# Scottish Watercolor Art Retreat with Artist Ellen Crimi-Trent in Scotland Join Ellen Crimi-Trent for a remarkable watercolor retreat set in the stunning Scottish countryside. Immerse yourself in the charm of Scotland as you paint expressive landscapes, florals, and still-life scenes. Over the course of a week, enjoy daily lessons, one-on-one guidance from Ellen, personalized feedback, and an inspiring, supportive atmosphere that encourages your artistic exploration.Stay at a sprawling estate in the heart of the countryside, savor delicious meals prepared by a skilled chef, and experience the rich culture of Scotland with excursions to the historic city of Stirling, the breathtaking Loch Lomond, and the charming village of Buchlyvie. ## Details - **Dates:** August 30 - September 6, 2025 - **Location:** Buchlyvie, Scotland, UK - **Starting Price:** $4,500 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Scottish Watercolor Art Retreat Join artist Ellen Crimi-Trent for a transformative watercolor retreat in the serene countryside of Scotland. Capture the essence of Scotland through the art of watercolor as you focus on expressive landscapes, delicate florals, and captivating still-life compositions. Ellen will guide you with live painting demonstrations and offer personalized feedback, helping you discover and refine your unique style. Throughout the week, you'll enjoy daily classes designed to help you paint with confidence and creativity.Explore Scotland’s rich beauty through two inspiring trips: a visit to the historic city of Stirling and the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond, as well as the nearby village of Buchlyvie. By the end of the retreat, you'll have crafted a stunning collection of watercolor works, each one a reflection of your journey through Scotland’s natural and cultural treasures, while forming lasting connections with a supportive group of fellow artists. Some topics covered in your classes with Ellen Crimi-Trent include:Create color palettesPlay with various watercolor techniques including wet on wet, expressive painting with brushes and pen and inkCreate a compelling composition and layoutPaint nature and your surroundingsTake reference pictures and use them to create beautiful paintingsUse your sketchbook for future ideasDiscover your strengths and personal themes through experimentationCreate your own unique art collection...and many more. Your venue for this art retreat is a holiday estate nestled in the peaceful Scottish countryside, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy lavish accommodation spaces, bespoke design, a spacious art studio, and electrically heated outdoor hot tubs. Immerse yourself in Scottish history and culture with delicious meals prepared by a private chef, a whiskey-tasting event, and a night of traditional Gaelic dancing. ### Days 1: Arrival Get picked up from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) at 3:00 PM, arriving at your picturesque countryside estate by 4:00 PM. Nestled among beautiful views of the Highlands, the estate offers the perfect setting to relax and recharge. Settle into your comfortable room, take some time to refresh, and then join your fellow artists for an introductory tour. Explore the elegant living spaces, the expansive art studio housed in the barn, the inviting hot tubs, and the serene gardens. In the evening, enjoy a delightful welcome dinner prepared by the in-house chef, paired with fine wine. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with the group and chat about the exciting week ahead. ### Day 2: Art at the venue Start your morning with a tasty breakfast, then gather with Ellen and your fellow artists for a check-in over coffee. Get a glimpse of the day’s schedule and prepare for your first watercolor class.In the morning session, Ellen will guide you through the essentials of watercolor painting, starting with demonstrations of key techniques like wet-on-wet, layering washes, and color blending. Explore landscapes, florals, and still-life compositions while experimenting with brush strokes and creative effects. Ellen will encourage you to let your artistic instincts lead as you become more familiar with your materials.After a hearty lunch, return for the afternoon session where you'll build on the morning’s work. Ellen will encourage you to observe your surroundings through an artistic lens, guiding you in sketching out thumbnails loosely and quickly. This relaxed approach will help you capture the essence of the landscapes, florals, and still-life scenes around you. Ellen's reassuring and gentle guidance will allow you to experiment freely, reminding you that mistakes are just part of the creative process.Take time to relax before enjoying a delicious dinner prepared by the private chef, accompanied by wine, as you share insights with your fellow artists. ### Day 3: Trip to Loch Lomond After an excellent breakfast, prepare for your first adventure: a visit to the renowned Loch Lomond, located amid the stunning surroundings of the Trossachs National Park.Following a scenic 1-hour drive, you'll arrive at Loch Lomond, where the stunning views span from the calm waters of the loch to the dramatic peaks in the distance. Keep your sketchbook handy to capture the beauty of the Scottish scenery. Snap reference photos of the landscape, including the serene loch and the rugged mountains, to use in your artwork. You might even hear the distant sound of bagpipes drifting through the valley, adding a touch of magic to the experience.Upon returning to the venue, enjoy a tasty lunch and prepare for the afternoon art session. You'll work on transforming your photos and sketches into expressive watercolor paintings. Ellen will show you how to thoughtfully plan your composition, guiding you through the process of turning your observations into beautiful landscapes, florals, or still-life pieces. This is your chance to experiment with the techniques you've learned and let your creativity shine.Wrap up the day with a delightful three-course dinner, accompanied by a glass of wine, as you share stories about the day's adventure with your fellow artists. ### Day 4: Art at the venue Start your morning with a refreshing breakfast, then check in with Ellen and your fellow artists.The day begins in the venue’s gardens, where Ellen will lead you in exploring and capturing the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, vibrant florals, and intricate still-life scenes. Focus on developing a fluid and expressive style as you explore the balance between detail and looseness in your work. She will demonstrate how to depict water in watercolors, a key element for painting Scotland's lakes and rivers. Practice color mixing and brush techniques to bring vibrancy and movement to your pieces.After a break for lunch, the afternoon session will shift focus as Ellen shares insights about painting on location, preparing you for your upcoming trip to Stirling. She'll teach you how to quickly capture the essence of what you see and guide you on organizing your materials for an outing. With Ellen's guidance, you'll feel confident in sketching on-site and making the most of your outdoor painting experience.End the day with a relaxing soak in the hot tub before enjoying a chef-prepared dinner and a glass of wine. As night falls, unwind with your fellow artists and share insights from the day’s creative journey. ### Day 5: Trip to Stirling Begin day five with a delightful breakfast, then prepare for a short 30-minute drive to the historic town of Stirling, located where the Highlands meet the Lowlands.Your first stop is the impressive Stirling Castle, a symbol of Scottish history and royalty. Originally built in the 12th century, the castle served as the residence of many Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots. As you explore its grand halls and stunning architecture, take the opportunity to sketch the magnificent surroundings or snap reference photos for later use. The castle's panoramic views and rich history will inspire your creativity.Next, you'll explore the historic town of Stirling, once Scotland's capital, known for its blend of 17th-century buildings and modern shops. Enjoy lunch at a local pub, then stroll through the town. Capture sketches of its distinctive architecture or drawing inspiration for your floral and still-life pieces. The trip concludes at the Wallace Monument, a towering tribute to Sir William Wallace. From its scenic grounds, you can sketch or photograph the monument framed by rolling hills and a dramatic landscape.After returning to the venue, relax and enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by the private chef. Gather with your fellow artists to share reflections on the day's experiences and your creative progress so far. ### Day 6: Trip to Buchlyvie Following a nourishing breakfast, head out on a leisurely 15-minute walk to the quaint village of Buchlyvie.This peaceful village, with its pubs, shops, and cafes, offers a glimpse into the serene rhythm of Scottish life. The short stroll is rewarded with scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Once there, take time to explore the village’s charm, and perhaps find a quiet spot to sketch the landscape, the terraced houses, or capture the essence of the local atmosphere. Buchlyvie Pottery Shop is a must-see, featuring beautifully crafted pottery by local artisans.Return to the venue in time for a relaxing lunch, then prepare for your afternoon session with Ellen. Build on the sketches or photos you've gathered during your walk and work to further develop your watercolor landscapes, florals, or still-life compositions. Under Ellen’s guidance, this class will focus on nurturing your personal style and refining the techniques you've learned throughout the retreat.Later in the afternoon, enjoy a special whiskey-tasting experience at the venue, sampling some of the finest local varieties. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner prepared by the chef, as you share your thoughts and artistic progress with your fellow artists. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Your final day at the retreat begins with a delicious breakfast, followed by a coffee check-in to reflect on your artistic journey with Ellen and your fellow artists.In your last art class, you'll dive into perfecting the landscapes, florals, and still-life paintings you’ve been working on throughout the retreat. Ellen will guide you as you apply finishing touches and refine your pieces, offering any remaining advice to help you showcase your personal artistic growth. This is an ideal time to ask any final questions and receive personalized feedback.After enjoying a tasty lunch, get ready for a special event: the mini-exhibition. Though participation is optional, this informal gallery setting is a wonderful opportunity to present your work, exchange feedback with your peers, and celebrate the progress you’ve made during your time in Scotland.End the retreat with a heartfelt farewell dinner, prepared by the chef, paired with wine. The evening concludes with a joyous celebration of Scottish dancing, offering a perfect close to your artistic adventure. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy breakfast and get ready for your transfer to Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 11:00 AM. ## Instructors - **Ellen Crimi-Trent** - Artist and Designer ## Accommodation ### Scottish farm estate ### Shared standard room - adjacent bathroom ### Shared superior ensuite room ### Shared bathroom - small standard single room ### Shared bathroom - standard single room ### Shared bathroom - superior single room ### Single standard room - external bathroom ### Single superior room - adjacent bathroom ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior ensuite room ### Deluxe ensuite room ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/scottish-watercolor-art-retreat-artist-ellen-crimi-trent-scotland](https://uptrek.com/retreat/scottish-watercolor-art-retreat-artist-ellen-crimi-trent-scotland) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*