Artists prepare to open their doors for studios showcase

Hundreds of artists are opening their homes, studios and galleries to the public as part of a major celebration of homegrown talent.

Perthshire Open Studios, celebrating its 10th anniversary, kicks off today with 143 temporary venues across the region, from as far afield as Crianlarich, Kinloch Rannoch, Dunblane and Glamis.

A huge variety of styles will be showcased during the eightday festival including painting, ceramics, photography, jewellery and crafts to name but a few.

In previous years, the event has attracted around 18,000 visitors. Thousands of brochures have been distributed across the area and beyond.

To make it easier for visitors, event organisers have worked out a series of colour-coded trails to follow, each taking in several different locations.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre is also hosting a taster exhibition, featuring some of the artists’ work. It will be held daily in the venue’s River Room until September 30.

The Barn Gallery in Blackruthven, Tibbermore, will showcase the work of artist Luisa Ramazzotti.

Born in Italy, Luisa came to Scotland in 1997 and graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone in Dundee.

She is known for her striking, evocative paintings inspired by Italian and Scottish landscapes, although many of her most recent work was created on an iPad.

Duncan Campbell, who chairs the open studios committee, thanked everyone who has supported and helped set up this year’s show.

Brochures can be downloaded from the Perthshire Open Studios website.