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Painting in the East Neuk of Fife

East Neuk meaning corner or nook in Fife is a favourite haven for artists and creatives over the years – giving inspiration to the Scottish colourists amongst others – driven by big skies and the sea.

Charming seaside towns with cobbled streets and lots of characterful buildings. All perfect for sketching, painting and photographing. Working fishing harbours and small villages are all evocative of the old working fishing harbours that are now long gone

Villa Accommodation

Our small-group accommodation is in West House, a large 17th-century customs house. The house position looking out to sea with uninterrupted views and a stone’s throw from the beach and views to the harbour is a perfect place for relaxation and gatherings of like-minded people.

Your holiday price includes:

All lessons and support with your Artist in residence
All your meals prepared by our Chef, with wines chosen by our wine specialist
Visit to Cambo gardens - with Studio work
4 nights stay in West House exclusive to Flavours
Private transport throughout stay
Group airport / train transfers *
Your own host for the duration of your stay

*Please note: transfer times are subject to change so please get in touch before booking your travel to ensure the timings work with the complimentary group transfer.

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 - Monday 25th September 2023

Fàilte gu Scotland – Welcome!

Your private transfer will pick you up from 14.00 from Edinburgh Waverley or 15.00 at Edinburgh Airport and head off to West House in Elie where you can settle in, meet your fellow guests, your host, and Painting tutor Micheal, and enjoy an afternoon tea together.

Micheal will discuss with you the outline for the week along with your aims and expectations.

You’ll have time to unwind from your journey; unpack and explore the house and the gardens. Later on, you’ll meet up again for pre-dinner drinks and dinner prepared by our chef for the week, Scott.

Day 2 - Tuesday 26th September 2023

First day of sketching and painting.

After breakfast, we will make our way to Crail in Fife for some outdoor sketching and painting with Micheal to guide you.

Crail Harbour is a historic harbour with boats nestled along the harbour wall.
A row of terraced homes overlook the view, the boats at anchor waiting to head out to sea to capture some of Scotland’s famed marine life – the houses are all different reds and yellows – perfect for painters.

William McTaggart (1835-1910) was one of Scotland’s most popular and celebrated landscape painters, who created powerful and enduring images of Scotland. Painting Fisherman and harbours his painting The Equinoctial Gales in Crail Harbour, was painted in 1884.

While here we can visit Crail Museum & Heritage Centre to get an insight into Crail’s history – a bit of inspiration as well, or if the weather is a little dreich …!
Back to West House for lunch, after lunch, you will have more time to sketch, paint or maybe just take some time to yourself.

Take a walk along the beach, just outside your house – collect some shells and find inspiration for your artwork.

Day 3 - Wednesday 27th September 2023

Morning sketching in Cambo estate and the opportunity to explore the gardens.

Today we will head off after breakfast to Cambo Estate for some sketching and a walk around the beautiful gardens. We have a studio here to spend time working on our artwork, surrounded by gardens full of lots of nooks to sit and sketch.

Staying here for lunch at the Cambo Gardens café, a well known and respected vegetarian and vegan friendly cafe.
Back to West House for lunch, after lunch you can spend the afternoon working on your paintings with Micheal to help you.

Dinner will be at West House this evening but beforehand why not take time to sit back and enjoy the view or take a stroll to the harbour.

Day 4 - Thursday 28th September 2023

Development of watercolour and drawing skills.

After Breakfast, a full day of painting and sketching and lots of time to discuss with your tutor, Micheal, any areas you’d like help with. A busy and fulfilling day, enjoyable as well to share with your fellow artists new techniques. We take a break for lunch at West House.

In the afternoon we continue sketching and painting or if you would prefer to relax and head out and about then there’s time to do that as well.

This evening your farewell dinner will be at West House – if the weather allows, a pre-dinner ramble and drinks on the terrace