New holidays available for artists

Two local artists are offering holiday makers the chance to enjoy a Shetland holiday with a special twist.

Blue Sky holidays will offer an artistic escape, where the peaceful isolation of the isles can be enjoyed while sketching and painting some of the most rugged and unspoilt scenery to be found anywhere in the UK.

Amy Fisher, 27 and Eve Eunson, 29, are both graduates of Robert Gordon University. They were inspired to set up the enterprise after returning to the isles and working the conventional nine to five during the long winter months.

Longing for summer and its days of near 24 hour light, the pair decided to incorporate their love of art with a holiday which allows tourists – and locals – the chance to appreciate Shetland’s huge and ever-changing skies, unique purity of light and inspirational scenes through art classes.

Participants will get a unique opportunity to experience Shetland with the girls’ local knowledge and artistic guidance. The weekend will focus on sketching and painting a mixture of Shetland venues and subject matter, using media ranging from charcoal to watercolours.

While the aim of the weekend is to produce several sketches and a finished piece as a memento of the trip, the emphasis will be on freedom of expression and fun. All levels of ability are welcomed.

Miss Fisher said: “I’ve taught evening classes over the winter months for three years now and always battle with the weather to get to them – the thought of taking a class outside on a beautiful day instead is such a delight.” After graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in painting from Grays School of Art, she has been involved with a variety of creative projects, from travelling print workshops for children, a “Big Draw” event, various day, weekend and night classes for adults and children to schools workshops, part-time lecturing at Shetland College and a two day workshop in Copenhagen.

She works full time in marketing at the Shetland College but also finds time to exhibit work both locally and abroad and is a member of the Veer North art group.

She added: “I’m really looking forward to getting going and seeing what people produce with the subject matter Shetland has to offer.”

Eve Eunson has a masters degree in architecture and has been working for a local architectural practice since graduating.

Some of her completed projects include a series of book illustrations, monthly magazine strip, two album covers and recently Almost Instant – a collaborative photographic project with artists from Shetland and Montana which was displayed in the Museum and Archives.

She said: “It’s easy to visit somewhere and not really see it but if you take the time to sketch a place you really begin to appreciate its form and light, both of which are spectacular in Shetland.” The holidays cost £175 and are for groups of up to 15. All aspects of the holiday are included in the price, from food an accommodation to transport and materials.

They will be based at the newly refurbished outdoor centre at Bridge-End in Burra and all meals will be provided.

Miss Eunson said: “To make people’s experience with us extra special we’ve included some real Shetland hospitality and delicious food!”

The holidays will be held over a weekend, and places are still available for the first which will take place from the 17th to the 19th July. More information and booking details can be found at the company’s website, www.blue-sky-studio.com.