Kimmy Hussey

Abstract Painting: From Garden to Studio

Acrylic / Abstract / Landscape - Materials included

Book Selected Date

Course details

Explore an immersive and intuitive approach to abstract painting, developing expressive work through drawing and painting on location and in the studio.

The course begins with a focused introduction before moving to the inspiring setting of the Barbara Hepworth Garden and Museum, where students work in sketchbooks, responding instinctively to sculptural forms and spaces in the moment. Fast, time-limited drawings encourage freedom, confidence, and a release from overthinking, allowing strong lines and simple forms to emerge naturally.

Back in the studio, these sketches become the starting point for painted work. After preparing painted grounds students begin exploring the relationship between colour and line and developing layered abstract paintings. Alongside this, quicker, more immediate approaches are introduced, encouraging intentional mark-making and spontaneity. Comparing slower, layered processes with faster, instinctive ones helps students discover which methods best support their own way of working.

On the second day, students continue developing their paintings, allowing time to settle into a focused and productive flow, with guidance and support offered throughout. Individual discussions help identify emerging strengths, clarify direction, and support the development of each student’s work.

Towards the end of the course, three to four paintings from each participant will be selected and curated into a small body of work. This process helps reveal developing themes, stylistic qualities, and personal visual language. The course concludes with a relaxed, supportive group discussion, alongside practical advice for continuing an abstract painting practice beyond the course.

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

Day one begins with a brief introduction before visiting the Barbara Hepworth Garden and Museum, where students make fast, intuitive sketches in response to sculptural forms. Back in the studio, these drawings are developed into abstract paintings, exploring colour, line, layered processes, and more immediate, expressive mark-making.

Day 2

Day two allows time to deepen and resolve the paintings, with individual guidance supporting a focused and productive flow of work. Towards the end of the day, selected paintings will be curated into a small body of work, revealing emerging themes and personal visual language. The course concludes with a supportive group discussion and practical advice on materials and ways to continue developing an abstract painting practice beyond the course.

What will I learn?

  1. Develop confidence in translating observed forms into abstract or semi-abstract paintings
  2. Explore intuitive approaches to drawing and painting using colour, form, and line
  3. Understand the relationship between fast, instinctive mark-making and slower, layered processes
  4. Identify emerging themes, style, and personal visual language within a small body of work
  5. Gain practical guidance for continuing and developing an abstract painting practice beyond the course

Who would this course suit?

This course is suitable for all levels and welcomes anyone with an open mind and an interest in contemporary approaches to painting. It will particularly suit artists who are curious about abstraction, intuitive working methods, and developing a more personal visual language. The course encourages experimentation and exploration, making it ideal for those looking to loosen their process, build confidence, and deepen their practice in a supportive studio environment.

Abstract Painting: From Garden to Studio

Acrylic / Abstract / Landscape – Materials included

Book Selected Date

Taught by

Kimmy
Hussey

View Kimmy’s Work

Having attended the painting school myself, I can honestly say it was the catalyst that lit a fire inside me to become a professional painter and make it into a full-time practice with the sky being the limit! I am now delighted to be able to give something back.

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.

We will provide all the materials you need. If you have chosen a landscape class please wear appropriate footwear as you may spend time on the beach we look out over, a short walk from the studio.

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.

In Summer half day workshops run from 10am – 1pm. Full Day workshops run from 1pm-4pm.

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 end at 4pm. There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.

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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