About the D+P Studio
Create, relax & enjoy!
Join our peaceful and inspiring groups, led by friendly artist and calligrapher Blair, to settle and express yourself and be guided on your creative path.
We run art and cultural groups, online with participants worldwide, and physical groups with communites and organisations in Scotland. We help individuals have fun making artwork, de-stress and find wellbeing, exploring different art materials and ways of working.
As well as groups and classes we offer One to One with Blair, who set up the D+P Studio in 2008 in Glasgow. He is supported in his group, online and community activity by enthusiastic creative staff and participants and works closely with communities and charities (part of the PVG scheme working with children and vulnerable adults, with Enhanced Disclosure certificate).
Blair is an experienced professional artist who has exhibited in various countries such as U.K., U.S. and Japan, and has curated shows as well as selected artists for public exhibitions. He studied at Glasgow School of Art and with calligraphers in Japan, and has experience in Zen, mindful and meditation practices which have influenced his creative and teaching practices.
The Drawing and Painting Studio encourages people to relax into drawing and doodling, express themselves and enjoy creative adventures.
Creatively supporting health and wellbeing
We have a gentle approach with no stress to come up with creative pieces – we guide and inspire individuals at their pace. Our projects help people relax, be less anxious, and mindful of their environment and others.
Some groups work with expression and the senses through drawing, words, mixed media, painting, craft, land art and natural materials, meditative elements. Large group pieces are joyful, bringing people together.
Art in the community and widening access to the arts
In 2016 we began free inspiring community art and creative writing groups in Glasgow, helping young people and those disadvantaged in some way.
Many participants in our groups have experienced barriers to participating in the arts – such as cost, travel, health, mobility, confidence, an assumption that there is a skill level needed (we don’t believe any participants need to have skills to take part).
Locations we work – Online and Scotland
From 2020 we have opened our group and One to One sessions to a worldwide audience online using Zoom.
Our physical One to One, and several of our group sessions, are hosted at the KSD building in Glasgow Woodlands area, and also at students’ homes or at organisations. KSD – Kagyu Samye Dzong – is a centre run by Tibetan Buddhists whose rooms are used by yoga and meditation groups, such as Glasgow Zen Group of which Blair is a member. It is a quiet building with comfortable rooms ideal for relaxing and making artwork.
We are active in various locations – Blair has been asked by various organisations to work in community centres, care homes, in the outdoors with groups such as schools, offices, arts workshop spaces, youth group spaces. Regular places we are active are the Japanese Garden in Cowden, and Glasgow Community Centres.
Working with funders, partners and organisations
We work closely with funding bodies, charities and partners, such as North United Communities, Centre 81 (Clydebank), Community Safety Glasgow, Glasgow Life (Glasgow City Council), Glasgow CAN, Flightpath Fund, The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, Housing Associations and donors. Blair worked with the Royal Glasgow Institute of Fine Art (board member and trustee), Hamilton College and Largs Academy.
Calligraphy
Blair began learning Japanese Shodo calligraphy with Wakabayashi Shujo in 2002, after meeting him when working on a series of drawings in Japan. They explored markmaking and exhibited together in Toyama and Tokyo. A few years after Wakabayashi Shujo passed away Blair began looking for a new sensei and in 2017 met two teachers in Tokyo, and practiced Shakyo and meditation.
Nurturing artistic practice and portfolios
When we meet individuals such as young people keen to develop a career in the arts, or professionals working on skills, we are delighted to guide them. We have worked with students who have gone on to join art school courses in Scotland and around the U.K., or have returned abroad, specializing in design, visual communication, illustration, fine art and photography, architecture, technical drawing.
Blair is a kind listener and enjoys helping others with their artwork
You will feel safe to confide in him about your interests and any worries or uncertainty you have. Any questions you have or guidance you need, Blair will help you 🙂 Find out more about Blair at his own website.
Testimonials
“Blair is excellent at describing and demonstrating the strategies of making and his own working methods within a broader context of art practice, both contemporary and traditional. The pupils are stimulated to always ask questions and probe into the life of a working artist. He is trustworthy, very amiable and funny.”
Alan Wilson
Head of Art, Hamilton College
“Blair has been successful in applying for grant funding related to arts and community activity, and has been responsible for liaising with the trusts and organisations. He has developed projects to suit various groups and has worked to inspire individuals from various backgrounds. Blair is also a commentator on art and provides stimulating and insightful reviews of artwork and art exhibitions in Scotland and beyond.”
John
Chartered Teacher, Business Education
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