This October, I joined a group to paint the Scottish Highlands. Scotland’s beauty is raw and mysterious, filled with vibrance, subtlety, melancholy, and magic.
To capture the dramatic landscape and unique atmosphere, I used a limited palette of colors.
Our home base was the picturesque town of Inveraray on Loch Fyne The tour was led by renowned tonalist, and fellow artist, John MacDonald.
Each day was full of painting, rain, sunshine, ancient castles, and great company. We soaked up Scottish culture, from Cullen Skink and haggis to bagpipes, sheep-dotted hills and historic landscapes.
We even enjoyed the sound of bagpipes, the sight of fuzzy sheep, and the company of friends sharing great conversations and laughter.
I used a limited palette from my Lori McNee Signature Set by Royal Talens, with just six colors: Titanium White, Cadmium Lemon, Ultramarine Blue, Permanent Green Deep, Madder Lake, and Transparent Oxide Red.
To my surprise, this limited palette captured Scotland’s moody skies, lush greens, and earthy tones with ease.
Using a limited palette was pleasingly versatile and allowed me to quickly capture the shifting light and textures of Scotland’s landscapes.
Painting in Scotland felt especially meaningful because of my Scottish heritage. Immersed in these landscapes I felt a deep connection to my Celtic roots and my ancestors.
On rainy days, I worked from photos, especially for Kilchurn Castle, but the rest of my paintings were created en plein air to reflect Scotland’s shifting light.
Each finished piece holds a memory of both place and experience—a small study that retells the story of this inspiring journey.
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be leading my own painting retreat in Scotland soon!
And for those interested in the English countryside, I’ll also be hosting a plein air experience in the the Cotswolds in May 2025. Stay tuned for more details—I’d love to have you join me!
I’d be delighted to have you join me on these unforgettable adventures.
Let’s Paint the English countryside!
Plein Air Painting in the Cotswolds with Lori McNee (May 2025)
If you’d love to explore these breathtaking landscapes through an artist’s eyes, stay tuned—I’d be delighted to have you join me on these unforgettable adventures.
***Email me for more information: lori@lorimcnee.com
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