Course details
Learn how to begin abstract paintings with confidence, using place, process and experimentation.
Set within the inspiring coastal environment of St Ives, this new course uses the landscape right on our doorstep as a catalyst for exploring abstraction in painting. Using a clear, step-by-step process, the course helps students simplify and focus their ideas, guiding them from first observations through to a resolved final painting.
Beginning an abstract painting can often feel like the most challenging part of the process. This course proposes the sketchbook as a vital creative tool — a place to gather layers of visual and written information, test ideas, and gradually distil the essence of a place. By working directly in response to a specific location, students learn how notes, drawings, textures, and fragments collected on site can help form a deeper understanding of atmosphere, structure, rhythm, and mood.
Rather than attempting to record everything, the focus is on learning how to edit, simplify, and recognise the most important elements of the subject. Throughout the course, reference will be made to artists who have used landscape as a springboard for abstraction, including Patrick Heron, Peter Lanyon, and Richard Diebenkorn. Their work provides inspiration for thinking about structure, colour, space, and emotional response rather than literal description.
Students are encouraged to trust instinct and intuition, allowing personal responses to guide the work while developing a tangible method for translating experience into abstraction.
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
Introduce the concept of finding new and different ways of capturing a particular location initially using sketchbooks and collage.
Go on a walkabout of Porthmeor / The Island pointing out possible dynamics and structures. Explain how to record most vital information in a sketch book either as written notes or drawings.
Day 2
Discuss the possibilities of using collage as a starting point. Demonstrate this and talk about how this can free up the process and introduce surprising compositions.
Develop various options from different view points, creating different moods etc. Possibly use sections from magazines to help refine colour palettes or structure.
Day 3
Choose the best sketchbook study and develop this into a painting. Demonstration of blocking in a painting and initial working process. Neil will circulate around the class giving individual suggestions and advice.
What will I learn?
- Develop a structured, step-by-step approach to starting and resolving abstract paintings from landscape.
- Use sketchbooks to gather, layer, and edit visual and written information drawn from direct experience of place.
- Explore collage as a creative tool for generating composition structure, and colour ideas.
- Learn how to simplify complex visual information to identify the most vital elements of a subject.
- Translate sketchbook studies into confident paintings while maintaining energy and intent.
Who would this course suit?
This course is suited to artists with some experience, particularly those interested in abstraction. A basic knowledge of painting is helpful, along with an open, experimental approach. As the course involves working in the coastal landscape, a reasonable level of mobility is required.
Taught by
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.
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.
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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