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.
I thoroughly enjoyed this three day workshop – would love to stay for another three! Hilary was relaxed, informative and inspiring and I feel invigorated to continue to develop the new skills i’ve learned.
Capturing St Ives
25/06/2018
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
I cannot believe how much I have learnt on this course. Watercolours are so versatile and I cant wait to explore this further. Thank you so much Hilary!
Getting Started with Watercolour
18/02/2019
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
Thank you for an exceptional course – Peter has given us four brilliantly conceived days and real individual insight and guidance. I’m very grateful and inspired and have learnt so much.
Drawing Out Your Voice (4 )
26/04/2019
A big thank you to Hilary and Liz – a fantastic course! I look forward to continuing at home all I have learnt and will certainly be back for future courses.
Developing Drawing Skills
09/07/2018
Amazing! Thank you, you have open up my love of art and given me the confidence to start! Liz and Marion were inspirational and motivational. P.s. All staff very friendly and helpful.
Approaching Painting
06/08/2018
Stimulating, challenging, well organised and varied. I was looking for a new direction for my painting and this has given me a plethora of possibilities. Thank you!
Pushing the Boundaries
02/07/2018
The best three days since I last attended a course there.
Painting The Coast Path
12/06/2019
Multiple drawing exercises in a short time frame was just what I hoped for and will provide the foundations for further practice and tuition.
Developing Drawing Skills
16/06/2018
Bursting with excitement to put these new ideas into practice – I have a renewed confidence! Many of the new techniques will go a long way to combat ‘stuckness’/creative block – i’ve also learnt to work quicker! Many thanks Iain.
Abstract Art Experience
10/04/2017
It was great to have 3 days to develop skills at a good pace, lots of skills and techniques very clearly explained and demonstrated. It was like a foundation in 3 days! Greg was very supportive and gave advice and direction when needed. I enjoyed the ‘field work’ but loved the studio time, a luxury for a painter like me. Thank you i’d love to come again next year.
The Sensory Coast
17/08/2016
Had a thoroughly enjoyable 3 days learning to work in a totally new way. it was lovely to work amongst so many other talented people and very inspiring.
Abstract Colour in St Ives
28/08/2018
I love the supportive and creative atmosphere at the school. It was well equipped and a joy to work in. Both Ilker and Liz were excellent tutors in their own individual ways and complimented each other very well.
04/02/2019
Both rooms at the school provide an excellent learning space and I love to think of the history and who else has worked there – it is inspiring to be a small part of that story for a couple of days.”
04/11/2019
A joy to have a tutor with deep knowledge, professional experience and a sympathetic manner.
Painting Landscape with a Palette Knife
30/06/2018
It was brilliant! We worked on series and were encouraged to discover what is emerging from the work, what is persistent. Peter was a wonderful tutor, bringing each persons individual artistic qualities out. Thank you!
Drawing Out Your Voice (4 )
10/10/2018
Peter gave 110%, each of us had affirming feedback and guidance, delivered with humour!
Drawing Out Your Voice (4 )
22/07/2019
Ilker has been a fantastic course leader, and his course was a real joy. I didn’t want it to be over! He is really generous, insightful and encouraging. I’m excited to be brave with making art.
Unlocking Your Creativity
04/11/2018
Practising and experimenting with watercolour and trying different techniques has given me the confidence to develop my own style and detect the pleasure of painting.
Turner Sea and Sky
23/07/2018
With no painting experience whatever – this course was relaxed and inspirational. A small group so personal attention from a very patient tutor. I really enjoyed the course and I learnt a great deal. Thank you Hilary!
Getting Started with Watercolour
14/05/2018
What an inspirational course. Liz Hough took us through the process in a most helpful and accessible way – we just didn’t want it to end. Many, many thanks.
Lanyon’s Landscape (5)
18/06/2018
A very stress free weekend.
24/02/2018
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.
The Art of Keeping it Simple
29/10/2018