Learn the art of classical drawing and oil painting from life at our Atelier.

 

Welcome to the new school of contemporary master painters and co-founders of The Glasgow Academy of Fine Art, Sarah Margaret Gibson and Lee Craigmile.

Located on the stunning west coast of Scotland, Ayrshire Atelier of Fine Art offers a selection of Drawing & Oil Painting Classes covering portraiture, landscape painting, still life painting, and figure drawing/painting. We also offer mentored Artist Residencies in the Atelier for those looking for a more in-depth learning experience with our instructors.

An Atelier School in the historic sense of the word, Ayrshire Atelier follows the blueprint set by the Old Masters such as Titian, Rembrandt, and Caravaggio: the studio is both a school and a professional painter’s studio. At our Atelier, students get the rare opportunity to step into the world of two contemporary masters of their craft, and study alongside them.

 
A student at the atelier working on a portrait painting from life in our portrait painting in oils class.

Studio Classes in Drawing and Oil Painting:

Whether you’re interested in oil portraiture, bird painting, or charcoal drawing, we have a workshop for you. Our courses are designed to suit students of all skill levels, so read more to find the workshop that is just right for you!

“By the close of my course, I felt that my abilities were nurtured and expanded. Studying with Sarah has greatly increased my love of drawing.

The course was rigorous in terms of the knowledge offered but was achievable and never beyond reach. Personal critiques were incredibly insightful and always encouraging.”
— Carol Watt, ‘Portrait Drawing in Mixed Media’ student 2025

Instructor Lee Craigmile demonstrating his pleinair oil painting technique for a group of students in his landscape painting class.

Landscape Painting Classes—En Pleinair!

Learn the art of landscape painting in oils in the wondrously beautiful Scottish Highlands. Our one-week workshops are designed for students of all skill levels—there is no need to apply, you can register now!

“I felt my work took a significant step forward after my workshop and I learned as much as I could in the time. Both Lee and Sarah were a fountain of knowledge—if only I had more time!”
— Ron Ashtiani, ‘landscape Painting in Largs, Cumbrae and Bute’ student 2025

A photo of our beautiful, north light studio space at the atelier.

Apply for an Artist Residency at the Atelier

Spend up to four weeks in total, creative immersion at our beautiful Atelier studio. We have a serene space with North facing light reserved just for our residents. Our Mentored Residencies include one-on-one daily tuition in classical oil painting with our Co-Founders, Sarah Margaret Gibson & Lee Craigmile.


The Studio

Discover more about our studio, the town of Largs, and how to visit us.


Instructor Sarah Margaret Gibson teaches a student in her Portrait Painting in Oils class at the atelier.

Read our Mission Statement

Find out all about our mission and vision at Ayrshire Atelier of Fine Art


Meet our tutors

Find out more about our knowledgable instructors at the Atelier