Caithness Sketchers

A Sketching Group for Caithness

There is an activity known as 'Urban Sketching', where artists get together and sketch and paint outdoors. It began in the USA, but has spread around the World and it is becoming more popular in the UK. Although it’s called 'Urban Sketching’, it isn't necessarily confined to cities, and I discovered that we already have some groups in this region. Highland Sketchers are based in Inverness, and Moray Firth Sketchers cover the area further east, so it seemed to me that we were missing out in Caithness. I asked around whether anyone would be interested, and a lot of people replied saying that they would love to take part, or at least try it. It seemed that there was definitely a need for a group in Caithness and parts of North Sutherland. Not having organised anything like this before I wasn't sure how to go about it, but the easiest thing seemed to be to set up a Facebook group and ask people to join it. I called it 'Caithness Sketchers' and we currently have thirty-one members.

As a group we aim to go out at least once a month, sketching or painting in various locations around Caithness, and occasionally further afield. We accept all artistic abilities and, although there is no teaching involved, I’m sure we will all be happy to share advice about methods and materials. All that is needed to get started is a pencil and a drawing pad, and something to sit on. The main thing is to have fun sketching outdoors with other artists, and share the highs and lows of the experience.

We had our first outing in October, when five of us got together along the river at Halkirk. The weather was perfect and we all had an enjoyable time. There were a few friendly passers-by and equally friendly dogs, which is how I ended up with a muddy paw print in my paintbox! Now we are looking forward to future events, and exploring lots of other places with our sketchbooks.

Anyone interested can join the Facebook group at - https://www.facebook.com/groups/caithness.sketchers - or contact me through this site.

Caithness Sketchers enjoying their first outing