Scotland Sketchbook, Post 18, Scone Palace, Perthshire, Scotland

Scone Palace

Just outside the city of Perth is Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish Kings .  This took place on Moot Hill and the chapel there on what is known as the Stone of Destiny.  The Stone of Destiny is now at Edinburgh Castle, and a replica, known as the Stone of Scone, is on the hill in front of the chapel.  The palace name Scone is pronounced "scoon", and the pastry scone (which symbolizes the Stone of Destiny) is pronounced "scon".  The magnificent palace, gardens, and chapel are still the residence of the Earl and Countess of Mansfield.  A flock of peacocks, along with a beautiful white peacock, also call this bucolic place home.

Scotland Sketchbook, Post 17,

The Black Watch Castle and Museum, Perth, Scotland

The beautiful Balhousie Castle is the home of the Black Watch Museum which houses an incredible collection of uniforms, medals, art, stories and artifacts of the Black Watch Regiments which began in 1725.  Six companies were formed, 3 large, and 3 small from the Campbell, Grant, Fraser, and Munro Clans to deter fighting in the various glens and  Highlanders raiding Lowlanders.  The first muster was in 1740 along the River Tay in a glen.  The Campbell Clan had more officers than any other.  You can learn more about their history at theblackwatch.co.uk.  Upon entering the grounds of the museum is a notable monument for those lives lost in teh Great War and WWII, and most moving are the thousands of little white crosses with red poppies woven into the fence spilling over onto the lawn.  In my sketchbook are a few of those heroes who gave their life for their country.  The 3 Black Watch Soldiers are painted from a stained glass window in the museum, in a room of remembrance, where  the names of all those who gave their lives in the Black Watch Regiment  are named.  A sobering reminder of the price for freedom and self-determination.  I felt so grateful and humbled.

Scotland Sketchbook, Post 16

Banockburn and Stirling Castle

"Alba gu brath", Gaelic, meaning Scotland Forever.  The first War of Scottish Independence was won at the Battle of Banockburn, fought June 23-24 1314 on the meadow below the volcanic cliff on which Stirling Castle is built.  Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, 1306-1329, led the victory over the English forces.  "It is in the truth not for glory, nor riches we are fighting, for that alone which no honest man gives up, but with life itself," Robert the Bruce.  Stirling Castle was the castle that held the control of the Highlands, built in 1110.  Today it's grandeur still reigns over Scotland with an incredibly beautiful restoration with costumed guides to retell the story of the castle and the Scottish spirit of freedom.  A majestic and glorious site!

Scotland Sketchbook, Post 15

CASTLE CAMPBELL

After leaving Edinburgh, we crossed the Firth of Forth and headed to Dollar, Scotland to visit Castle Campbell, originally Castle Gloom.  Built in 1430 it was laid to waste by the Marquis of Montrose when Cromwell visited Scotland.  The sight is maintained by Historic Scotland today. The souvenir guide was my resource for the timeline on these pages.  Following the paved path from the parking lot we walked up and down hill, across a burn by footbridge, past a great oak tree more than 300 years old,  and entered the Castle Campbell gates.  Climbing up a narrow, winding, tower staircase, we made our way up to the Great Hall, then higher to the bed chambers, and finally to the top of the castle ramparts.  It was a wet misty day which added to the great Scotland atmosphere as we surveyed "our" great lands around the castle.  I felt transported in time, imagining what it must have felt like to be one of the 5th Earl Campbell 's family attending the wedding of his sister along with Mary, Queen of Scots, as a fellow wedding guest! Magical!!

Scotland Sketchbook, Post 14

This view of Edinburgh is attributed to photographer, Colin Baxter.  I love how it shows the great volcanic rock that Edinburgh Castle was built on.  Stone walls have been unearthed at this sight dating back to the Bronze Age 3,000-5,000 years ago!  A lithograph of a view from the ramparts of the castle has hung in our home since we were first married.  Visiting the Castle was like walking back in time into that lithograph from 1837.   Below the view of Edinburgh, I painted little symbols of other great remembrances of our 3 days in Edinburgh:  (l.-r.) 1.  A street sign near the Supreme Courts of Scotland for a pub on the Royal Mile; 2. The Crown of Scotland, C. 1540 from seeing the Honours of Scotland at Edinburgh Castle; 3.  The great dome of St. Giles Cathedral, where John Knox preached and the mother church of Presbyterians; 4. A statue of a reclining horse in from of the Scotland National War Museum at the Castle with the shield of Scotland, which, in my interpretation, pays tribute to all of the brave horses that gave their lives in the protection of Scotland; 5.  A stain glass window of the Duke of Argyll's Coat of Arms in the Great Hall at the Castle representing the contributions of the Campbell Clan to Scotland; and, 6.  A red poppy growing near Scotland's Parliament Building in memory of those who lost their lives at Flanders Fields in WWI, and all others who have given their lives for their country.

Scotland Sketchbook, Post 13

EDINBURGH!!  When first walking through a historic city, one of the things that first catches my artist's eye are the doors and gates.  I was drawn to  the red and blue doors of the cathedrals, and the ironwork of a thistle design and the symbolism of the stag and cross over the gates of Holyrood Palace.  The stage and cross represent the legend of the "Miracle of the Stag", which happened during the Feast of the Cross.  In 1127 King David of Scotland was hunting in the forest when he was thrown by his frightened horse when a wild stag appeared.  The stag attempted to kill the king, the king grabbed the stags horns in an effort to save himself, when he saw a brilliant light in the shape of a cross appear between the stag's horns.  The stag turned and ran away.  In thanksgiving, King David declared that an abbey should be built in that very spot.  In 1128, the abbey was build and named Holyrood which means Holy Cross.  Now a palace, it still retains the name today.

Copy of Scotland Sketchbook, Post 12

Ayrshire;s lovely rolling hillsides made for pastoral scenery as we woundour way across Scotland's southern Lowlands.  Ayrshire has  a rich history touched by the likes of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, and is the home of Scotland's best known poet, Robert Burns.  This roads were lined with thousands of flowers of Queen Anne's Lace (an herb that produces wild carrots).  We made our way to Roslyn Chapel located in Midlothian, sight of many Nights Templar legends.  No pictures allowed in the chapel, so as we hike to the nearby castle, my eyes focused on the day outside, the intense blue sky, the red poppies and Queen Anne's Lace dotted pastures, and woodlands that surrounds the knoll on which Roslyn Chapel is built.  A perfect summer's day in Scotland!

Scotland Sketchbook, Post 12

Ayrshire;s lovely rolling hillsides made for pastoral scenery as we woundour way across Scotland's southern Lowlands.  Ayrshire has  a rich history touched by the likes of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, and is the home of Scotland's best known poet, Robert Burns.  This roads were lined with thousands of flowers of Queen Anne's Lace (an herb that produces wild carrots).  We made our way to Roslyn Chapel located in Midlothian, sight of many Nights Templar legends.  No pictures allowed in the chapel, so as we hike to the nearby castle, my eyes focused on the day outside, the intense blue sky, the red poppies and Queen Anne's Lace dotted pastures, and woodlands that surrounds the knoll on which Roslyn Chapel is built.  A perfect summer's day in Scotland!

Scotland Sketchbook, Post 10

In addition to what I hand wrote in my sketchbook, this site holds many other fascinating memories, starting with the monk, Munnu, who is the namesake of Kilmun (church of Munn).   Munnu was an Irish monk who wanted to follow in the footsteps of St. Columba and join the monastery  on the Isle of Iona.  However, when arrived around 600 AD,  Columba had already died, and Munnu was told that Columba had a vision prior to his death that Munnu should start his own monastery.  Munnu did just that at Kilmun and played an important role in the spreading of Christianity in the Western Highlands.  He and his followers would have farmed the land and fished in the sea, just like the other members of the community. The stone effigies that I painted are of Duncan Campbell of Loch Awe, Chief of Clan Campbell who died in 1453 and his wife Marjorie.  In addition to making a grant to the Church of Kilmun, he also made grants to the churches in Dunoon and Perth. " Their sail is furled, their voyage o'er, their souls have reached Christ's holy shore."  Unknown; Resource: Historic Kilmun

Scotland Sketchbook, Post 9

Ardkinglas, a beautiful estate on the easterly shores of Loch Fyne is a delight!  The forest gardens are open to the public, but we had the privilege of a private showing, a step back in time to view the interior of this lovely home.  In the main salon, this charming protrait captured my attention.  In the chamber rooms this little sleeping alcove was so cozy.  I took some artistic license with the curtains and brightened the pale pink to red stripes to match the red in the young lady's portrait.  The most notable Campbell of Arkinglas was Sir James Campbell, 2nd Baronet of Ardkinglas , c. 1666-1782, a British Memeber of Parliament.  You can read more in his memoir online.

Scotland Sketchbook, Post 8

Leaving Inveraray, we traveled over the "Rest and Be Thankful Pass" to the last and best preserved township, called Auchindrain.  The day was overcast with a fine mist falling over the incredibly green landscape of pasture, cottages, babbling brooks, and a great black thorn tree.  For over a thousand years most people of rural Scotland lived in townships raising sheep, cattle, growing oats, peas, bean, barley, and later potatoes.  Cottars, such as tailors,  weavers, and fishermen would rent or trade work  for rent from the joint tenants of the township.  The Auchindrain township survived until 1963 and is now run by the Auchindrain Trust.  Queen Victoria visited the sight while visiting the Duke of Argyll at Inveraray Castle in 1875.  I felt like a child in a candy store exploring this township, knowing that my family most likely lived in such a cottage in a similar township before they left Scotland.  In the sketch of the interior of a cottage, there is a black thorn wood walking cane leaning against the wall.  I inherited one just like it from my Uncle Marvin!

Scotland Sketchbook, Post 7

Inveraray sits on the shores of Loch Fyne, it's lovely white-washed buildings reflecting in the pristine waters where abundant oysters, salmon, and all sorts of fish are harvested.  We had lunch in the Inveraray Tea Room at the castle is personally overseen by the Duchess Eleanor Cadbury Campbell, so,  of course, the chocolate cake was in order!  We stayed the night at the historic George Hotel just up the main street from the late medieval cross on the waterfront's edge.  The cross is dedicated to "those who gave it all in the Great War."  An 18th century folly stands at the top of Dun Na Cuaiche, an "eye-catcher" seen from both the castle and town of Inveraray.

Scotland Sketchbook, Post 6

From Loch Lomond we headed to Loch Fyne and the town of Inveraray and the seat of the Clan Campbell at Inveraray Castle.  Loch Fyne lay like a mirrored glass on our left,  as we crossed the bridge over the River Aray, and got our first glimpse of Inverary Castle on our right!  What a magnificent and magical sight it was! The 1st Earl of Argyll (head of the Clan Campbell) founded the burgh of Inveraray in the late 1400's on the west coast of Scotland.  Over many generations the castle progressed to the grand house that it is today.  Some of the finest interiors in all of Great Britain exist in this beautiful castle where we were warmly welcomed, just as if we were coming home after a long excursion away.  That's exactly how it felt, like coming home!  I spent the next couple of days trying to find free moments to sketch and paint this view of this incredible place!

Scotland Sketchbook, Post 5

We headed for Scotland on July 4th, 2017, after months of anticipation and preparation. Very fittingly, we flew on a Boeing 747, which my dad had been a part of building starting in 1967, which brought my family out from Atlanta, Georgia to Seattle, Washington.   We stayed near the airport that night and met the CCNA Tour Group the next morning in the Galsgow Airport, where wegot on our bus and were on our way.  First stop was the legendary Loch Lomond! "Oh, on the bonnie, bonnie shores of Loch Lomand," was brought to mind as the mist kissed the hills above the lake, and a bright sunlight shown through the clouds.  A lone swan and several ducks were getting their morning snacks near the shore, as we strolled along the pebbled sandy beach.  Cottages with charming flower pots flanking colorful doors, framed in iron hardware were available for a rural Scottish getaway!

Scotland Sketchbook Post 4

These two pages in my Scotland Sketchbook are a bit of a "jump around".  My research before the trip led me to John and Catherine Campbell and Kilmartin Castle.  This was because of a gravestone marker located in Canada for a John Campbell, which said Kilmartin, Scotland.  That being said, my research of the parish records and those of a that of  Duncan Beaton, a Campbell Archivist at Inveraray Castle in Scotland, pointed to Kilberry.  Both areas are close geographically in the Western Highlands of Argyll.  The page on the left is a mix of  information I learned before, during, and after the trip.   Through my  3rd and 4th great-grandmothers I have two more Scottish Clans in my family tree, the Crawfords and the MacFarlanes! 

Copy of Happy Valentine's Day! Scotland Sketchbook, Post 2

As I prepared for the trip, I starting researching the places we would visit in Scotland, with great excitement, and joined Ancestry.com.  Each name I explored led me to something else that led me to read an article about Miss Marion Campbell of Kilberry, Argyll, Scotland.  She was an authoress and archaeologist who's life work was invaluable to locating many of the great ancient markers and stones in Scotland.  I found this image of Kilberry Castle on the internet, which I painted in my sketchbook, not yet knowing how important this place was in the history of my family!

Happy Valentine's Day! Scotland Sketchbook, Post 2

As I prepared for the trip, I starting researching the places we would visit in Scotland, with great excitement, and joined Ancestry.com.  Each name I explored led me to something else that led me to read an article about Miss Marion Campbell of Kilberry, Argyll, Scotland.  She was an authoress and archaeologist who's life work was invaluable to locating many of the great ancient markers and stones in Scotland.  I found this image of Kilberry Castle on the internet, which I painted in my sketchbook, not yet knowing how important this place was in the history of my family!

Christmas Bazaar at The Sydney Bakery and Wine Bar in Mukilteo, Washington

So excited to be showing my art at  the Christmas Bazaar at The Sydney Bakery and Wine Bar this weekend  at 613 5th St. Mukilteo, Washington, 98275! My paintings, prints and cards will be available on sale  Friday, Dec. 1, 5-7 pm, Saturday, Dec. 2, 10- 4 pm, and Sunday, Dec. 3, 10-2 pm.  Please stop in enjoy the great food, lattes, wine, and do some artsy holiday shopping!  See you there!