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
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