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 subsequent days, 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 and warm up sketching 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 larger sketches on coloured papers. Explore colour relationships, line and composition, as we start to develop our ideas and intuitive thoughts. We will then start to paint our grounds onto boards and begin the first stages of our paintings. 

Day 2

Continue developing the paintings from day one, exploring colour, line and layering in greater depth. Individual guidance from Kimmy will help to build confidence and maintain a focused, creative flow. Kimmy will focus on each individual and encourage flow state within the studio and the development of ideas through experimentation on multiple paintings at once.

Day 3

Day three focuses on refining ideas and bringing paintings towards resolution. Kimmy will discuss ideas to help with the final layers and techniques to finish your paintings. Towards the end of the day we will select key pieces to form a small, cohesive body of work that reflects emerging themes and a developing personal visual language. The course concludes with a supportive group discussion, along with practical advice on materials and ways to continue developing your 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.

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 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 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.

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


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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