oil painting of figure laying down by artist Gary Long St Ives art course

Abstracting the Figure in Paint

Oil / Abstract / Figure - Materials included

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Course details

Referencing the 1950s Bay Area Figurative Movement, work from the nude and clothed figure, exploring the exciting relationship between abstraction and representation. An ideal course to advance your figure painting.

gary long oils oil figure abstracting the figure

Using oils, mixed media and drawing, you will work from the nude and clothed figure to explore the exciting relationship between abstraction and representation. The work of the Bay Area Figurative movement of 1950’s San Francisco is our starting point. You will move from the use of a recognisable subject to boldly coloured, abstract arrangements. An ideal course for those who want to advance their figure painting. Be inspired by artists who moved between recognisable figures to boldly coloured, abstract arrangements. Taught by two tutors over four days this course is ideal for those who want to advance their figure painting and explore the exciting relationship between abstraction and representation.

Both Marion Taylor and Gary Long are highly experienced life drawing tutors and share a passion for the work of the Bay Area Figurative artists, in particular Richard Diebenkorn, Nathan Oliveira, and David Park.

Using a wide variety of media including charcoal, inks, and oils, you will work from the nude and clothed figure for the first three days of the course. The last day will be spent developing your work, with one to one advice and support from the tutor. This is an opportunity for you to investigate the boundaries between Abstraction and Figuration, and progress your own style and interpretation of the figure.

Gary Long’s teaching method includes working on his own piece during the sessions so students can observe the process of how a painting develops.

Abstracting the Figure in Paint

Oil / Abstract / Figure – Materials included

Book Selected Date

Taught by

After many years as an illustrator I taught on the BA Illustration course at Falmouth University. In 2011 I began teaching at St Ives School of Painting. I deliver courses involved with the figure, still life and landscape. My practice as a painter feeds into the teaching, often through demonstrations. The school is wonderful – the history the ethos and most of all the people.

Marion
Taylor

View Marion’s Work

I have enjoyed teaching at The School for over 25 years and this has always gone hand in hand with my own practice, as I find sharing ideas and techniques stimulating and rewarding. My approach is to give students the confidence to develop their skills, to think for themselves and so extend their visual language and find their own path.

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

Amazing tutor, can’t wait to come again and do more work, getting better every time through the help of the tutor and experience was wonderful overall too.

Elena Wright

FAQs

Studio Courses

How can I get help in choosing a course?

Our friendly expert staff are always happy to discuss your needs and our courses in more detail to help you with your decision. Please call us on 01736 797180

How do I get my work home?

Tutors have special techniques for transporting oil paintings and the school has plastic folders available in our shop for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.

For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home.

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.

Weekend Courses run 10am – 4pm on the first day but the final day starts at 9.30 and ends at 3.30 with a short lunch break to enable people to get home that evening.


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

The School is a very friendly and welcoming place for all ages and experience. Our drop-in life classes and August half-day workshops are ideal for those wanting to have a go for the first time. Most of our longer courses are also fine for novices.

If any of the courses do need a bit of experience we flag this up in the brochure and on the website.

Booking a Course

How can I reserve a place?

We will hold a provisional reservation for 24 hours if you give us a call whilst you find accommodation. Otherwise please book online or by telephone 01736 797180.

You can reserve a place with a £100 deposit; balance is due 12 weeks before course start date.

About St Ives

Where do I park?

The nearest long stay public car parks are the Island and Barnoon Long Stay Car Park, both a 5 minute walk away. In the peak summer months it may be easier to park at Trenwith Car Park by the leisure centre and walk down into town. If you don’t fancy the walk up the hill at the end of the day there is a shuttle bus which runs from outside the cinema.

How do I get there?

Public Transport: If you are coming from further afield the main train line runs into St Erth which is a 15 min taxi ride away or you can take the St Ives Bay Line which runs approx. every 30 minutes. The School is a 10 minute walk from St Ives station.

Driving: M5 will take you to Exeter where we recommend that you take the A30 across Bodmin Moor and into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, leave the A30 at St Erth roundabout for St Ives. Turn right at the second roundabout. This road will take you through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives.

Where can I stay?

St Ives has a huge selection of hotels, guest houses and self catering accommodation to choose from. Please browse the art holidays St Ives section on our website and give us a call if you would like any help.

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