Scotland is one of my favorite places to visit in the world! I’ve been there for treks, retracing my McNee roots, and for family holidays—but, I never exclusively for a painting retreat.
I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be leading a magical painting retreat and workshop in Inveraray, Scotland in October 2026. The details are below but here is the backstory and how it all came together…
In October 2024, I joined a plein air painting retreat in the Highlands so I could finally paint Scotland! This trip was led by tonalist artist friend, John MacDonald (and organized by Elaine Miller). Set against the misty hills and shimmering lochs of Scotland—it was a deeply inspiring creative journey.
We had a truly magical adventure with unforgettable moments. I have great memories of sketching ancient castles, sharing meals in cozy Highland pubs, and painting under skies that changed by the minute.
I returned home with not only a sketchbook full of studies, but a heart full of joy, and creative renewal.
What an honor to be invited back to lead my OWN painting retreat and workshop.
(Click here to check out my past workshops).
Paint Scotland: A Plein Air Retreat in the Highlands
October 11–17, 2026 – Inveraray, Scotland
This time, I’ll be returning not just as a guest, but as your guide and instructor. I already explored the area, so I know firsthand how special these painting spots are! I understand how the light moves, where the best compositions live, and when the castles glow at golden hour.
This familiarity enables me to lead with intention and insight, making your experience smoother, richer, and more inspiring.
Based in the enchanting village of Inveraray, this retreat includes four full days of painting, six nights of lodging at the historic George Hotel, and guided excursions to some of the most breathtaking and historic locations in the Highlands.
We’ll paint in villages that feel frozen in time, where moss-covered stones and centuries-old cottages whisper stories of those who came before us.
We’ll explore the windswept grounds of ancient castles and crumbling towers standing guard over lochs under the Highland sky.
There will be moments of quiet awe as we hike to panoramic overlooks, where the land unfolds like a living painting. Each hill and glen is steeped in legend—you can almost hear the bagpipes playing!!
We’ll create side-by-side in the company of fellow artists (..all mediums welcome! I’ll demo in gouache and oil). It will be a joyful blend of professionals and passionate beginners, all drawn together by the wild beauty of Scotland and the magic of making art. Scotland seems to exist outside of time and the retreat is already half full! I know this will be a truly unforgettable and soul-stirring week!
🔗 Click here for full workshop details and how to register.Why Scotland?
The light in Scotland has a life of its own! It dances across the lochs and rolls through the hills like a storybook unfolding. Every stone cottage, church ruin, and forested path feels like it belongs in a painting. Whether you’re capturing reflections on still water or letting the moody Scottish atmosphere guide your brush, this land invites creativity.
Furthermore, we’ll paint together daily but there’s also space for you to explore, reflect, and follow your artistic rhythm.
📬 Ready to join us?
If you feel the pull of the Highlands, I invite you to come along. Group size is limited to keep the experience intimate and enriching.
📧 Email me at lori@lorimcnee.com to check availability.
Click here for pricing, the itinerary, and more information!
Let Scotland fill your canvas—and your soul.
