About us

Anyone really wishing to progress with their painting and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside will find that a painting holiday or short course at this beautiful riverside location in Aberdeenshire will meet all expectations. The original house, built over a hundred years ago, enjoys a sheltered position amid lawns and woodland that slope down to the River Deveron. It is a place of outstanding natural beauty, abounding with wildlife and occupies 26 acres of ground. For indoor painting there is an excellent purpose built studio with north light, central heating and log fires.

This lovely venue is the home of Michael and Mary Kitchen who make every effort to ensure that everyone in the small groups thoroughly enjoy every aspect of their holiday or course. Michael is a professional artist, demonstrator to art societies and a very enthusiastic, sensitive tutor with a lifetime’s painting experience.

He has contributed articles to the ‘Leisure Painter’ magazine, had work published in the ‘International Pastel Artist’ under ‘Master Pastelists Of the World Showcase’ and for 4 years was an official demonstrator at The Artists & Illustrators Magazine Exhibition in London. Well travelled Michael has exhibited and sold work throughout the UK, in Hong Kong, Cyprus and Germany and published several Limited Edition Prints. Accomplished in the use of watercolours, oils and pastels his favourite subjects are landscapes, sea-scapes, portraiture and animal studies. Conscious that everyone’s requirements are different Michael ensures that guests receive plenty of genuine teaching, personal tuition and lots of encouragement.

Whichever holiday course you choose the content will be (a) well structured (b) progressive and (c) balanced between painting en-plein air (open air), studio work, talks and demonstrations.

Where are we?
5 miles south of Banff on the west bank of the River Deveron, renowned for its salmon and trout fishing.
Travel arrangements?
Guests arriving by car will be sent a detailed plan along with their confirmation of booking. Anyone arriving at Aberdeen Airport (only 90 minutes from London) may be met and there is a direct bus service from Aberdeen Rail Station to Turriff and Banff from where, likewise, guests may be collected.
What to bring?
The materials that you enjoy using most or if it is a new medium you wish to try out, advice can be given.