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.
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
Jill was wonderful- so supportive, so enthusiastic and incredibly generous with her knowledge – which is extensive!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
16/03/2019
A great course. Very useful. Packed with good tips and trials to progress ones work.
Ocean Light and Water
13/08/2018
Peter gave 110%, each of us had affirming feedback and guidance, delivered with humour!
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.
Getting Started with Mixed Media Landscape
02/09/2019
Fascinating and fun – thank you. Best art course I’ve ever been on!
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.
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!
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
Well resourced, relaxed, efficient, well paced, brilliant interface with the students on a group and individual basis, encouraging and challenging and fun.
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!’
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.
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.
28/08/2018
The course adverts really don’t get across the inspirational elements of the experience. It reawakens the artist in everyone.
02/09/2019
Greg gently pushed me into attempting things I would probably never try otherwise
Beginners Oil Painting
2019
Very gentle class, helpful tutor, good teaching progression. Delightful environment, will come again.
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.
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!
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.
Unlocking Your Creativity
25/06/2018
