What our Students Say
Be inspired – hear straight from our students about their creative experiences at
St Ives School of Painting.
After every course we ask students for their feedback and if we are not getting it right we take action. We are consistently rated as good or excellent by 99% of our students each year with nearly 2/3 being recommendations or repeat visitors. Have a browse of some their comments.
As a cook, to see the magic of the process of paint choices, applications, washes and light in a “recipe”, develop inspired by great painters from this very place and Hilary’s patience teaching us all about technique, colour, materials in 3 days was fantastic!
Beginners Watercolour
14/05/2018
Thank you very much. I achieved all of my objectives and learnt many new skills as well. I was pleased to be back at the school again.
28/08/2018
I’m glad I came, the course was challenging and fun and the facilities were great.
Contemporary Landscape
19/10/2020
Jill, our tutor, is an exceptional artist who imparted a phenomenal amount of knowledge on colour. She encouraged each student to reach beyond the potential they thought they had and succeeded. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Hearts and Minds: Colour Theory in Practice
12/10/2020
Jill, our tutor, is an exceptional artist who imparted a phenomenal amount of knowledge on colour. She encouraged each student to reach beyond the potential they thought they had and succeeded. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Hearts and Minds: Colour Theory in Practice
12/10/2020
Kerry is a fun, helpful, encouraging and enormously talented teacher!
Contemporary Landscape
19/10/2020
It was just what I needed – from working on large pieces over along time at home – this has been valuable to focus on colour/balance, composition In a free but structured way – thank you Liz you’ve been great.
Abstract Colour in St Ives
20/08/2018
I loved my tutors! The range they showed – between accurate drawing and having fun with different materials – was superb!
Developing Drawing Skills
28/10/2019
Very gentle class, helpful tutor, good teaching progression. Delightful environment, will come again.
28/08/2018
Hilary was knowledgeable, patient and inspiring. She led us on a structured journey to understand watercolours. Thank you.
I liked the group. I also liked the town, the centre d’arte, and as always Liz is a very intuitive, stimulating tutor. Very well researched course that was constructive as well as being fun.
Spirit of Tuscany
09/09/2019
There are many art teachers out there and i’m sure some are really good. But I trust the St Ives School of Painting which is why I am willing to travel so far and incur the extra cost in doing so. A fabulous experience in an amazing location.
17/05/2017
Camilla so skillfully met the individual needs of all the right participants. My confidence was boosted through her genuine interest and understanding in what I have been doing.
Inspiring course, well guided and paced. Excellent tutor who helps you get the best out of your painting experience.
Paths to Abstraction
02/11/20
Adrian was a great teacher; very clear, kind and encouraging. He was good at delivering via zoom, making sure each person had an opportunity to talk and ask questions.
Modern Japanese Wood Block Printing
Excellent session. Thank you so much Alice and Eleanor for your honesty and sharing such personal details of your own and the women in your family’s experience of being artists.
What Shapes an Artist’s Thinking?
12/03/21
Alice is an inspirational teacher. She gave us solid practical advice, and a good demonstration. She was encouraging and although my painting must have been the worst she did not make me feel despondent – quite the opposite! I like the smallish group and the amazing space to work in.
After Matisse
26/02/2018
I loved the multi faceted approach and Liz’s ability to react to individual needs and approaches. I loved the way that she highlighted a range of artists and also how she directed our gaze to each other’s work as potential for ideas. My understanding of the whole artistic process really improved and I feel more able to respond in a deeper way to mine and others work. Incredible experience.
St Ives Harbour and Town
16/07/2018
I learned so much from this course – Gary is everything I want from a tutor. He demonstrates and inspires, then leaves me to develop. Super tips on colour mixing and technique. Loved it!
The Figure and Expression
04/01/2019
Greg was very generous with his time and knowledge…Best experience for a long time
Oil Painting for Beginners
2019
A dynamic 4 day course led by two very experienced teachers. I felt pushed to the edges of my creativity at times but both teachers influenced me forward to complete pieces of work I would have never thought I was capable of.
24/06/2019
Ilker being a great listener made everyone feel important, talented and able. His excitement was truly infectious. Making me feel all is possible. Gently pushing and challenging in a way that made me feel – yes! He never felt flippant – his comments never generic – always 100% giving of his own creativity. What a great mentor.
Finding your Viewpoint
29/04/2019
The course adverts really don’t get across the inspirational elements of the experience. It reawakens the artist in everyone.
Getting Started with Mixed Media Landscape
02/09/2019
a fantastic experience – it exceeded my expectations and has inspired me to unleash my creativity!
Oil Painting for Beginners
2019