Course details
Over 4 recordings, explore Liz’s processes of painting, collage and print. Emerge confident in experimentation with a cohesive collection of new works and ideas.

It can be hard to know how to approach abstraction. In this course Liz gives you clear tools and processes enabling you to develop a fresh approach or make that leap. The works of renowned artists will be an important source of inspiration in these sessions. Liz will refer to various artists’ works including Prunella Clough, Eileen Agar, Paul Gauguin, Peter Lanyon, Paul Klee, Sandra Blow, and other contemporary artists. This will enrich your understanding of how artists go about creating a body of work and highlight useful approaches to the tasks set on the course by Liz.
It doesn’t matter at what point you start from, beginner or more advanced, this course will give you the chance to develop works in-depth. Using mixed media approaches, we will explore our own image making by pushing the possibilities to their limits.
There is a series of tasks to complete alongside the films and you have six months to review and watch as often as you like.
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Sessions
Session 1: 1 hour
Drawing From…
In the first session, you will look at the drawings of various artists to highlight the different techniques you will explore on the course. Using her in-depth knowledge of art history, Liz will guide you through how these artists have used a variety of mediums such as pencil and graphite powder, inks, charcoal and PVA glue to build up their own repertoire of mark-making techniques and visual language.
Session 2 : 1 hour
Monoprinting From…
In session 2, you will look at some of the student work from previous sessions. Liz will also show you a Powerpoint of different monotype examples.
Taking you through a step-by-step tutorial of several techniques, Liz will show you how to build-on previous work, building confidence in a more intuitive and experimental way of working. Taking the subject from a previously chosen painting, you will learn how to work your drawings into colour using layering, stencilling and various textures.
Please note, these monoprint techniques don’t require any specialist printing equipment. We will use acrylic paint, a sheet of acetate and general cartridge paper and paint brushes.
Session 3 : 1 hour
Painting From…
In this session, you will again be looking at the work of your peers.
Building on previous sessions, Liz will demonstrate how to develop your monoprints using paint, collage and folded papers and simple 3D constructions. This process can help you if you feel stuck. Liz will show you how, by returning to previous work, slowing down the methodology, and working through various pathways, you can find the answers through the process. In this session, you will learn how to work smaller studies into larger, mixed-media paintings.
A series of tasks will be set for the final time.
Session 4: 1 hour
A review of previous 3 sessions in which Liz answers questions that have arisen as you come to the end of your journey together.
Follow up with Liz’s Abstraction – A Closer look
What will I learn?
Learn new techniques of drawing/simple printmaking/collage.
When you might get stuck, what can help you to move on.
Learn why looking closely is important.
Experiment and push an image to its limits.
Understand the importance of engaging with your subject.
To be patient and realise that not everything works out!
How does an online session work
Once you have booked you will be able to watch on demand immediately.
You can pause, rewind and watch again as often as you like until the session expires 180 days after purchase
You will also be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your discoveries with our community of fellow students from around the world.
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 5-month course 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.
What you will need.
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 you can cast your phone to a Smart TV.
Taught by
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:
- Go to our website: www.schoolofpainting.co.uk
- Click on the ‘Log in’ button (usually found near the top right of the page)
- Enter the email address and you used when booking
- 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.
What art courses do you offer in St Ives?
We offer a varied programme of art courses in St Ives, including painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media and life drawing. You can choose from one-day workshops, short summer sessions and more immersive three- and four-day studio courses. We also offer longer development courses for those looking to take their practice to the next level.
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.
