What our Students Say

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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.

The atmosphere at the School is just lovely. So very friendly, respectful of everyone, and with this wonderful sense of calm and love of the beautiful. I enjoyed every minute and know that I can learn so much more here and always be welcome.

Christine

The Art of Keeping it Simple

Jill was wonderful- so supportive, so enthusiastic and incredibly generous with her knowledge – which is extensive!

Annie Lewandowski

Hearts and Minds: Colour Theory in Practice

12/10/2020

a fantastic experience – it exceeded my expectations and has inspired me to unleash my creativity!

Shana Tam

Beginners Oil Painting

2019

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. 

Lorraine Thorne

Abstract Colour in St Ives

20/08/2018

I really felt inspired by the colour theory session with Jill. She really brought the subject alive and was very generous with both her knowledge of art history and her demonstrations of different techniques!

Sue F

Hearts and Minds: Colour Theory in Practice

Feb 2021

So much food for thought and further experiments with oil paint. My mind is full of shapes, lines, colours and textures. Fully immersed in St Ives School of Painting and Ben Nicholson.

Sophia Blackwell

The Art of Keeping it Simple

29/10/2018

Gary is a wonderful instructor. Realistic expectations, great demo of creating a palette, consistent individual tutoring and considerate professional knowledge.

Betty Connelly

16/03/2019

A great course. Very useful. Packed with good tips and trials to progress ones work. 

Chloe Gerhardt

Ocean Light and Water

13/08/2018

Peter gave 110%, each of us had affirming feedback and guidance, delivered with humour!

Cressida Pryor

Drawing Out Your Voice (4 )

The course adverts really don’t get across the inspirational elements of the experience. It reawakens the artist in everyone.

Liz Grindrod

Getting Started with Mixed Media Landscape

02/09/2019

Fascinating and fun – thank you. Best art course I’ve ever been on! 

Mark Wills

Expressive Watercolour Landscape

26/05/2018

Brilliant tuition and demonstration from Gary, well done for using this new way of communicating artistic learning and enjoyment.

William Stephens

From Sketch to Painting – Portraiture

Jill is very knowledgeable. Checked in with us one to one just enough and not too much. Energetic, enthusiastic and funny!

Lucy Lumsden

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!

Elizabeth Whitehouse

The Figure and Expression

04/01/2019

Well resourced, relaxed, efficient, well paced, brilliant interface with the students on a group and individual basis, encouraging and challenging and fun.

Eileen Riddiford

St Ives Harbour and Town

09/02/2018

‘I wanted to just say how ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT Jill’s course is!!!

 There is no way i can do all the tasks she has set because she is SO interesting and has covered so much ground – but I have notes on everything and am researching masses of stuff. It’s been truly wonderful so far! 

 I Have colour wheels done, collage work, colour charts, notes on the painters she has referred to – and have lists and lists of wonderful tasks to do for months hence!

 Can’t wait for part 2 on Friday.  please extend my appreciation and thanks to her. It really is fun and have spent all day glued to my painting table – one day I will actually come to the School again! Until then – this is GREAT!’   

A. Stuart

Hearts and Minds – Awaken your eyes to colour (recording)

Feb 2021

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.

Sarah Blomfield

After Matisse

26/02/2018

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.

Jane Sanderson

28/08/2018

The course adverts really don’t get across the inspirational elements of the experience. It reawakens the artist in everyone.

Liz Grindrod

02/09/2019

Greg gently pushed me into attempting things I would probably never try otherwise

Geoff Evans

Beginners Oil Painting

2019

Very gentle class, helpful tutor, good teaching progression. Delightful environment, will come again.

Maggie Hardwick

28/08/2018

I’ve really loved watching and doing the watercolour practice sessions with Hilary over the last 4 sessions. I’ve watched again several times via the recordings which was so helpful when practicing at a slower pace. Thanks so much for running these.

Nicky Grove

Studio Practice Session on Watercolour Fundamentals – Tone and Wash

19.10.2020

Please pass on my thanks to Camilla for the all absorbing webinar… I have just gone through it again here in my studio and I have found it incredibly interesting as it takes my sketching possibilities to a whole new level!

Trish B

Ilker was a wonderful and inspirational tutor this week. Patient offering advice, constructive criticism and constant encouragement. I recommend this course to anyone wanting to explore a new subject. 

Louise Hopper

Unlocking Your Creativity

25/06/2018