Abstract Art techniques CourseLiz Hough, Travel Plans, 110 x 110cm

Abstraction 2 - A Closer Look

Mixed Media / Landscape

Purchase

Course details

Over 3 sessions, Liz takes you through common questions asked on her previous courses: finding your own, unique content; form versus line; and scaling up.

Liz Hough, West Penwith Vista
Liz Hough, West Penwith Vista, 40 x 126cm

In this three part series, Liz answers common questions or problems brought to her by students on previous courses. Exploring how to find your unique content, Liz demonstrates the importance of following your interests, keeping a visual diary or sketchbook and finding your ‘artist mentors. The next session takes form versus line as it’s starting point, exploring how open forma and closed lines can be used to articulate your unique visual vocabulary. The last session takes a more practical approach – how to scale up your studies or paintings.

This course is intended for anyone, whether or not you have attended Liz’s previous courses. Ideal if you are looking for a new approach, or simply to refresh your existing technique. Perfect for any artist looking to strengthen their approach to abstraction and the development of their ideas.

There are a series of tasks to work through alongside the films. Do share your work on the private alumni group and get supportive feedback from your peers, many of whom will have undertaken the same course.

.

Sessions

Over 3 sessions , Liz will be working in the studio live and recordings of the classes will be shared with you. Questions will be taken at different points in the session.

Session 1: Watch on demand

Finding your own unique voice

Using Liz’s extensive knowledge of art history as well as her own work, Liz introduces you to the course. Learn about finding your own unique voice by following your own interests and keeping a diary or sketchbook.

Then go through a series of exercises aimed at encouraging you to express yourself and build a daily practice. Liz will set tasks for the next session.

Session 2 : Watch on demand
Form versus line

Using images you created from the first session, take these to the next step. See how open form and closed lines create different effects in your painting. Learn from examples by Liz and other artists and see how these seemingly subtle changes can dramatically change the look of your work.

Session 3 : Watch on demand
Scaling up

Liz demonstrates how scaling up your work can offer a practical and emotional response to how we view our paintings. Play with scale, or crop part of your painting, Liz shows you how to make these decisions through both informed and intuitive responses.

In this last session, Liz concludes how to incorporate all of these elements into a finished painting.

What will I learn?

Build confidence in finding your own voice through play and intuitive responses.

See how other artists have used line and form in their work.

Learn how to scale up, or crop, your paintings.

Experiment with different techniques.

Understand the importance of keeping a diary or sketchbook.

How does an online session work

Once you have booked, please login to our online learning platform to access the link to the recordings and live sessions and to find details of any pre course tasks and materials.

If you haven’t yet created an account, you will be sent an email inviting you to do so after booking.

You can put questions to the tutor using the online chat function. We record the sessions so you can watch on demand, as often as you like, for 180 days. You will also be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your discoveries with fellow students from around the world. We will also set up a private Facebook group just for this course.

You can watch this on a PC, laptop or tablet and if you have chromecast or miracast you could even cast to your SmartTV from your phone.

Who would this course suit?

Practising artists and someone who has already started on their artistic journey.

You don’t necessarily need to have completed Liz’s previous online courses to attend, although this may be an advantage. If you did want to do the courses in succession they are, Ways of Abstracting, Abstraction 1 – A Closer Look, and Abstraction 2 – A Closer Look.

Abstraction 2 – A Closer Look

Mixed Media / Landscape

Purchase

Taught by

Liz Hough’s paintings offer a vivid exploration of seasonal moments, drawing the viewer into intimate narratives of place and memory. Each painting is carefully selected to convey time spent in both summer and winter, where the artist’s use of colour and mixed media brings life to the black-and-white sketches she creates en plein air.

What to Bring

Materials lists will be available a month before the session along with any pre-course tasks. To give you a general idea you will be working with mixed media – drawing, collage charcoal, inks, pencil, oil pastel acrylics, acrylic mediums and oils. (Although not all at once!)

You will need access to the internet and either a Smart TV, PC or laptop or a tablet with audio. Phones are not really suitable however cast your phone to a Smart TV.

Timings and Breaks

At 16:15 please click the link to join the live session.

Session 1: 1 hour, watch on demand


Session 2 : 1 hour, watch on demand


Session 3 : 1 hour, watch on demand

You will have access to a recording of the sessions so you can revisit as often as you like for 180 days.

What our students say

I love Liz’s gentle and knowledgeable manner, her wonderful exercises, and way of teaching.

Liz is such a wonderful, generous teacher, with a lovely, calm demeanor. I wish I lived closer as I’d would love to take a class in person with her. Hopefully, someday I will manage to do so!

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.

Online Art Courses

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.

Can I learn painting online from home?

Yes. Our online painting courses allow you to learn from professional artists wherever you are. You can pause demonstrations, revisit lessons and work through practical exercises in your own time.

Are online art courses suitable for beginners?

Many of our online art courses are suitable for beginners. Course descriptions explain the recommended level, materials and experience so that you can choose a course that feels manageable and relevant to your interests.

How do online art courses work?

Once you have purchased an online course, you can access it through your account and work through the video tuition and supporting resources at a time that suits you. Access periods vary from 60 – 180 days, just check the individual course page before booking.

For live webinars, once you book a place, we will share a link with you in advance so you can join us at the relevant start time – this is typically via Zoom. A recording of the webinar will be shared with you after the webinar so you can re-watch in your own time.

Do you offer online art courses?

Yes. We have more than 90 online art courses covering painting, drawing, colour, landscape, abstraction, mixed media and other creative subjects. The courses are taught by practising artists and can be followed from home at your own pace.

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.

In Person Courses

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.

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?

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.

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


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.

You might also like...