WAYS OF SEEING
WAYS OF SEEING
Explore Drawing on the Sacred Isle of Iona
Led by Iona artist Mhairi Killin
25th - 30th July 2026
5 nights, 4 days workshop on Iona
Ways of Seeing calls you to explore how seeing with the eyes of an island might foster a deeper engagement with self, place and each other. This five night creative retreat invites you to to play with drawing and mark making as a way to mindfully immerse yourself in the inner and outer landscapes of Iona.
Just six places are available on this really special retreat. You will be well looked after at the beautiful Argyll Hotel, with a three course dinner and breakfast included the price.
Ways of Seeing is a fluid retreat, designed to support those who wish to deepen or re-engage with their drawing practice in the specific environment of Iona, using more experimental approaches to drawing, whilst also offering an encouraging space for anyone wanting to explore mark making and drawing in its widest sense for the first time.
Only 4 places remaining.
ARRIVING IN IONA
Travel to Iona arriving in time for a pre dinner welcome with Mhairi, and your fellow workshop companions on Saturday 11th July. Introductions and relaxing conversations over a delicious dinner to follow. The hotel is just a few minutes walk from the pier, and you are welcome to arrive early on Iona, drop your bags at the hotel and enjoy some quiet time to yourself.
YOUR TIME ON IONA
Ways of Seeing invites you to to play with drawing and mark making as a way to mindfully immerse yourself in the inner and outer landscapes of Iona. Combining creative activities with the rich visual cultural and physical landscape of the island, this five night artist led experience will support you to develop your creativity through the eyes of the island itself.
Each day will offer a different approach to drawing, inspired by our island context. In the mornings we will work together in a studio environment in Iona’s new village hall, or weather permitting outside, exploring the different ways of seeing that Iona’s creative wellspring can encourage us to practice; from working with the idea of the Gaelic way of seeing and being in the world, to foraging for and making our own drawing materials from the shore.
The afternoons are open for you to head out into the island - drawing, reading, working with the thinking from the morning’s session, or simply spending some time just to be. There will be the option to continue to work indoors if you prefer a studio environment.
Everyone is welcome to join a late afternoon get together in the studio to catch up before dinner. However, we appreciate that creativity needs space and time with your own thoughts, so you are welcome to opt in or out as you feel. In the evenings we will share food and conversation, reflecting on the day.
YOUR TUTORS
In addition to working with Mhairi, for 2026, we are very happy to share that we will be joined by the Mull based artist, poet and writer Miek Zwamborn, and award winning Scottish artist and educator, Frances Law.
Frances and Miek will each lead a day on Ways of Seeing introducing you to their own unique engagement with these island landscapes, and sharing processes and techniques to work with once you are home.
Find out more about our invited artists here.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
You will receive confirmation of your booking within 48 hours.
Soon after we will send you a PDF with useful information about the workshop, your journey and the island.
A 40% non refundable deposit of the full price is required at the time of booking. The balance will be due 12 weeks prior to the workshop. We will email an invoice link to you and payments can be made securely by credit/debit card through our Shopify platform.
You should plan to be on Iona by the last ferry on Saturday evening and leave after your breakfast on Thursday morning, unless you have made independent plans either side of the workshop.
Please come prepared to walk, and let us know if this could be problematic for you.
You will be staying at the beautiful Argyll Hotel. Three course dinner and full breakfast are included in the price of the workshop.
All materials will be provided, but if you have favourite drawing tools and papers, or a sketchbook project you have already started, please bring these with you.
We will begin each day at 10am and finish around 4.30/5pm with a break for lunch. Lunches, with the exception of the first day are at your own expense.
Itineraries are prospective, often weather dependent, and could be subject to change.
Please read the Terms and Conditions which include our Cancellation Policy before booking.
By acknowledging these conditions at the time of booking, you agree to and are bound by them.
Don’t hesitate to email us at info@aosdanaiona.com with any queries.