New Abbey Artists Workshop

 

On a very warm and sunny day while visiting New Abbey in Drumfriesshire we came across the New Abbey Artists Workshop.  Phil, one of the artists, was happy to spend time chatting with us about his work while he sweltered in his workshop - a metal shed the outside of which is painted in many colours.  His partner Roz makes Batik pictures, wall hangings and scarves in a summer house in another corner of the garden.  Roz only gives demonstrations at weekends but Phil was able to show us the basics.  The workshop is crammed full with his paintings and ceramics as well as Roz's Batiks and when we visited he was also sharing the space with one of his six cats (Pipin?), a very affectionate black & white feline who didn't like to be ignored!  I knew I wanted to purchase something but there was so much to choose from.  In the end I chose one of Roz's framed Batik paintings of a small black & white cat which seemed appropriate.  I explained that I was an amateur artist who had a similar work space in our garden and that it was my dream to be doing what they were doing.  Phil asked if I had sold any of my work.  Of course I was now able to reply in the affirmative (see my previous post) and he said in that case I was now professional!  Phil & Roz have a website showcasing their work but their workshop in New Abbey is definitely worth a visit and you can be assured of a warm welcome from artists and cats alike.