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 70% being recommendations or repeat visitors. Have a browse of some their comments.
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
Transformative in terms of artistic process.
Abstracting Nature
‘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!’
Hearts and Minds – Awaken your eyes to colour (recording)
Feb 2021
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
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
Following this course I’m very likely to book another
It completely transformed my understanding of painting. From working obsessively on single canvases in a derivative realist manner, I’ve been given the confidence to experiment with techniques completely new to me. It was an incredibly rich and exciting experience.
Poetry of Process
19/02/2018
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!
Beginners Watercolour
18/02/2019
Jill was incredible. So generous with all her knowledge. Creative and adaptable delivering a fun and informative three days in a great environment.
Revitalising Colour
12/10/2020
Thank you for a wonderful webinar with Maxine Hart. It was terrific and I am completely fired up and inspired… I particularly liked the tonal sketching and mark making exercises which makes for a great warm-up. I look forward to having the video for the next month.
Interpreting the Landscape
I want to just say how much I’ve enjoyed this course! Liz has made it so interesting and inspiring. I’ll be signing up for her upcoming online course!
Ways of Abstracting
4/2/21
Martha Holmes is wonderful about demystifying painting and giving confidence to the student.
Colour and Landscape in Oils
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
Genuinely impressed by the school, its tutors and support staff – very professional organisation!
18/06/2018
he course was managed very well for mixed abilities. The tutor was extremely patient and created a relaxed and informal environment, putting everyone at their ease. The whole group were lovely and it was both a creative and positive experience in which I re-kindled my love of painting after a few years’ gap. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Painting en plein air
It completely transformed my understanding of painting. From working obsessively on single canvases in a derivative realist manner, I’ve been given the confidence to experiment with techniques completely new to me. It was an incredibly rich and exciting experience.
Poetry of Process
19/02/2018
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.
The Art of Keeping it Simple
Martha covered so much, but in a straightforward and accessible way, with loads of helpful detail about techniques and materials. This was my first experience of St Ives School of Painting, but I definitely will be back for more.
Colour and Landscape in Oils
Andrew was excellent, lots of personal attention and great tips.
St Ives In Oils
For a first experience at St Ives school of art I was so impressed with the quality of tutorship for this course! Ilker gave such a huge amount of energy and passion to challenge each one of us but from a place of playfulness and encouragement. It was just what I needed at this time in my practice and I feel a surge of courage and inspiration to push deeper into the ´content ’ of my art practice and move beyond the safety of the commercial appeal to a place of truth, vulnerability and honesty. Excellent value and investment.
Finding your Viewpoint
This course has inspired me to kick start my practice.
Abstracting Nature
Andrew was a brilliant teacher, taking us through all the basics, and guiding us with patience & knowledge. It went beyond my expectations.
Inspiring course, well guided and paced. Excellent tutor who helps you get the best out of your painting experience.
Paths to Abstraction
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