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

Do you have to be experienced to come to the School?

No prior experience is required to join most of our art courses. The School of Painting is a friendly and welcoming environment for all ages and abilities, including complete beginners.

Our drop-in life drawing classes and short workshops are perfect if you’re trying painting for the first time. Many of our longer courses are also suitable for beginners, as our tutors are experienced in supporting mixed ability groups. If a course requires previous experience, this will be clearly stated on the course page.

Studio Courses

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]

Can you help me choose the right course?

Yes, our friendly and knowledgeable team are always happy to help you choose the best course for your needs, whether you’re a beginner or looking to develop specific skills.

Please call us on 01736 797180 to discuss your options.

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 do I need to bring?

Absolutely nothing! All materials and aprons are provided although some people do like to bring their own set of brushes.

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.

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


Booking a Course

How do I reserve a place on a course?

You can book your place online or by calling us on 01736 797180.

If you need time to arrange accommodation, we can hold a provisional booking for 24 hours. To secure your place, a £100 deposit is required, with the remaining balance due 12 weeks before the course start date.

About St Ives

Where can I park near the School?

The nearest long-stay car parks are:

Island Car Park
Barnoon Long Stay Car Park

Both are approximately a 5-minute walk from the School.

During the busy summer months, you may find it easier to park at Trenwith Car Park near the leisure centre and walk into town. A shuttle bus often runs back up the hill from near Tate St Ives.

How do I get to the School of Painting in St Ives?

By train:

The nearest mainline station is St Erth, which is approximately a 15-minute taxi journey away. From there, you can also take the St Ives Bay Line, which runs every 30 minutes. The School is a 10-minute walk from St Ives station.

By car:

Take the M5 to Exeter, then follow the A30 into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, exit at the St Erth roundabout towards St Ives. Continue through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives..

Where can I stay in St Ives?

St Ives offers a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, guest houses, and self-catering options. You can explore options on our website, or contact us directly on 01736 797180 if you’d like personalised recommendations.

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