tantallon studios

Having found Tantallon Arts website, and needing a bit of help with my artwork, I made contact by email to see if there was anything available. That morning I also sent off several emails to other websites, and Esther impressed me immediately with the responsive way she took the trouble to call , listen and make suggestions for what she thought would help me. Her approach was clear, pragmatic and personalised from the outset, and as a result I booked to spend a day learning some drawing skills and composition. The day combined structure with support and challenge, theory with reflective practice, and step by step I could see the progress through each exercise. Lunch was a nourishing home cooked soup and shortbread. The setting itself is outstandingly beautiful, both studios and grounds. I also had the real pleasure of meeting some of this warm, interesting and talented creative family. So, to sum up, I learned and came away feeling encouraged, somehow rested though the day was really full, and ready to pick up my pencils again. Book in, I can't see how you could regret it.

I was the other participant in September for a day of drawing with Esther at Tantallon Studios. It was the most relaxing day I have spent on holiday for as long as I can remember. I had not done any drawing since school 40 years ago, but Esther's approach and the 'Inkspots' make the whole experience thoroughly enjoyable. No anxiety, very supportive and lots to learn. I recommend this 'Drawing for the day' to anyone who wants a new creative experience. The approach that Esther takes builds your confidence and makes drawing possible and enjoyable. Great day - I am planning to get a group of friends back for another session. It is a lovely way to spend a day.Heather Blackwood

I was one of two people who signed up to Esther's drawing workshop in the tranquil setting of Tantallon Studios, to experience something totally different from my usual activities. I was apprehensive because I hadn't lifted a pencil with artistic intent since I left school, a very long time ago! From the outset, Esther dispelled our "I can't draw" attitude by setting us at ease with achievable drawing tasks preceded by clear instructions. She's an experienced teacher who knows how to break lessons down into bite-sized pieces for the wary beginner. She took us through the basic principles, teaching us to draw what we saw rather than what we thought we saw - a big difference! By the end of the day we had each produced a composition which we were surprisingly pleased with. It was a great day, punctuated with lots of coffee, chat and a delicious lunch - Esther also makes a great pot of soup!

There's something deeply therapeutic about being in and around Tantallon Studios:Firstly, the location is a stunning example of East Lothian at it's finest with The Bass Rock, Tantallon Castle and a soul-freeing expanse of fields and skies featuring. Seacliff Beach ('The Secret Beach' shhh) is just along the road. Esther, David, Kirstie and the friendly guy who makes those fab boats with figures, couldn't have done enough for my family and me. Over the course of our last few visits, they've pretty much bespoke-tailored workshops to suit each of us, which have included: making a family of clay cats with the kids; learning how to draw; painting landscapes, using oils and acrylics. The gallery shop has proven to be very handy for picking up gifts; with lovely works of art in a range of prices starting at just a few pounds.Quite apart from the talents of the crew at Tantallon Studios, I can honestly say that I haven't met a nicer bunch of people to be around. Cheers!

Tantallon Studios is within sight of Tantallon Castle and the Bass Rock just off the coast of East Lothian, a short distance from North Berwick. Here you will find a small delightful gallery, a working pottery, exhibition space and workshop and classroom. The Cohen family are incredibly friendly and will happily show you round. There are super courses for everyone with an interest in drawing, painting and ceramics. Check out the website - www.tantallonstudios.com for the current programme. All ages are catered for. There is a reasonable charge for the courses.You will not be disappointed!

I had a wonderful day drawing with Esther. She gave me loads of challenges, fresh ideas and some new techniques. She also gave me a lovely lunch with her Mum & Dad, and gorgeous sunshine. It was a pleasure to meet her and have such a rewarding day. Thanks kid!!!!

As a wonderful birthday gift, we did a weekend painting course with Esther and Kirstie Cohen at Tantallon Studios. This started with teaching in the use of collage to help us develop our composition skills, basic graphite and charcoal sketching and then progressing on to using acrylics on canvas or board. The class was friendly, informal, supportive and inspiring and we came away itching to paint more! This is a wonderful setting for trying out new creative skills, with views of the Bass and Tantallon Castle across the fields...Carey & John

Great little gallery showing pottery, ceramics and paintings. Got to see pots being made on the wheel. They also do art courses, which looked very interesting. I think I might do one. Enjoyed my visit and it's just up the road from Tantallon Castle.!