Sing! Sing!! Sing!!!

No experience required just the ability to have lots of FUN!! That's all that is required to join in with a fantastic Singing Workshop. As part of the Cowal Open Studios weekend folk/world harmony singing group, Muldoon's Picnic, are running a session that will let you experience the joy and fun of harmony singing using songs from around the world.

Muldoon's Picnic are a five-part harmony singing group based in the lovely green city of Glasgow. They have a highly eclectic repertoire ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous-folk songs to world music, spirituals to barbershop, sea shanties to music hall and Victorian parlour music. All you need to join in is a sense of fun-you don't even need to be a fantastic singer as the having fun is 'the name of the game'. Find out more about Muldoon's Picnic at their myspace page - www.myspace.com/muldoonspicnic

The workshop is on Saturday 26th September, 11.30am -1.30pm, at Strachur Memorial Hall, Strachur PA27 8BY and costs £10 (adults) / £5 (juniors, 10-16yrs)

To book a place or to find out more information about this workshop and all the other activities going on over the Cowal Open Studios weekend (25th-28th September) please contact info@cowalopenstudios.co.uk or phone 01369 860099

Hoovering Up The Pastel Dust!

Here's the second in our series of Q and A's with Cowal Open Studios participants. This time it's the turn of Pam Glennie, an award winning Scottish artist, who works mainly in pastel and acrylic. Her expressive , intuitive and free style of working allow her individual and distinctive 'floating' colour palette to emerge - stunning!

Can you please introduce us to who you are and what you do?

I am Pam Glennie, an artist living and working in the Cowal area, having moved here from Ayrshire just last year. I paint mainly seascapes and love all things costal.

What led you to take up your Craft / Art Medium?

I started out as a designer and colourist after graduation from art school and then taught in schools for 9 years. I decided to become a full time artist after a period of time living in North Carolina suffering from 'designer burn out' and returned to Scotland, seeing the landscape afresh, magnified and with new meaning. I wanted to express this visually. Working with pastel allows me a certain freedom and vitality.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

All around me. I'm fascinated by the effects of light on the sea and I'm fortunate to live glimpses of the Holy Loch from my studio. I'm also inspired by meeting other artists, looking at works by the Scottish Colourists and the St Ives artists and try to keep in touch with what's happening in contemporary Scottish art galleries.

Which part of your work do you most enjoy?

I enjoy the whole process, connecting with the landscape and seeing the finished work. I enjoy seeing the works as limited edition prints also, knowing they will be accessible to more people, that's important to me, that everyone can enjoy the art, whatever the budget. I like to observe people's reaction to the works and it's rewarding if there's a connection with it.....one visitor wrote 'Thanks for the memories'. She didn't buy anything from the show, but it made my day!

Which part do you find the hardest?

The big 'clean up' after an experimental period of painting! And hoovering all that pastel dust!!

What is the best advice you've ever been given?

It wouldn't be so much specific advice, but more of an attitude towards life.......I'd like to think that I'd picked up some of the positivity whilst living in the States........that anything is possible through commitment and determination.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

This would be a walk (jog at a push, yes anything is possible!) along the elevated costal path to my local gallery and coffee shop fro some of Sylvia's now famous cheese scones and then back home to work in the studio, or if it's warm, a shady spot in the garden.

What are your plans for the future?

I'd like to develop my work further into other artforms, perhaps a ceramic lesson with Bill Williamson?

Could you name artisans sites/shops online that you recomend are worth a visit?

I can recommend these:

• www.scotlandsartists.com is a great free site for artists and galleries with no strings attached
• www.greatart.co.uk is a reliable supplier for art materials
• www.artnewsscotland.co.uk is a colourful, free arts mag available in most art galleries

And, finally, just for fun:

Biscuits? To dip or not to dip?

I'd probably pass on the biscuits due to all those cheese scones!

Please name your top 3 desert island essentials?

A musical instrument (seems like an ideal place to learn with no neighbours, poor things!), a boat (why limit yourself to only one desert island) and my husband of course!

What's the best thing about living on the Cowal Peninsual?

There is so much to be discovered......after moving 5 times in about 8 years, something tells me I'll be hanging around for a while!

Thanks for answering our questions, Pam!!

Come along to the Cowal Open Studios between 25th and 28th September to visit Pam's studio in Strone and see her gorgeous paintings 'in the flesh'! She might even tell you where to get some of those delicious cheese scones!!

Helensburgh Heroes!

Just a few lines and a link to a very, very worthwhile cause. Tomorrow evening sees the launch of a very special version of David Bowies iconic 'Heroes'. Sung by a wonderful mix of professional and volunteer artists from Helensburgh, this great version has been recorded to raise money for local charity Helensburgh Heroes. HH is a registered Scottish charity that aims to design, deliver and manage leisure and arts facilities that will educate, inform, entertain and, above all, inspire future generations to emulate the area's famous sons and daughters! For a full list of the great and the good as well as more information about the charity, visit www.helensburghheroes.com

The songs official release is tomorrow evening at a Gala Family Event at the Victoria Halls in Helensburgh. Tickets are available on the door (£5-adults, £1-children) and it promises to be a rip-roaring, family style launch party which will include a screening of the 'sing-a-long' Mama Mia, a disco and a bar!! The song can also be downloaded for a bargain 99p from the website-go on, it's all in a great cause and it's a terrific version of a great song!!

And if you're in the area tomorrow night and free, come along and meet some of the performers in person - children are most welcome!!

Hats, Sweaters and Politics!

We're starting a series of Q and A's about our fantastic COS artists. First off, the lovely Bill Williamson, Ceramicist Extrordinaire!

Could you please introduce us to who you are and what you do?

My name is Bill Williamson, I am a 57 year old potter living in the village of Ardentinny. I work mainly in stoneware and raku clay producing sculptures and thrown ware. I also run workshops, occasionally, organised by a local gallery.

What led you to take up your art medium?

Thirty odd years ago I trained in a local pottery but could not support a wife and young family so abandoned pottery for the aviation industry! For 27 year, though, I maintained a small studio and attended a local Arts Centre which had an inspirational tutor, Isabel Ballantyne. This kept my interest alive and when the opportunity came to retire early, I grabbed it and took work in a Glasgow Pottery teaching throwing. I then started a mobile clay therapy unit which travelled to care homes.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I find inspiration in anything and anywhere-it might be a hat that someone is wearing or the pattern in a sweater. I also take inspiration from political and cultural events worldwide.

Which part of your work do you most enjoy?

The part I most enjoy is opening the kiln-you never really know if everything will have survived. And if it hasn't learning form that experience.

What part do you find hardest?

The hardest part is pricing work, never really knowing if it's too expensive. I want everyone who likes my work to have some. In an ideal world art would be available on prescription for it's therapeutic value!

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

The best advice I've ever been given came from Grayson Perry, the only potter ever to win the Turner Prize. In an article in Pottery Review he said not to be aftraid if yo are working on something and are nervous about losing or spoiling it-be brave and just do it! That has been very liberating for me and I feel my work has benefitted form that advice.

What's your idea of a 'Perfect Day'?

My perfect day would begin very early, about five or six o'clock, sun shining, cup of tea in hand, short walk to the studio, open the kiln-everything survived. No phone calls, lunch in the garden, looking up the loch at the porpoises. Then a visit from my friend, Andy McClintock, to discuss future joint projects. Throw for the rest of the day, until dinner (which would include vegetables from my new veg garden!), then bed with my laptop and a hot toddy!

What are your plans for the future?

To do everything possible to ensure the survival and development of Cowal Open Studios and raise as much money as I can for a mobile eye clinic in Gaza.

Cold you tell us some artisans sites/shops online that are worth a visit?

The best place I can think of for someone looking for tools, materials or clay is a company called Vacu-Therm in Burbank near Hamilton.

And finally, just for fun.....

Biscuits? To dip or not to dip?

Dip! With the state of my teeth, things have to be as easy as possible

Please name your top 3 Desert Island Essentials!

First-my subscription to Ceramics Review. Second-a picture of my lovely wife Anna, who keeps me right! And third, a deposit of the finest clay with no impurities.

What's the best thing about living on the Cowal Peninsula?

It has to be the scenery. Then, the diverse mix of Artists and Crafts-people, most of whom are members of COS!

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, Bill!!

Come along to the Cowal Open Studios between 25th and 28th September to see more of Bill's stunning and astonishing ceramics at his lovely studio in Ardentinny. A real treat!

Happy Memories!

COS participants, Jean Bell and Don McNeil, are offering two great packages that provide unique memories of a special day - birthday, anniversary, hen party, wedding or even a corporate event!

First up we have 'Brushstroke Memories' where all guest are invited to make their mark on a canvas that will become a special memento of the day giving the recipient great pleasure for many years to come; and the best thing about this lovely experience is that no previous art skills are necessary as Don and Jean, two highly qualified artists (as well as ex-teachers) are on hand to guide participants along. So, using acrylic, a fast drying paint, plus fingers, brushes and palette knives, the guests make their mark on to a box canvas and voila! No need to frame and ready to take away at the end of the day! For full details on cost or to find out more please visit www.fyne-studios.com. A lovely example of wedding on the Carnell estate can be seen below

The second of these two unique packages is 'An Experience with Paint', which provides individuals at public or corporate events to paint a complete picture under Don and Jean's guidance. These sessions are great fun especially for those who have rarely had the opportunity to tap into their 'artistic' side since school and whose only recent 'brush' with paint has been to decorate the kitchen! There is usually a small cost per person to participate to cover the cost of the paint and canvas, but well worth it for the satisfaction of seeing your own masterpiece come to life!

Two great ideas from two great artists and a fantastic way to mark a special occasion! And as you can see below, you don't even have to be a grown up to join in!!

A Natural Woman!

Some artists paint, some carve wood or stone, COS partcipant Amy Neville uses nature as her inspiration-literally! Using leaves, flowers, shells, driftwood and many other things combed from Argyll beaches and forests, Amy creates her unique art and lighting; and not only a talented artist, Amy is an experienced textile craft tutor with 15 years experience of working with people of all ages and abilities.

So it comes as no surprise that Amy is running four exciting workshops over the Cowal Open Studios weekend (25th-28th September). If you want to make this truly a weekend to remember, come and participate in a workshop-who knows, you might just discover a hidden talent or make something gorgeous to impress your friends and no previous experience is necessary!! Find all workshop details below-to book a space or find out more, please contact Amy directly at amy@amyneville.co.uk or on 07743 846 682.

Friday 25th, 1-5pm (Amy's Studio) FREE Paper-making Workshop - Learn the magical process of making paper. Bring your own old paper from the recycle bin or use the plant materials provided, add decorative bits a bobs and create something special. Amy will also teach you how to change the structure of the paper and use it sculpturally. Your completed paper can be forwarded to you (£5 per parcel) once it is dry, this can be arranged on the day. No booking required, however the Studio is open to the public that day and space is limited to those wishing to try out their paper-making skills.

Saturday 26th, 2-5pm (Strachur Memorial Hall) Nuno Felting-Design a silk scarf - Come along and create your own gorgeous scarf from silk or wool. Using warm water, olive oil soap, a little elbow grease and your own creativity, let Amy show you how to sandwich your silk fabric between layers of fibres, creating a light, soft and draping scarf. All materials and equipment provided. Booking required as numbers limited to eight participants. Cost-£25.00.

Sunday 27th, 1-5pm (Amy's Studio) Batik Workshop-Design a silk scarf - learn this versatile textile technique and create your own beautiful silk scarf. Batik is the use of hot wax with 'tjanting' tools, sponges or brushes to layer up wax and dyes, achieving rich and vivid designs. There are no limits to the possibilities and once the wax is ironed out the results are both surprising and beautiful. All materials and equipment are provided. Booking is essential as numbers are limited to four participants. Cost-£30.00 and includes light refreshments.

Monday 28th, 1-5pm (Amy's Studio) Tapestry Weaving-Create a landscape picture - at the end of a stimulating afternoon, take away a new sill and a tapestry frame on which you will have created a tapestry landscape. Wool yarn, fleece and rags will be provided and Amy will cover various ways of achieving texture and structure within your picture. All materials and equipment are provided. Booking is essential as numbers are limited to six participants. Cost-£10.00 (please note, children over six are welcome in this workshop but will need to be accompanied by an adult).

So, come along for a stimulating weekend in the 'hidden gem' of the Cowal Peninsula and work alongside a truly inspirational "Natural Woman'!

Cowal Open Studios Weekend-Update

The COS weekend (25th-28th September) is shaping up nicely and is a date to mark in your calendar-not only access to local artists studios, but interactive workshops where you can learn a new skill or improve an existing one and a concert on Saturday night featuring not one, but two fantastic sets of musicians!

In addition to four piece contemporary folk group Rallion, we have the great pleasure of being joined by  Ailie Robertson and Tristan Le Govic, two phenomenal harpists, as they explore the Breton and Scottish Celtic harp traditions.

Ailie is one of Scotland's leading harpists who has performed extensively across Europe and North America and Breton harpist Tristan, whose knowledge and technical competence has brought him to the forefront of Celtic Harp Players, will be enchanting the audience at Strachur with their consummate skill as world class performers.

For further detail please visit www.fiddleworkshop.co.uk. The concert, sponsored by Western Ferries, has been arranged in partnership with Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop as part of their 'Hands Across the Seas' concert series supported by SAC, Argyll and islands LEADER project.