My paintings are inspired by the rugged coastline of Ayrshire
Sarah Plant has lived in South Ayrshire for 18 years. She’s now based in Wigtownshire.
I loved art at school but only came back to painting when I joined the Robinwood Art School in Alloway in 2016. Running my own event company at the time I was looking for a day off from work to focus on some quality “me” time. Under the weekly tutelage of Joan Lawson, I learnt colour theory, creating tone to add depth and a variety of mixed media techniques.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 my wedding business suffered and like many others, I found it a very stressful time. In April 2021 I took the opportunity to sell my business and fulfil my passion of art full-time, by setting up Sarah Louise Artist.
At the Robinwood Art School, Joan introduced me to water mixable oil paint and I instantly fell in love with the movement of the medium. It doesn’t smell like oil, dries in 2 to 3 weeks and brushes can be cleaned under the tap with no harsh solvents.
The rugged coastline of Ayrshire and our sunsets are spectacular. One of my favourite views which features often in my work is of Ailsa Craig. I have not only sailed around the granite rock but have also landed ashore to take in the views of the mainland and surrounding sea life.
I have met many artists through Open Studios Ayrshire, the Ayr Art Circle and also being a “friend” of the Maclaurin Galleries. I have recently become a volunteer with Save the Children UK Ayr & District Branch helping to administer their social media and promote their annual art exhibition which will help me to make new contacts and develop relations.
I am a very sociable person and love meeting up with new people, but also through joining local art clubs you constantly learn from others, pick up tips, see new methods of working and it helps to build your own confidence with your artwork.
I have my own garden room studio in Wigtownshire and also an online shop on my website. I have an original painting donated to the Ayrshire Hospice for their Summer Ball and another painting is being gifted to Hansel this coming week for their annual Art Exhibition and Sale at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in July. A selection of my paintings are also being hung at the Old Bakery Gallery in Newton Stewart for July.
In the past year there seems to be a lot more going on again in the arts in Ayrshire with exhibitions, art demonstrations and classes at various venues. Despite living in Wigtownshire, I’m back in Ayrshire at least twice a month with friends to visit the latest events taking place.
For visitors to Ayrshire, I always find the Barony Centre in West Kilbride, Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine and Maclaurin Galleries in Ayr well worth a visit and they each have a café too so you can enjoy a cuppa, cake and chat after. Both the Lochgreen House Hotel in Troon and the Savoy Park Hotel in Ayr organise art demonstrations with lunch which are a great day out.
I hope you enjoyed reading my blog. You can connect with me through my website and social media.
Sarah Plant
Sarah Louise Artist
Grange Cottage Studio
www.sarahlouiseartist.co.uk
www.facebook.com/sarahlouiseartistayrshire
www.instagram.com/sarahlouiseartistayrshire
uk.linkedin.com/in/sarahlplant
