Doing Pittenweem Arts Festival

There are plenty of art festivals, but Pittenweem is something else entirely.

For one week each August, this little Scottish fishing village becomes an enormous gallery. More than 190 artists exhibit in over 90 venues, but what makes it so special isn't just the artwork, it's the experience of discovering it. Art appears in homes, gardens, garages, churches and community spaces, and the joy comes come wandering without too much of a plan. The best way to 'do' Pittenweem is not to rush it. Leave time to wander down the wynds, look out over the harbour, buy an ice cream and stumble across artists you weren't expecting to find. Of course, there are a few places you should visit...

This year you'll find me at Venue 19, Pittenweem Tennis Club, exhibiting alongside the wonderful Pauline Beautyman Ceramics (Sea Drift Pottery). We've exhibited together for a few years now and I always enjoy seeing how our work sits together, each inspired by the coast in different ways. Pauline's ceramics, with their layered textures and beautiful colours, feel completely at home alongside my paintings.

If you have time, I'd also recommend seeking out some of my artist friends. I always enjoy seeing what Sandra Vick has been working on, and Nikki Monaghan's joyful paintings are well worth a visit too. It's one of the pleasures of the festival - catching up with fellow artists whose work I admire as much as their friendship.

As for my work, this year's collection has taken on a slightly different feel. The paintings are still rooted in Scotland's coastline, but many have found a softer summer palette. There are more yellow and pink hazes, the gentle light of early mornings, and those warm evenings when the landscape seems to hold onto the day's heat just a little longer.

If you are planning to visit, I'd love to see you.

I'll be at Venue 19, Pittenweem Tennis Club, from 1st to 8th August open daily 10am-5pm. Whether you are looking for particular painting or simply fancy a chat while exploring the village, please do stop by and say hello.

See you in Pittenweem!