Dumfries and Galloway Fine Arts Society

26/10/2026

Gracefield Art Cenre, Dumfries, DG1 1JQ
Saturday 7th November 2026

Topic of the workshop
Learn how to see beyond colour and detail and use tonal value to create depth, mood and atmosphere in landscape painting.
Working in acrylics with a simple limited palette, we will explore how to break a complex landscape into areas of light and dark before using those ideas to develop an individual atmospheric winter woodland painting.
What we will do
We will begin with short exercises exploring tonal value and how to simplify a landscape into areas of light, mid and dark. Using a limited palette, we will then explore mixing warm and cool neutrals, practice tonal studies to develop a final individual acrylic painting. Demonstrations throughout the day will introduce expressive brushwork, layering and contrast, showing how these can be used to create depth and atmosphere without getting caught up in unnecessary detail.
Timings
The workshop will run from 10.00 till 4.00 with an hour for lunch.
At the end of the workshop
You will have created tonal studies and developed your own atmospheric winter woodland painting, with a better understanding of how to simplify a landscape, use tonal value and create depth and atmosphere with a limited palette.
Who is it for?
Suitable for all abilities, from beginners to experienced painters. No previous landscape painting experience is needed, although some familiarity with acrylics may be helpful.
Medium
Pencil
Acrylic paint – limited palette of 4 colours
What students should bring
Materials will be provided, however please bring:
• Apron /protective clothing
• If you would like to bring your own brushes, you will need:
o One larger flat, long-handled brush
o One smaller round, long-handled brush
o One small round/detail brush
• A table easel or standing easel can be brought if you prefer to work upright, but this is optional.
Paper: Cartridge paper and acrylic paper will be provided.
About the Tutor
Ailsa Mackay is an artist, designer and educator based in Dumfries and Galloway

26/10/2026

Gracefield Art Cenre, Dumfries, DG1 1JQ
Saturday 7th November 2026

Topic of the workshop
Learn how to see beyond colour and detail and use tonal value to create depth, mood and atmosphere in landscape painting.
Working in acrylics with a simple limited palette, we will explore how to break a complex landscape into areas of light and dark before using those ideas to develop an individual atmospheric winter woodland painting.
What we will do
We will begin with short exercises exploring tonal value and how to simplify a landscape into areas of light, mid and dark. Using a limited palette, we will then explore mixing warm and cool neutrals, practice tonal studies to develop a final individual acrylic painting. Demonstrations throughout the day will introduce expressive brushwork, layering and contrast, showing how these can be used to create depth and atmosphere without getting caught up in unnecessary detail.
Timings
The workshop will run from 10.00 till 4.00 with an hour for lunch.
At the end of the workshop
You will have created tonal studies and developed your own atmospheric winter woodland painting, with a better understanding of how to simplify a landscape, use tonal value and create depth and atmosphere with a limited palette.
Who is it for?
Suitable for all abilities, from beginners to experienced painters. No previous landscape painting experience is needed, although some familiarity with acrylics may be helpful.
Medium
Pencil
Acrylic paint – limited palette of 4 colours
What students should bring
Materials will be provided, however please bring:
• Apron /protective clothing
• If you would like to bring your own brushes, you will need:
o One larger flat, long-handled brush
o One smaller round, long-handled brush
o One small round/detail brush
• A table easel or standing easel can be brought if you prefer to work upright, but this is optional.
Paper: Cartridge paper and acrylic paper will be provided.
About the Tutor
Ailsa Mackay is an artist, designer and educator based in Dumfries and Galloway. Originally trained in Printed Textiles at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, her creative practice spans painting, drawing, pattern and surface design.
Her current painting practice explores expressive approaches to landscape, botanical and natural forms using acrylic, gouache, pastels, ink and mixed media. Alongside her own practice, Ailsa has extensive experience of facilitation and learning and particularly enjoys helping people understand the underlying principles of painting in ways that encourage experimentation and the development of their own individual visual language.
Venue Information
Parking is available at the front and the back of the studio building.
Fully accessible. Ground floor room.
Refreshments
The café can provide drinks, snacks and light lunches. We can bring our own food and sit in the café to eat it if preferred.

05/10/2026

Here is what our workshop participants got up to at our very successful drawing workshop last weekend. Thank you to Barry Mitchell for your amazing tuition
Feedback included

“Very talented tutor”
“Well paced, enjoyable and helpful”

Please book all our workshops on our website

29/09/2026

Book now

The power of drawing (Academic drawing – portraiture to perspective)
Gracefield Art Centre, Dumfries, DG1 1JQ

Saturday 3rd October 2026 10:00AM

Topic of the workshop.
Pencil drawing and the limitless pleasure of monochrome.
What we will do
We will start by doing warm-up exercises in line discussing the grade of the pencils, the choice of the paper, techniques of shading and the use of the eraser as a tool.
Then we will sketch an unusual still life using measurement and following the rules of perspective.
In the afternoon we will be drawing the portrait of a live model.
At the end of the workshop
l’ll be giving powerpoint presentations and drawing demonstrations progressively throughout the day.
This being a workshop, group interaction and discussion will be fundamental.
At the end of the day it’s always a fun idea to stand back and look at what we’ve done in a mini-exhibition.
Who is it for and recommended mediums
From beginners to advanced, tuition always adapted to individual needs.
Medium
Pencil on paper.
What students should bring
Paper, penclls & eraser will be provided but you can bring your favourite pencil sharpener if you wish.
About the Tutor
Barry Mitchell benefited from a thorough Art School training in academic drawing (D of J, Dundee).
Worked as illustrator for books, magazines & advertising in Paris, Bruxelles & London.
Lecturer in Perspective/Technical Drawing & Life Drawing at LISAA (School of Applied Arts) in Paris.
Presently animating Portrait Drawing Workshops with Cass Art in Glasgow.
Working from studio in Stranraer and on the road.
Venue Address, Directions & Parking
Gracefield Arts Centre, 28 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries DG1 1JQ
Phone number: 01387 262084
Parking is available at the front and the back of the sudio building.
Food/lunch time/refreshments
The café can provide drinks, snacks and light lunches. We can bring our own food and sit in the café to eat it if preferred.
Accessibility
Gracefield studio is fully accessible

29/09/2026

Remember this is on

Painting the figure (6 evenings)
Gracefield Art Cenre, Dumfries, DG1 1JQ
Starting Tuesday 13th October 2026 7 - 9 pm
(no class 10 November)
Cost £60 DAGFAS members

This is a short course of six, two hour sessions, and is open to all DAGFAS members of all abilities. The leader will be Tom Lindsay, known to many from his years as an art teacher in the region. He has exhibited his work widely over the years with group exhibitions and solo shows.

Participants should bring any painting medium EXCLUDING OILS plus something to paint on - which can be paper, card, boards or canvasses of any size. Easels will be provided. A variety of brushes and drawing media such as charcoal , crayons or pencils. Bring something to put water in, kitchen roll, drawing board and board clips if needed and a palette of sme discription such as an old tray, a bits of formica, a posh ones or disposables.

To keep costs down each participant will pose for the group for one hour approximately.

You will produce eleven studies over the six sessions.

29/09/2026

Tonal Workshop 7th November Gracefield Arts Centre
Topic of the workshop
Learn how to see beyond colour and detail and use tonal value to create depth, mood and atmosphere in landscape painting.
Working in acrylics with a simple limited palette, we will explore how to break a complex landscape into areas of light and dark before using those ideas to develop an individual atmospheric winter woodland painting.

11/09/2026

Painting the figure (6 evenings)
Gracefield Art Cenre, Dumfries, DG1 1JQ
Starting Tuesday 13th October 2026 7 - 9 pm
(no class 10 November)
Cost £60 DAGFAS members

This is a short course of six, two hour sessions, and is open to all DAGFAS members of all abilities. The leader will be Tom Lindsay, known to many from his years as an art teacher in the region. He has exhibited his work widely over the years with group exhibitions and solo shows.

Participants should bring any painting medium EXCLUDING OILS plus something to paint on - which can be paper, card, boards or canvasses of any size. Easels will be provided. A variety of brushes and drawing media such as charcoal , crayons or pencils. Bring something to put water in, kitchen roll, drawing board and board clips if needed and a palette of sme discription such as an old tray, a bits of formica, a posh ones or disposables.

To keep costs down each participant will pose for the group for one hour approximately.

You will produce eleven studies over the six sessions.

08/09/2026

The power of drawing (Academic drawing – portraiture to perspective)
Gracefield Art Centre, Dumfries, DG1 1JQ

Saturday 3rd October 2026 10:00AM

Topic of the workshop.
Pencil drawing and the limitless pleasure of monochrome.
What we will do
We will start by doing warm-up exercises in line discussing the grade of the pencils, the choice of the paper, techniques of shading and the use of the eraser as a tool.
Then we will sketch an unusual still life using measurement and following the rules of perspective.
In the afternoon we will be drawing the portrait of a live model.
At the end of the workshop
l’ll be giving powerpoint presentations and drawing demonstrations progressively throughout the day.
This being a workshop, group interaction and discussion will be fundamental.
At the end of the day it’s always a fun idea to stand back and look at what we’ve done in a mini-exhibition.
Who is it for and recommended mediums
From beginners to advanced, tuition always adapted to individual needs.
Medium
Pencil on paper.
What students should bring
Paper, penclls & eraser will be provided but you can bring your favourite pencil sharpener if you wish.
About the Tutor
Barry Mitchell benefited from a thorough Art School training in academic drawing (D of J, Dundee).
Worked as illustrator for books, magazines & advertising in Paris, Bruxelles & London.
Lecturer in Perspective/Technical Drawing & Life Drawing at LISAA (School of Applied Arts) in Paris.
Presently animating Portrait Drawing Workshops with Cass Art in Glasgow.
Working from studio in Stranraer and on the road.
Venue Address, Directions & Parking
Gracefield Arts Centre, 28 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries DG1 1JQ
Phone number: 01387 262084
Parking is available at the front and the back of the sudio building.
Food/lunch time/refreshments
The café can provide drinks, snacks and light lunches. We can bring our own food and sit in the café to eat it if preferred.
Accessibility
Gracefield studio is fully accessible

04/09/2026

Another fab club you can join - you would be most welcome

Our art clubs aim to improve drawing and painting skills and to encourage people to meet other artists, supporting positive mental well being.
They operate as member led groups without formal tuition.
Cost is £5 per week for 6 weeks (£30).
Each class will run from 10.00am to 12.30pm.
Refreshments are available from the Gracefield Cafe.
Book now on our website

04/09/2026

Lovely calm and fun club please join us

Our art clubs aim to improve drawing and painting skills and to encourage people to meet other artists, supporting positive mental well being.
They operate as member led groups without formal tuition.
Cost is £5 per week.
We will be in Room 1 except for 1st October when we’ll be in Room 2.
Each class will run from 1.00pm to 3.30pm.
Refreshments are available from the Gracefield Cafe.
Book now
Contact Us
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