'ABUNDANT COLOUR'– a day of drawing in a National Trust for Scotland garden

'ABUNDANT COLOUR'– a day of drawing in a National Trust for Scotland garden

  • Ages 16+

Take a deep dive into drawing with colour, with artist Jules Bradbury, amongst the flowers of the beautiful Priorwood Garden in Melrose

By Jules Bradbury

Date and time

Tuesday, June 10 · 10:30am - 4pm GMT+1

Location

Priorwood Gardens (National Trust for Scotland)

Abbey Street Melrose TD6 9PX United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 14 days before event

About this event

  • Event lasts 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Ages 16+

In this first in a series of workshops, we'll take time to look closely at the colour and form of the flowers and foliage in the beautiful National Trust for Scotland garden of Priorwood, Melrose. Throughout June and July, the walled garden is bursting with bold juxtapositions of colour and form. Early June sees the garden adorned with a mass of Paeonies, starbursts of Allium, strident Red Hot Pokers and more. Spend the day immersed in drawing in amongst the plants; be inspired in the quiet of the garden.

Jules will introduce you to a variety of materials and exercises to help you explore different drawing techniques (both wet & dry). The emphasis will be on playful experimentation to bring life into your work.

These workshops are for anyone keen to draw outside, whether experienced or a beginner. The aim is to open up possibilities for drawing and encourage you to try different approaches. The emphasis will be on immediacy and spontaneity. Jules is highly experienced in running workshops for all and will share her techniques and ideas to help you look afresh and think in new ways.

8 places (16+)

All materials will be provided


Please note:

The workshop will run regardless of weather. There is shelter but come prepared to draw in the rain!

Please dress appropriately to allow you to be working outside for the day.

For comfort, you might want to bring a lightweight folding chair or a kneeler

Coffee/tea and biscuits will be provided

Lunch is not included so please bring your own lunch (there are also several good cafés very closeby). At the garden, there will be space indoors for us to eat and also toilet facilities available.


Please see here for more information about Jules Bradbury

Please see here for more information about Priorwood Garden


Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be an experienced artist to take part?

Absolutley not! Jules is happy to work with you, whatever your experience or field of interest. The key thing is to come prepared to try new things.

Do I need to bring lunch?

Yes, please bring a packed lunch (we'll have space inside to eat) or else you are free to grab some food at one of the many nearby lovely cafés in Melrose.

Are there toilet facilities?

Yes, there are.

How do I get to Priorwood Garden by car?

From the north, south and east, Melrose is 2.3 miles from the roundabout of the A68. From there, take the exit for Main Street (A6091). From the west, Melrose is 3.9 miles from Galashiels along the A7 and then A6091. Priorwood Garden is located in the town centre of Melrose, next to the abbey ruin.

Can I bring my own materials/sketchbook?

Yes, you're welcome to do so but there will be an array of materials on hand to try plus paper, drawing boards & clips to use.

How will the drawing day be structured?

We will begin with an introduction, followed by warm-up drawing exercises in the garden. After a brief coffee break, we will continue drawing outside. After lunch we will undertake more sustained drawing with your subject of choice. At 3.30pm, we'll gather to review our work.

Will the workshop be cancelled if it rains?

No, short of snow or very high winds, we will draw in all weathers! Please come prepared to draw outside in all weather, especially rain. We will draw with water-soluble colour so rain can assist the drawing beautifully!

Is there anywhere to park nearby?

There is no car park in the garden, but there is a public car park on the corner of Buccleuch Street and Abbey Street in Melrose, approximately 75 metres from the garden entrance. Charges apply in the car park. It has 2 electric vehicle charging points and 2 dedicated Blue Badge spaces.

How can I reach the garden by bus?

There is a bus stop on the corner of Buccleuch Street and Abbey Street in Melrose, approximately 75 metres from the garden entrance. This is served by buses travelling between Melrose and various local towns. Further details can be found at the Borders Buses website or by calling 01896 754350.

Can I get there by train?

By train The closest train station is Tweedbank, which is 2.5 miles to the west of Priorwood Garden. Regular services run between Tweedbank and Edinburgh. Further details can be found at the Trainline website or the Scotrail website or by calling 0344 811 0141.

Organized by

Creative workshops across the Scottish Borders

In the warmer months, Jules runs drawing sessions outside, together with mark-making and experimental printmaking workshops in venues across the region throughout the year.

It's all about taking the time and space to look closely. The painter Georgia O’Keeffe stated:

"Nobody really sees a flower...really...it is so small...we haven't time...and to see takes time.."

Experience a different way to relax when you take time to draw or create something. Discovering new ways of seeing can brighten the mind!

£50 – £70