On February 17th, 2025, I had the honour of kicking off the programme with a four-day portrait workshop at Crownpoint Studios in Glasgow. It was, without question, one of the most enjoyable, satisfying, and professionally rewarding experiences of my career so far.
Alla Prima, meaning “at first attempt” in Italian, is an incredibly powerful way of working. It demands decisiveness, confidence, and a willingness to embrace imperfection. It forces the artist to engage directly with their subject without hesitation, something that is invaluable in both building technical skills and cultivating artistic intuition.
Throughout the workshop, I was continually amazed by these incredible young artists. It was a joy to witness their inquisitiveness, their hunger for knowledge, their openness to explore new approaches and their passionate desire to learn and grow as artists.
I’ve only known the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from teaching for a short while—a little over a year, in fact—and most of the people I’ve taught up until now have been hobbyists: retirees and people who like to dabble in painting in their spare time. I've loved it—it's incredibly rewarding to pass on your expertise to others and to see their work develop and improve as a result.
But it is something truly special to work with people who have committed their lives to the arts. It was wonderful to see them drink in new concepts and techniques and respond with such enthusiasm and excitement as they realised the breadth of expressive opportunities these ideas opened up to them.
Artist Feedback: Lessons Learned
The feedback from the artists confirmed just how important this kind of hands-on learning is.
Eva Hewitt
"A complete delight."
“Lewis’ teaching was of the highest calibre. A packed timetable ensured that every moment was well spent. Astonishingly, this was my first painting lesson! My need for technical guidance and critique was certainly satisfied throughout the course. Lewis’ mix of practical demonstration coupled with one-to-one instruction was mightily impressive – he certainly put himself in the frame!
His emphasis on patterns of light and their effects on the sitter’s countenance was a revelation. His style of teaching, demeanour, and willingness to share his experience as an individual created a non-judgemental learning environment. This is undoubtedly a life-changing opportunity which I intend to grab with both hands and give my all.”
Kirstin MacKinnon
"A privilege to be part of the Collective."
“The first Scottish Contemporary Collective workshop was a four-day introduction to impressionist alla-prima oil painting. The incredibly talented painter Lewis MacKenzie led the workshop, and I believe every member of the collective benefited greatly from his wisdom. Lewis is a fantastic teacher: approachable, adaptable and extremely generous with his knowledge. I feel privileged to be part of the Collective. I am grateful for everything I learnt during our first workshop and look forward to engaging in future events hosted by Tighnabruaich Gallery.”
Innes MacLellan
"A huge success."
“The entire experience—being surrounded by the rest of the collective, working in a new environment with a great atmosphere, and benefiting from Lewis’s mentorship—was invaluable for both my personal growth and artistic practice.
Lewis’s approach and teachings were particularly intriguing. I embraced every lesson, taking in as much as possible from the experience. Observing how the other artists interpreted and worked from the same model was especially insightful, highlighting the diversity and uniqueness we each bring to our craft.
Overall, it was a rewarding and enriching experience, productive and filled with enjoyment.”
Why This Matters
Experiences like this demonstrate why the Scottish Contemporary Collective exists. Workshops, mentorship, and direct learning from experienced artists are essential in bridging the gap between art education and professional practice.
Most art school graduates will never make a living as full-time artists—not because they lack talent, but because the infrastructure to support them isn’t there. The Scottish Contemporary Collective is here to change that.
What’s Next?
The Alla Prima masterclass was only the beginning. Over the next three years, the Collective will host technical workshops, masterclasses, residencies, and exhibitions, providing emerging artists with the tools they need to build sustainable careers.
If you are as excited about this journey as we are, we invite you to follow our progress, visit our exhibitions, and support the future of contemporary Scottish art.
Stay Updated – Join our mailing list to hear more about upcoming exhibitions and masterclasses.
Visit the Gallery – The grand reopening of Tighnabruaich Gallery takes place on July 26th, 2025.
Support the Collective – Find out how you can sponsor, partner, or collect work from our artists.