Wild at Art
Creative Experiences in Scotland
Feedback & pics
We love to make our guests happy and are proud of the fact that many of them keep coming back to travel with us :).
Check out some pictures from past creative experiences:
Sense of Place painting experience, Outer Hebrides, August 2023
Iona Art Experience May 2023
Skye Textile Experience, Sept/Oct 2022
Magical Orkney – Orkney Art Experience, September 2022
Sense of Place, Outer Hebrides, August 2022
The Women’s Travel Tribe Private Tour, June 2022
Fabric of an Island – Iona Art Experience, May 2022
Drawing from the Land – Drawing & painting in the Outer Hebrides, April 2022
Orkney Creative Retreat, November 2021
Painting & Wildlife Cruise September 2021
Online Bookmaking Workshop 2021
Lewis & Harris Art Experience 2019
Outlander Art Experience 2019
Drawing and painting holiday in the Outer Hebrides 2018
Other past art experiences
What our guests say ♥
I’m a casual weekend sketchbook artist at best, and more often feel intimidated by a blank sheet of paper than inspired. I don’t know if it was the wild beauty of Lewis and Harris; Nikki’s daily quotes and encouragement to be bold and try something new; being surrounded by a group of creative folks, or maybe it was just having the time and space to experiment, but I have never felt more inspired. The word that I use most frequently to describe Lewis and Harris, and my time there with Wild at Art Scotland is “magical.” It was a time out of time, to just be, and to just be creative. {Kathleen, Washington, Sense of Place, August 2023}
This gathering was special in every way. Of course, the beauty of Lewis and Harris is stunning and “other-worldly”, so inspiration for art and connection is everywhere. Ute and Nicky were warm and welcoming. Nicky was so generous with her attention and skills, as she honored each person’s style and goals. If you are considering this event, do not hesitate. I will not hesitate to be a repeat attendee! {Kristina, North Carolina, Sense of Place, August 2023}
The holiday was a dream come true for me to see the wonderful isles and to be inspired by the captivating landscape that nourished my soul and was so healing and peaceful. There was a lovely balance of time spent in the studio and time out touring. I sometimes found that there wasn’t enough time in the studio (but that’s just me and becoming so involved with my art process and forgetting the time!).
I found the team to be very supportive and helpful and kind and nobody lost patience with the many occasions when I couldn’t quite hear.
Nicky was a wonderful and intuitive tutor. I loved exploring new, unknown of, artistic techniques and materials under her tutoring and fell in love with walnut ink and being introduced to Quink!
It was all a truly wonderful and unforgettable experience, even the rain and wind! {Joanna, England, Sense of Place, August 2023}
It was such an amazing week on Iona. I thoroughly enjoyed the anticipation of getting there, the first glimpse of the abbey from the ferry, the peace and quiet of the island, and the palpable feeling of the history of the place. The art experience, under Janet’s very capable leadership, was thought-provoking, inspiring, and freeing. And, of course, the like-minded “tribe” of participants wrapped up the whole week in a great big bow. Taking the leap to attend was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Thank you for all your thoughtful hard work in putting it together. {Pat, New Hampshire, Iona Art Experience, May 2023}
Thanks for a great art week – I absolutely loved it! I learned so much and met so many wonderful people that it’s hard to put into words. It certainly inspired my art journey and my creative juices have been flowing since I got back home. It was wonderful to see the array of styles and to hear others ideas and journey with others for a week in the beautiful setting on Iona. I also found it fascinating to explore abstract art and I have become much more interested in abstract than I was before I came to Iona. So, great facilities, lovely setting and people and also great to have so many resources at hand. Loved being encouraged to go larger and not to confine my art or style. You and Janet were simply a lovely duo to work alongside and I have many happy memories as well as a new found freedom and confidence in my approach to art. {Carole, England, Iona Art Experience, May 2023
It was an amazing, thought provoking and inspiring week. I loved every minute of it. Janet is amazing and the group was terrific. Thank you, Ute, for putting it all together. {Tamora, Washington, Iona Art Experience, May 2023}
It was a spectacular week! Thank you again for making it happen! And to Janet for bringing her magic too! {Lilly, Tennessee, Iona Art Experience, May 2023}
Such a wonderful and inspiring week. Thank you, Ute and Janet. {Anne, Scotland, Iona Art Experience, May 2023}
The Wild at Art Skye Textile Experience was, hands down, the best tour that I’ve ever taken! The entire tour was crammed with entertaining and informative hands-on fiber arts activities — which were everything I had hoped for. But, beyond that, I was absolutely blown away by the opportunity to learn so much about the natural and cultural history of Skye. You kept us busy (not to mention, well fed)! Our guides (you two) were wonderful, and the other participants were also all delightful people. I loved every minute of it! {Pat, North Carolina, Skye Textile Experience, October 2022}
My second experience with Wild Art Scotland was a textile workshop to Isle of Skye in October 2022. It was the first of its kind to this destination and I am impressed how well the itinerary was organized and how many opportunities we had to actually experiment on doing samples and learning different techniques ourselves. I recommend this Wild Art Scotland experience to all who want to get immersed in the craft whilst also enjoy touring around the spectacular Isle of Skye. {Lilian, Sweden, Skye Textile Experience, October 2022}
What a fantastic creative fiber experience this past week! Not only were there numerous fiber techniques to explore and learn but having a full immersive Isle of Skye lifestyle and history experience too. With a small group we were able to get to know and learn from each other. We all had a penchant for fiber and Wild at Art did not disappoint. Weaving, spinning, visiting working crofts, felting and yarn shopping sure kept us busy. And we still managed to see the beauty of Skye, visit castles, museums, listen to storytellers and visit distilleries. They also had wonderful meals (and deal with my dietary needs!). Thank you Ute and Lucy for a perfect balanced week! {Patty, Michigan, Skye Textile Experience, October 2022}
It is almost impossible not to be creatively inspired by a place as magical as Orkney – great destination choice for an art holiday! What made the trip extra special, however, were the people and a perfect venue. Everyone from Wild at Art and the Kristin Linklater Centre genuinely went out of their way to ensure our comfort and best holiday experience, which was added to by some lucky late summer sunshine! Such a great adventure, thank you! {Brigitte, Germany, Magical Orkney, September 2022}
Orkney’s Wild at Art was wonderful this year. I loved the spectacular Linklater center with its 360° hilltop view of the surrounds. Having a studio at the same location made access to art materials easy. Rena was beyond fabulous. She had so many stories of Orkney history which lent a personal touch to our excursions. My favorite field trip was to Rackwick Beach on Hoy with it’s enormous rock eggs.
Leo was a wonderful teacher and guide. His knowledge of local birds was impressive and his teaching style was relaxed with a great sense of humor.
I’m so glad I finally made the trip to the Orkneys. It truly is an amazing place. {Cheryl, Ohio, Magical Orkney, September 2022}
This was my second trip with Wild at Art and I, again, had an incredible time! The tour was well paced — no super early mornings or rushing from place to place — with time for painting/sketching at each site visited plus in-studio time to refine pieces and get some creative inspiration from our tutor and fellow travelers. I hadn’t painted in a very long time and this was just the gentle nudge I needed to get going again. The accommodations and food were excellent, and I’m already hoping to join another trip next year! {Beth, Oregon, Sense of Place, Outer Hebrides, August 2022}
I feel I have made life long artistic friends in the Wild Art Scotland class. Nicky Sanderson was amazing, Her love of the Hebrides I think transferred to all of us. Her gentle input when working with us was great. I found her suggestions ‘spot-on’. The coordination was seamless, getting us from one site to another. Nicky and Ute were so professional and kept us informed on each step/location. The accommodations wonderful, the people were so kind and welcoming. I would have loved even another “studio day”. I am not that fast at plein air painting.This was an excellent challenge for me. What a magical place, I would do this class again! {Danielle, Texas, Sense of Place, Outer Hebrides, August 2022}
For me, it was a good balance between traveling from location to location and staying at the individual location. Nicky’s guidance and tireless sharing of knowledge and history made the experience richer than I expected. For me, it gave something extra that you were on the trip, Ute. I have never experienced the director to engage during the itinerary as you did. The group dynamic is a big plus for the overall experience.
I have learned that I can stand on my own two feet even if I regard myself to be in the beginning of my artistic development, that I have established a repertoire to draw upon, with methods and tools to approach the environment I am in. Admittedly, it took some time to get there. The breakthrough came when we were at the Calanish standing stones.
Now I have a full sketchbook. The next step is to realize the sketches into paintings on a canvas. And a luxury problem, choosing from which sketches to develop further into paintings. I will always look back to this trip as a breakthrough when it comes to what I want to focus on further in my artistic development. {Mona, Norway, Sense of Place, Outer Hebrides, August 2022}
My expectations were to experience the wonderful landscapes of the Outer Hebrides and develop my painting style to be more free and semi abstract. I was delighted with the creative experience which greatly exceed my expectations. “ Sense of Place “ was the theme of the painting holiday and I really had that experience every day – great result. Extremely well organised with excellent accommodation and meals – I managed to eat well every day but did not put on any weight much to my surprise! Everyone on the trip got on well and fully participated. The choice of locations worked well and we had just enough time to sketch or paint which was quite short which ensured a freer and more immediate style which really suited me. Nicky’s commentary in the bus while travelling to the various location was excellent and really gave a “Sense of Place”. The duration was just about right: a week would be too short and two weeks too long – well judged”! Absolutely no criticisms.
Nicky led the demonstrations and tutoring with her usual friendly, supportive and respective manner. I have my own views on what I wanted to do and the manner in which I wished to paint. Nicky knew from a previous trip to the Inner Hebrides that I have quite conservative views on what material I would use to paint and respected that view but I did paint with peat based paint on the last day! I received well-judged advice from time to time which was always “spot on” but was otherwise left to my own devices which worked well for me.
A wonderful experience! {Stewart, Glasgow, Sense of Place, Outer Hebrides, August 2022}
The workshop with Louise was fantastic. We loved the whole experience, the practical aspect of the workshop covered any level of experience. We were delighted to get frames and wool so that we could complete our weaving at home. Louise was comfortable to be around and she made us very welcome in her beautiful workspace. {Denise, Scotland, Private weaving shortbreak with Louise Oppenheimer, August 2022}
Both accommodation and workshop were extremely welcoming, friendly and relaxed.
Jen made us feel welcome and at ease with her excellent people skills and most fabulous lunches. Good advice on restaurants, nice chats and we played a game together. Accommodation very clean, private and beds very comfortable.
Louise was absolutely fantastic. She adapted the course to the skills and interests of my girls and bonding with them. Interesting conversations. Great guidance, excellent teaching. Lots of personal attention. Fabulous and endless supply of homemade cakes. Nice to have a peek into her life as an artist. Location, her work and atmosphere of her studio interconnected with the natural surroundings.
Everything exceeding my greatest hopes for a relaxing break.
{Michele, Private weaving shotbreak with Louise Oppenheimer, August 2022}
I was fortunate to enjoy an art experience and tour of Scotland in June 2022 led by Ute. Things were organized but always flexible with the needs of our group well considered. I would highly recommend Wild At Art to anyone who wishes to enjoy a stress free journey through beautiful Scotland! {Karen, Maryland, The Women’s Travel Tribe Private Tour, June 2022 (via Facebook recommendation)}
Just got back from a travel adventure led by Ute from Wild at Art in Scotland. I cannot recommend her enough! The choice of arts activities as well as the sightseeing and hotels and meals.
Just go! {Beverley, New York City, The Women’s Travel Tribe Private Tour, June 2022 (via Facebook recommendation)}
I booked my experience with Ute and Wild at Art because I sensed it truly offered the magic it promised. I was eager to grow and connect with nature, to seek out something greater while doing something I loved in a quiet place that remembered simpler times. I had no idea that connection would become a communion or what that communion would reveal to me. In my work as a fiction writer and illustrator, I am always expressing someone else’s story. You can find me here and there hidden between the lines, but I’m never the big picture. On Iona, I was encouraged to draw and paint from within myself, guided by my own instincts and feelings. I struggled; expressing myself and sharing like that isn’t in my nature and I was also afraid to confront my own pain. For so long, I had just been painting over it. And before my trip, I thought I could go on like that. But during my experience I learned that all life is art, including my own. And if it isn’t turning out the way I dreamed, I don’t have to throw it away. I can transform it. It can feel beautiful again. I can love it again. I can love myself again.
This trip is one I will always hold dear. Thank you, Ute and Janet.
{Alaina C. Ewing, Florida, Iona Art Experience May 2022}
Iona was my second holiday with Wild at Art Scotland, and I am already thinking about a third next year.
If you want a painting holiday where someone tells you what to paint and how, don’t go on this trip. If you on the other hand are after inspiration and relaxation, to spend a creative week in a beautiful spot, walk and immerse in the landscape, have an inspiring tutor who will help you to find new ideas and think out of the box, then this is perfect!
Also very well organized and plenty of delicious food. {Ulla, Sweden, Iona Art Experience May 2022}
Really I don’t know where to start – it was such a fabulous holiday, with such a wonderful group of people in a magical place. All your details were so carefully organised and thought about, Janet was an incredibly inspiring, creative guide and tutor who very successfully curated a safe space for us to play in and connect with our inner child. In short – I loved it and came home with a smile on my face and deep warmth in my heart. I feel as if something opened up inside me and the beautiful Iona light has flooded in. {Elinor, England, Iona Art Experience May 2022}
The art experience surpassed my expectations by far. Ute is a very warm hearted and thoughtful guide. The locations were chosen perfectly and the artist, Ellis O’Connor, did a terrific job on encouraging us to loosen up and go wild! 😀 A week I wouldn’t want to miss. {Karin, Germany, Outer Hebrides April 2022}
I honestly only have good feedback. I think Ellis O’Connor was a very inspired choice for art tutor – she really managed to coax us out of our artistic comfort zones. Apart from being an obviously well respected and accomplished artist, it helped enormously that she was such a lovely likeable person and that she had lived on North Uist, so could show us all the best spots. I learnt a ton, so much, and am very grateful. For me, this was not an inexpensive trip but I can say now that I think it was really worth every cent. The trip was well planned and the accommodation was great. So glad I did this! {Barbara, Scotland, Outer Hebrides April 2022}
This workshop was well organized and well executed. I felt very well taken care of.The instructor is a top notch artist at the top of her game and a joy to be around and soak up her perspective! {Leslie, California, Outer Hebrides April 2022}
Thank you Margaret, Ute and Lesley for everything! It was an incredible week which had an incredible impact on me. I think I found the spark of inspiration I was looking for…thanks to all of you! What a wonderful group and an enchanting place! {Beth, Oregon, Orkney Creative Retreat, November 2021}
I found the cruise absolutely magical! The high points for me were painting in Loch Coruisk, on Skye (in the sunshine!). It’s a place I’ve always wanted to see, and I’ve never gotten closer than Loch Scavaig before. It’s the site of my favourite Turner painting. The other highlight was the dolphins that came and played around and under the boat near Mallaig for quite a long time. And it was wonderful painting with Nicky again; she’s such an inspiring teacher, with so many creative ideas! Just sailing around the islands was lovely, too, and I enjoyed the dinghy rides between the boat and the islands. The crew were all very efficient, helpful and accommodating, and also very friendly, which helped to make the trip such a pleasure. {Cynthia, Edinburgh, Painting & Wildlife Cruise, September 2021}
A wonderful experience combining painting, wildlife watching and living on a small ship. Took me into another world for a week where I developed my painting style. Very helpful and knowledgeable tutor and crew including a first class cook. {Stewart, Glasgow, Painting & Wildlife Cruise, September 2021}
It was a great and stimulating trip. Makes me just want to spend every day drawing, painting and being otherwise creative! I know from experience that it was down to Tony the Captain and not co-incidence that we slept in calm waters every night, and none of us was sick any time — I am very grateful for that!
Thanks to all of you for your company, friendship and encouragement. {Louise, Orkney, Painting & Wildlife Cruise, September 2021}
I loved, loved, loved the workshop. So fun to connect with others from around the world, and to learn a new skill. The instructions are very clear and easy to follow. So glad I participated, and really look forward to another great experience someday in Scotland. {Pat, USA, Online Bookmaking Workshop, June 2021}
Back home after a lovely weaving break. We have taken photographs and I will forward something soon. Our B&B hosts were WONDERFUL! And as for the weaving! What can I say – Louise was a wonderful teacher and we have both come home inspired, with wool!!!! {Pam, Scotland, Private weaving shortbreak with Louise Oppenheimer, June 2021}
“Thank you so much for this wonderful workshop! I really enjoyed to make my own refillable sketchbook! 🙂
The tutorials are very clear, so that also a person like me with more or less school english is able to understand almost all. 🙂
I am very happy with my book! It is covered with a form-colour-sketch from the Faroe Islands and inside I worked with a card I had printed from one of my paintings showing a village on the Faroe Islands. …
My son already ordered a book with/in Dobby(Harry Potter)-style.” {Annemarie, Germany, Online Bookmaking Workshop, June 2021}
” I went as a complete novice in any painting and was accompanied on the course by two other experienced painters. Liz was great, she offered support when I asked and encouraged me, but she let me get on with it without looking over me. She had a suitable light touch and she also acknowledged it as a holiday and let us have time out. We were treated like guests rather than customers. My family were amazed when I showed them my paintings for the week. Lovely accommodation too and thoroughly recommended” {Chris, UK, Summer Landscape oil painting retreat in Galloway, June 2021}
My aunt and I had a great experience with Wild at Art, from the accommodations, to our 2-day painting course, to the fresh food and meals out. The Scottish landscape, particularly the area our shortbreak introduced to us – Culcreuch Castle, Fintry – was definitely worth painting!
We so appreciated the personalization Wild At Art provided based on the hopes my aunt and I had for our experience, for example not knowing what painting medium we wanted to use, so providing all the options. Our instructor Katherine accommodated both my aunt’s interest in a beginner’s painting crash course, and my pursuit of open experimentation. We both left happy.
Thanks for a wonderful time, we’re eager to return! {Laura, New York City, Private painting experience with Katherine Cowtan, October 2019}
Cutting edge art experience at the edge of the world! {Anne, Paris, Lewis & Harris Art Experience 2019}
Our tour was truly gold star level! One of the most incredible experiences of my life! I’ve traveled extensively and the accommodations, activities, and education were superb! If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I recommend Wild at Art! {Virginia, California, Outlander Art Experience 2019}
The Outlander-inspired excursion was one of the most moving experiences I have ever done. It was not simply hit all the spots and say we had been there thing. The trip blended the initial focus of visiting the Outlander locales with a deep appreciation of the astounding culture and amazing history of this beautiful land with hands-on experiences and the opportunity to express the emotions and experience with artwork and journaling. I connected with some amazing new friends and learned much about a region I plan to visit again. {Celia, Minnesota, Outlander Art Experience 2019}
Thank you Ute & Nicky for such a heartfelt introduction to Lewis & Harris! {Deborah, Wisconsin, Lewis & Harris Art Experience 2019}
Really a superb experience of a gorgeous part of the world. Kind & comfortable accommodations, good food. Wonderful teacher, Nicky, and Ute who supported and ran the show. What else can you ask for? {Rose, Oregon, Lewis & Harris Art Experience 2019}
I loved the Outlander Art Experience. We saw all the obvious Outlander locations and many more. We learned about the Jacobites and Scottish Folklore and Printing and 18thC Herbal Medicine. It was outstanding! Wild at Art Scotland will give you a unique look at the scenery and history of Scotland and you will have such a great time you will be anxious to return. {Diana, California, Outlander Art Experience 2019}
The arrangement, program and your presence were perfect to allow for me to just be and reach the creative space. Combination Ute & Nicky is exquisite, professional, flexible, caring. {Lilian, Sweden, Lewis & Harris Art Experience 2019}
Are these not the rain blessed Hebrides?
Where stones rein and trees struggle in vein?
Where the weather forecast is always the same?
The simple everyday pleasure is wandering on the machair,
hugging stones, absorbing colors, searching purple linings in the horizon
whilst sipping raindrops from our lips.
Art has neither end nor beginning.
Brush strokes neither start nor finish.
And the universe remains there waiting….
for our brains to meet it’s infinity in color.
I shall never forget the shared desire
to paint and explore together.
In this place where we created a world in a world,
where we helped each other to see.
We came with the plane
and went with the rain,
trusting that the stones, peat, gneiss and rain
will always remain.
Lilian, Stockholm
Had a wonderful tour of Scotland & “Outlander” filming locations, with time to sketch, draw and paint. Informative workshops in printmaking and herb lore, as well. The best part of traveling with Wild at Art was meeting new friends and becoming part of a group with common interests, love of learning and joy of camaraderie. I highly recommend this tour group for travels through Scotland! {Maura, Connecticut, Outlander Art Experience 2019}
The Outlander Art Experience surpassed my expectations in so many ways. The locations were well chosen, and everything was very organized. The entire trip was amazing as well as educational from learning about herbs, learning new art techniques, and soaking up some Nicky’s vast knowledge of Scottish history and culture. I actually would repeat this very same experience. Ute and Nicky are the best. {Henrietta, Georgia, Outlander Art Experience 2019}
Wonderfully planned- a great way to see and learn about many exciting locations in the beautiful land of Scotland! So much to see- everything was an inspiration for art and memories. We were well-cared-for. Highly recommend Wild at Art! {Kirsten, Minnesota, Outlander Art Experience 2019}
I continue to return to my time in Edinburgh, the lessons and locations, by my sketches and paintings, pleasantly reminiscing on what a wonderful experience it was. {Don, California, tailor made watercolour painting experience with Leo du Feu, June 2019}
Lots of inspiration. Beautiful outings and sightseeing. Good company. {Karin, Denmark, Lewis & Harris Art Experience 2019}
Extraordinary beautiful scenery, inspiring teacher, very well organised. {Ulla, Sweden, Lewis & Harris Art Experience 2019}
If someone asks me “should I go on this holiday?” I’ll say “absolutely!” {Penny, Australia, on the Lewis & Harris art holiday 2018}
I very much appreciated both of you – your thoughtfulness, attention to detail, flexibility and knowledge. {Cynthia, Canada}
This was my best holiday in Scotland (I often go there). Very good hotels and food, great places to paint. It was wonderful how Wild at Art looked after us – they were helpful, warm and personal. The artist gave good support and many new ideas. I hope I’ll get a trip with Wild at Art next year. {Birgit from Berlin, Germany}
The best bits about my Wild at Art experience? – Ellen, Scotland, Susan [Winton], villages, castles, sea, lovely fellow painters. {Lynne from Toronto}
I enjoyed my first experience with Wild at Art very much. Everyone was so friendly and we had lots of fun. {Mary from Leicestershire}
For me, stone carving was always a secret dream — a mysterious craft, something only true artists could achieve: liberated, initiated people who had chosen their vocation courageously, rising above the petty fears of average people like me, who preferred to be on the safe side of life with a regular income and insurances for all sorts of mishaps in life. So I thought. {Birgit from Dueren, Germany}
I feel I’m at the verge of an addiction {Julia from East Lothian, Scotland, about how much she enjoyed the stonecarving course…}
