With John writing up a large (and seemingly non-ending) academic paper, our social life has suffered a lot this May. So I was understandably excited about our weekend visit to Crichton and a chat with Solway House artists during Dumfries and Galloway’s Spring Fling 2015 open studios event. What a wonderful experience it was!

It was fascinating to study the shades of blue in William Spurway‘s Scottish landscape paintings and explore the art materials William uses in his work. John was very taken with an art piece by Steven Burnie and after a conversation the artist was determined to acquire one. I was charmed with bold colourful paintings by Evelyn Gray. Fraser Irvine‘s display of large sketches and soft expressive landscapes made me feel lyrical.

It’s year 13 since Spring Fling came into existence as Scotland’s annual premier art and craft open studio event. 94 artists participated this year, 6 of them based in Solway House. I think it’s admirable when artists welcome the public to their studios to provide insight into their techniques and practices. And sometimes the studio space and atmosphere provide a valuable insight into their work. I sincerely hope that Spring Fling carries on enhancing our discovery of Dumfries and Galloway professional artists and craftsmen in situ.

'A'-listed Solway House in Crichton, home to an artist studio group
‘A’-listed Solway House in Crichton, home to an artist studio group
Spring Fling 2015 exhibition
Spring Fling 2015 exhibition
William Spurway, landscape artist
William Spurway, landscape artist
Art materials from William Spurway's open studio
Tools of the trade
Oil paint palette from William Spurway's studio
Wonderful shades of blue
Looking at exhibited artworks
Looking at exhibited artworks
Steven Burnie, a Solway House artist
Steven Burnie, a Solway House artist
Steven Burnie's open studio
Steven Burnie’s open studio
Steven Burnie is quite outspoken about his inspiration and process
Steven  was quite outspoken about his inspiration and process
Evelyn Gray with her colourful paintings at Spring Fling 2015
Evelyn Gray with her colourful paintings at Spring Fling 2015
Attracting a younger audience - ha-ha!
Attracting a younger audience – ha-ha!
Evelyn Gray gives a peek into her creative process and techniques
Evelyn Gray gave a peek into her creative process and techniques
Fraser Irvine in his Solway House space
Fraser Irvine in his Solway House space
Fraser Irvine's easel on dispaly
Fraser’s easel on display
Nail and cloth - I love the colours!
Nail and cloth – I love the colours!
Both finish artwork and sketches were on show to satisfy the public's curiosity
Both finish artwork and sketches were on show to satisfy the public’s curiosity

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