Creatives Workshops at Fort William Mountain Festival 2025
We’re heading back to Fort William Mountain Festival for 2025! We’ve lined up another exciting programme of events, with talks on the mountains, creativity and more, and more outdoor workshops with Creatives.
Our workshops are now available online to book. Each of these workshops will be led by one of our published Creators; you’ll be heading into the mountains to explore the artistic process and interpretations of nature through drawing, writing or painting. All our workshops sold out last year, so we’d recommend booking early to secure your place. Find out more about what’s in store below…
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Drawing the Mountains with Jack Spowart
In collaboration with Wild Roots Guiding
Saturday 15 February, 8am – 12pm
Join Scottish Highlands based mountain artist Jack Spowart on a morning hike and learn the fundamentals of landscape drawing. On route to our vantage point and the main stop of the workshop, Jack will explain how he approaches a new piece of artwork, the tools he uses, how to spot a strong composition and how he managed to turn a fun hobby into a full time career as a freelance illustrator and artist. You’ll then reach a drawing location and begin composition guided by Jack.
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Painting the Mountains with Phoebe Sleath
Saturday 15 February, 9am – 1pm
Join geologist and artist Phoebe Sleath on a morning walk through Glen Nevis to learn about the fundamentals of geological interpretation through sketchbook painting. Phoebe is a PhD student in Structural Geology at the University of Aberdeen.
To start Phoebe will show you what’s in her field kit and demonstrate how you can work confidently and colourfully in your sketchbooks to document geological features and learn more about the rocks and landscape in the process. Together we will then use a variety of art materials like watercolour, pastels and pens to add different colours and textures to our paintings; and as we walk, we will interpret and learn about lots of different geological features as well.
See Phoebe’s work in Creatives
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Writing the Mountains with Merryn Glover
Saturday 15 February, 11am – 1pm
Go for a wander with author Merryn Glover to gather words and ideas for writing about nature. We will explore Glen Nevis and draw from our senses to craft poetry and short descriptive pieces. No experience necessary.
See Merryn’s work in Creatives
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Please note for all workshops: materials will be provided, but please wrap up warm with appropriate clothing and footwear for whatever conditions the day may bring. A spare jacket or mat to sit on will also be useful. In the event of terrible weather (February can bring all sorts!), we will be indoors for some or all of the workshop.