Ruth Fitton Workshop in Scotland
Painting the Portrait and Figures Scotland with Ruth Fitton
Scottish Manor Estate, Angus, Scotland July 9 – 17, 2026
Join acclaimed figurative artist Ruth Fitton for an immersive painting workshop in the heart of the Scottish countryside. This exceptional experience focuses on alla prima portraiture and figure painting, both in-studio and en plein air on the magnificent manor estate in Angus.
Throughout the workshop, Ruth will guide participants in capturing the essence and energy of the human form with fresh, expressive brushwork. Working closely with each artist, she will provide individualized feedback and help refine your technique—whether you are painting a model indoors, under natural light in the gardens, or composing figures within the dramatic Scottish landscape.
The estate itself offers a rich setting of inspiration: expansive grounds, pristine natural beauty, and the tranquil rhythm of rural Scottish life. You’ll be surrounded by color, character, and historic charm. Be ready for a visual and creative feast—from luminous skin tones to the textures of nature.
In addition to daily instruction and painting sessions, artists will venture to local destinations such as fishing villages, historic castles, and cultural sites that add depth to the experience. Evening sessions include painting demonstrations, discussions, and artistic exchange with Ruth and fellow attendees.
Other highlights include excursions to Dundee and the V&A Museum, Dunnotter Castle, a whisky distillery tasting, serene lochs and glens, and visits to the local village pub. This is more than a workshop—it’s a chance to grow as an artist while living and creating in one of the most captivating parts of Scotland.
We invite you to join us for a transformative week of painting, learning, and connection at our beautiful historic estate in Angus.
Open to artists of all levels, this workshop offers a supportive and focused environment to elevate your painting practice. Ruth will lead with a dynamic combination of demonstrations, personalized one-on-one guidance, and constructive critiques, helping you explore expressive alla prima portrait and figure techniques. You’ll paint both in the studio and outdoors on the historic grounds of a stunning Scottish manor estate—surrounded by breathtaking views, gardens, and timeless architecture.
Each day will bring new opportunities to hone your skills, connect with your subject, and deepen your understanding of the figure in natural light. Whether you’re refining brushwork, learning to capture likeness, or composing within a broader landscape, Ruth’s attentive teaching style ensures you’ll grow both technically and artistically.
Beyond the easel, the experience is equally rich. You’ll explore nearby villages, visit historic castles, taste local whisky at a traditional distillery, and stroll outdoor markets for a bit of retail therapy. The week promises a true immersion in Scottish culture—filled with beauty, heritage, and inspiration at every turn.
Instruction and accommodations are based at a grand Scottish manor estate, offering comfort, character, and a sense of creative retreat. It’s the perfect setting to slow down, focus deeply on your painting, and connect with fellow artists.
Ready to take your portrait and figure painting to the next level in a truly extraordinary setting? Join Ruth Fitton this July for a workshop experience unlike any other.
Ruth Fitton
Ruth is a fine artist and portrait painter based in London, UK.
Ruth has been fascinated by portraiture since her mid-teens. Her imagination is sparked by the human face, and its unique capacity for character and communication. Ruth taught herself to paint in oils while also studying for a BA in Music, and on graduating began painting full-time.
Since then, Ruth’s paintings have gathered praise across the globe. Recent awards include 2nd Place Figurative Work in the Art Renewal Center International Salon (2025), the People’s Choice Award in the Portrait Society of America International Competition (2023), a Purchase Award from the Art Renewal Center (2021) and 1st Place Young Artist award with the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (2020). In 2023 Ruth was elected a Member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, and awarded Signature Status by the Portrait Society of America.
“My work is almost always figurative; it is humanity, facial expression, and body language which spark my imagination. I want to communicate, and I always strive for a strong narrative element in my paintings. Inspirations include the work of pre-Raphaelite and naturalist painters, and post-impressionist painters (Waterhouse, Bastien-LePage, Friant, Bramley).”
Ruth has exhibited at Sotheby’s NYC, Arcadia Contemporary NYC, MEAM Barcelona, the Mall Galleries London, and is represented by London galleries Panter&Hall and Fine Art Commissions.
Ruth’s painting “Things Not Seen” has been selected by the Art Renewal Center for the Lunar Codex cultural time-capsule project; in 2022 a copy of the painting will be sent to the Moon.
“I am passionate about painting from life – I’m drawn to the organic experience of capturing my immediate reality in paint. This passion is balanced by a keen curiosity regarding texture, layers, and edges. I constantly seek the most imaginative ways to make paint replicate the feel and character of what I see. Quick, immersive live studies are generally followed by extensive studio work.”
This Workshop Includes:
9-day intensive masterclass with world-class instructor.
9-days of artistic immersion in Scotland.
Ongoing demos, discussions and evenings with the instructors.
Tuition, all meals on the estate, wine, accommodation, and ground transportation. We eat out at our own expense – one/two lunches and one dinner are scheduled. Airfare not included.
Paint, sketch and enjoy the good life in beautiful Scottish surroundings.
Daily painting locations: Pristine natural landscapes, dramatic Scottish coastline, breathtaking castles and more.
Balanced itinerary of painting, exploring and relaxation for artists of all media – all levels!
Live, learn, and paint side-by-side with Jennifer and Mike and fellow artists.
Additional Cultural tour – Museums, galleries and castles.
Airport pickup from Aberdeen International Airport and Arbroath Train Station.
Ruth Fitton Workshop in Scotland
July 9 - 17, 2026
$6,300
Limited number of students. Reserve your spot now!