Abstract Art Workshops at St Ives School of PaintingGladocean - © The Sandra Blow Estate

Towards Abstraction - Colour in St Ives

Acrylic / Mixed Media / Abstract - Materials included

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Course details

Learn to create striking, bold and contemporary work though structured and guided tuition. Unlock the secret to balancing tone, composition and colour inspired by the colourful world of St Ives abstraction.

student work from Abstract Colour In St Ives Course with Liz Luckwell

student work

Our starting point will be the artists Terry Frost and Sandra Blow. Sandra Blow was a prominent artist of the modernist movement in St Ives, and some of her most significant large scale mixed media paintings are usually on display in Tate St Ives. You will explore in depth how Blow used colour and composition to such dramatic effect. Your tutor Liz Luckwell was a friend of Sandra Blow and can give you a personal insight into her extensive work and how her life influenced her making. This study of another artist can be a valuable tool to think about how your own life can be a source of inspiration.
 
This is an opportunity to learn how to create robust, mixed media work that investigates space and colour. It will build your confidence in approaching abstraction enabling insights into how to develop your own personal approach.

student work from Abstract Colour In St Ives Course with Liz Luckwell
student work
student work from Abstract Colour In St Ives Course with Liz Luckwell
student work
student work from Abstract Colour In St Ives Course with Liz Luckwell
student work

Day to day plan

This is a rough indication of what to expect over the course. However sometimes the structure of the days may alter depending on the nature of the group and weather.

Day 1

On the first day we will set the context. Explore how you develop an approach to creating abstracted paintings inspired by Sandra Blow and Terry Frost, with a focus on using collage as part of your painting. This will include studying images of their work with discussions on their backgrounds and influences. In the afternoon experiment with the technique of working with positive and negative spaces in monochrome.

Day 2

Begin to work with flat colour as well as textured images inspired by Sandra Blow. We will visit Tate St Ives to see original work before creating a series of work inspired by this visit. Working through a series, as Sandra did, learn to look carefully at possible compositions.

Day 3

Make your own textures and coloured papers to give an individual slant to your work. Develop a single piece through the day and introduce other unexpected and everyday materials that can lift and animate your painting. Further development of your own exploration with overlaying of paint and other unexpected materials.

What will I learn?

  1. Increased confidence using unusual materials and varied surfaces.
  2. A better understanding of composition and spatial awareness when creating your own work.
  3. A greater understanding of what influenced the work of Sandra Blow. This can help you reflect on how your own experiences might translate into making work.
  4. An awareness of the possibilities of materials that you can find all around you. Learn how to transform everyday materials you can find at home into compelling and striking art.
  5.  Insights into how to capitalise on the accidental.

Who would this course suit?

Anyone interested in learning guided structured steps to developing a conscious and considered approach to making work. It would suit you if you have an interest in modern art and abstraction. Beginners to making art would find this as a great way in, building your confidence with materials and helping you avoid the temptation of being too precious. The approach will be fun but structured, ensuring you have some inspiring tools to take away so you can continue to enjoy creating modern abstracted collages back home.

Towards Abstraction – Colour in St Ives

Acrylic / Mixed Media / Abstract – Materials included

Book Selected Date

Taught by

Liz
Luckwell

View Liz’s Work

Liz Luckwell’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in the act of drawing, which underpins her method of working with materials, allowing images to emerge from the process itself. Starting from realistic beginnings—often sketching her immediate environment—Luckwell’s work evolves through a gradual process of simplification, distilling forms into more abstracted, emotive expressions. Her creative journey is infused with early memories of helping her mother craft wreaths and bouquets on the kitchen table, a tactile experience that still informs her approach. Working from her home, the Gardener’s Cottage, she often reflects on her family’s deep connection to gardening, a theme that permeates pieces like her oil pastel on board Summer Weeds, where natural forms are transformed through a nuanced, intimate exploration of colour and texture.

What to Bring

Our studios are fully equipped and we provide you with all the materials you need for your course. However, if you have a favourite set of brushes or any specialist materials that you would prefer to use, please bring them with you.

Timings and Breaks

The first day starts at 10am and finishes at 4.30pm, please aim to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start time.

All course days after that start at 9.30am and finish at 4pm and there will be an hour for lunch. There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.

What our students say

Liz is a marvellous teacher and over the last few days she’s supported and encouraged me to see things differently, whilst nudging when required. I’m feeling so much more confident in letting go and playing with colours and textures.

Excellent and engaging tutor. Very good equipment and facilities and atmospheric building. I learned so much about the artists and my own interests and skills.

FAQs

Art Courses in St Ives

How do I log in to my online account?

To log in to your account, please follow these steps:

  1. Go to our website: www.schoolofpainting.co.uk
  2. Click on the ‘Log in’ button (usually found near the top right of the page)
  3. Enter the email address and you used when booking
  4. Click “Log in” to access your account

Once logged in, you’ll be able to view your bookings, outstanding payments, online courses and any relevant account information.

If you’ve forgotten your password, simply click ‘Forgot password?’ on the login page and follow the instructions to reset it.

If you have any trouble accessing your account, please email us and we’ll be happy to help.

Do you offer art classes for children and teenagers?

Yes. Our Young Artists Programme includes art workshops for children and teenagers, with sessions designed for different age groups. During the summer, we also run creative workshops for children aged 7-13.

How large are your art classes?

Our studio courses are taught in small groups of around 10 to 12 people, allowing tutors to provide individual guidance alongside group demonstrations and discussions.

What is included in an art course?

Course fees include professional tuition from a practising artist and use of the School’s studio facilities. Materials and equipment are all included in our in person courses, workshops and life drawing sessions – so you can just turn up and get started. Teas and coffees are also provided throughout the day.

Can I attend an art course on my own?

Absolutely. Many students come to St Ives School of Painting independently. Courses offer a welcoming and sociable environment, with plenty of opportunities to meet other people who share an interest in making and learning.

Do you offer beginner painting courses?

Yes. Our programme includes beginner-friendly painting courses covering materials such as oils, acrylics and watercolours. These courses introduce you to essential tools and techniques while giving you plenty of time to practise and explore your own ideas.

How do I choose the right art course?

Start by considering how you would like to work. You may want to learn a particular medium, improve a skill such as drawing or colour mixing, explore a subject such as landscape or still life, or develop a more personal approach. Each course page explains the content, materials, level and teaching approach to help you decide. Our friendly, helpful team are always available to help further.

Please call us on 01736 797180 to discuss your options or email [email protected].

Who teaches your art courses?

Our courses are led by practising artists – including Jill Eisele, Alice Mumford, Iona Sanders and Neil Canning – all with extensive knowledge of their chosen subjects and materials. Each tutor brings their own artistic experience, working methods and approach to teaching, giving students the opportunity to experience a wide range of ideas and techniques.

How do I get my work home?

Tutors have special techniques for transporting oil paintings and for our 3 day courses we will give you a plastic folder with a handle. These are also available to purchase for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.

Please note: For the course Bigger, Bolder, Braver with Boo Mallinson, we will provide a large A1 size plastic folder for your work but please consider how you will be able to transport the larger canvases home safely before signing up for the course as we will not be able to store large paintings in the studio. On this course you will be painting on a 50cms x 50cms and a 1m x 1m canvas alongside smaller pieces.

For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home, postal costs will be borne by you.

What times do courses run?

Most of our courses start at 10am and end at 4.30pm on the first day. Subsequent days we start at 9.30am ending at 4pm.

Short workshops start at 10am in the Summer and 9.30am/ 1.30pm during September festival


Art Courses

Do I need any previous art experience?

Not always. We offer courses for all levels, including complete beginners, intermediate students and more experienced artists. You can look for the experience level listed on the individual course page to find the most suitable option for you. If you need any guidance on what course might suit you best, contact on our friendly team on 01736 797180 and they will be able to help.

In Person Courses

What do I need to bring?

You don’t need to bring anything with you unless we specify beforehand. All materials, aprons and tools are provided, however some people do like to bring along their favourite set of brushes or sketchbooks.

What do I do for lunch?

Courses allow an hour’s break for lunch and there are numerous places nearby or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch into the studio.

Can I bring my dog?

The studios are busy places with lots of equipment and not suitable for bringing a pet dog. We can accommodate assistance dogs with prior notice so we can make suitable adjustments. If you wish to bring an assistance dog please call 01736 797180 or email [email protected]

Choosing an Art Course

Do you run life drawing classes in St Ives?

Yes. We hold regular life drawing sessions in St Ives, including Thursday evening and Saturday morning classes. These welcoming, tutored sessions are open to a range of experience levels and provide an opportunity to practise drawing from a life model. Our life drawing sessions are held just a 5 minute walk from our studios at The Island Centre.

Do you offer art courses for adults?

Yes. We run art classes and courses for adults throughout the year, from accessible introductory workshops to more intensive courses for people looking to deepen their creative practice.

What types of painting can I learn?

Our courses cover a wide range of approaches, including oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolour, gouache, landscape painting, still life, portraiture and abstraction. We also offer courses exploring colour, composition, mark-making and creative confidence.

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