer all within a few square miles!
Day 5 - Shopping and Sketching:
Obligatory shopping day (where I live shopping is limited and expensive), some choice cliche souvenirs and wandering with my sketchbook.
Day 6 - Day At Leisure:
I figured I’d leave this day open, so I can re-visit some of my favourite spots from previous days.
Day 7 - Arthur's Seat:
Walk round/paint Calton Hill/Arthur’s Seat (St Margaret’s Loch side), walking the Royal Mile, visit Greyfriars art shop.
Day 8 - Flight Home:
Morning at leisure until my late afternoon flight. Nice to not have to wake at 3am for this one!
I already have a series of paintings in mind for this trip, though I doubt I’ll get many (any) full paintings done while I’m there. But I have a clear vision of what I’m looking for and the techniques, styles and vantage points that I need. I will share my journey on the blog in the form of a sketchbook tour, with snippets of my messy thoughts.
Fingers crossed for some blue skies, Scottish heather and baby cows!
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