About Us
Founded in 1938, St Ives School of Painting is an independent art school and registered charity based in the historic Porthmeor Studios in Cornwall.
We offer welcoming, professionally taught art courses for adults of all experience levels, from complete beginners to practising artists. Join us in our studios overlooking Porthmeor Beach or learn online, wherever you are.
A place to learn, experiment and find your own direction
Learn from practising artists
Our tutors are inspirational because they are inspirational artists. So what they share with you is rooted in their own creative work.
Small, supportive groups
With small class sizes of up to 10 or 12, we offer plenty of personal guidance and an encouraging atmosphere.
Studios steeped in history
Looking out towards the ocean, our light-filled studios have been occupied by Ben Nicholson, Patrick Heron and Wilhelmina Barns-Graham.
Find the right course for you
Art Courses
Immersive multi-day courses taught in small groups at Porthmeor Studios.
Short Workshops
Half-day and one-day opportunities to try something new or keep learning.
Online Art C0urses
Learn from home through flexible recorded courses or live sessions.
Art Development
Longer mentoring opportunities for people ready to take their work further.
Art Courses for Everyone
You don’t need to think of yourself as an artist to begin. Many people join us to try painting for the first time, return to it after a long break or explore a medium they have never used before. Others come with an established practice and want fresh perspectives or time to develop new work.
Each course indicates the experience level, and our team is always happy to help you choose.
What our students say
I liked everything about the course, it was what it said in the course description. Thank you, I enjoyed spending time in such a lovely warm encouraging environment.
I’ve wanted to paint abstracts for some time now but needed some guidance on how to start. This course has got me up and running. I’m looking forward to spending more time using the techniques Natalie demonstrated.
Transformative in terms of artistic process.
The space and facilities in the school were excellent, great equipment and light with individual stations. The tutor’s knowledge of colour mixing and creating a varied palette was excellent.
The resources and the space to work in were excellent. The tutoring was wonderfully inspiring and supportive. I felt encouraged and supported all through and learnt new things.
It was beyond my expectations. The inspiring surroundings, fabulous teacher and wonderful cohort.
I loved learning new colour mixes; different mark making; wildly different landscapes. I have been to many course there and this was one of the best.
These online sessions are consistently fabulous, and this one did not disappoint. Gave me an insight into Paula Rego’s work as well as Gary’s thoughtful and insightful commentary as he paints and draws his wonderful images.
Rooted in artistic history
St Ives School of Painting was founded in 1938 by artists Borlase Smart and Leonard Fuller. More than 85 years later, teaching continues in the same Porthmeor Studios where generations of students and artists have gathered to draw, paint and exchange ideas.
The School has lived through significant moments in the development of modern art in St Ives, but it remains a working art school. Today, visitors continue to learn and grow through our evolving programme of studio and online courses.
Our Wider Purpose
St Ives School of Painting has been a registered charity since 2000. Income from our courses, alongside generous donations from our funders and supporters, helps us provide bursaries for local emerging artists, subsidised creative programmes for children and young people, and inclusive projects supporting health and wellbeing in our local community.
Find out more about our charitable work and how you can help us continue providing these valuable programmes and opportunities across Cornwall.
Where could your creativity take you?
Whether you are picking up a paintbrush for the first time or looking for a new direction in your work, our friendly team and practising artist tutors are here to help you take the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any previous art experience?
Not always. We offer courses for all levels, including complete beginners, intermediate students and more experienced artists. You can look for the experience level listed on the individual course page to find the most suitable option for you. If you need any guidance on what course might suit you best, contact on our friendly team on 01736 797180 and they will be able to help.
Do you offer art courses for adults?
Yes. We run art classes and courses for adults throughout the year, from accessible introductory workshops to more intensive courses for people looking to deepen their creative practice.
Do you run life drawing classes in St Ives?
Yes. We hold regular life drawing sessions in St Ives, including Thursday evening and Saturday morning classes. These welcoming, tutored sessions are open to a range of experience levels and provide an opportunity to practise drawing from a life model. Our life drawing sessions are held just a 5 minute walk from our studios at The Island Centre.
How do I choose the right art course?
Start by considering how you would like to work. You may want to learn a particular medium, improve a skill such as drawing or colour mixing, explore a subject such as landscape or still life, or develop a more personal approach. Each course page explains the content, materials, level and teaching approach to help you decide. Our friendly, helpful team are always available to help further.
Please call us on 01736 797180 to discuss your options or email [email protected].
How do I get to the School of Painting in St Ives?
By train:
The nearest mainline station is St Erth, which is approximately a 15-minute taxi journey away. From there, you can also take the St Ives Bay Line, which runs every 30 minutes. The School is a 10-minute walk from St Ives station.
By car:
Take the M5 to Exeter, then follow the A30 into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, exit at the St Erth roundabout towards St Ives. Continue through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives..
What types of painting can I learn?
Our courses cover a wide range of approaches, including oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolour, gouache, landscape painting, still life, portraiture and abstraction. We also offer courses exploring colour, composition, mark-making and creative confidence.
Where can I park near the School?
The nearest long-stay car parks are:
Island Car Park
Barnoon Long Stay Car Park
Both are approximately a 5-minute walk from the School.
During the busy summer months, you may find it easier to park at Trenwith Car Park near the leisure centre and walk into town. A shuttle bus often runs back up the hill from near Tate St Ives.
Where can I stay in St Ives?
St Ives offers a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, guest houses, and self-catering options. You can explore options on our website, or contact us directly on 01736 797180 if you’d like personalised recommendations.
Where is St Ives School of Painting?
St Ives School of Painting is based in the historic Porthmeor Studios in St Ives, Cornwall. Our studios overlook Porthmeor Beach and are situated in the heart of the town’s internationally renowned artistic community.
Who teaches your art courses?
Our courses are led by practising artists – including Jill Eisele, Alice Mumford, Iona Sanders and Neil Canning – all with extensive knowledge of their chosen subjects and materials. Each tutor brings their own artistic experience, working methods and approach to teaching, giving students the opportunity to experience a wide range of ideas and techniques.