Course details
Join large-scale painter Caroline Robinson as she explores her practice of painting intuitively.

Have you ever wondered how artists paint intuitively? Where do the ideas come from for a painting, how do you interpret those ideas onto canvas? What colours do you use to convey your feelings? Learn how to tap into inspiration from physical experiences and places familiar to you. See how to make those first marks, use colour to express emotion and learn to let go and have fun!
Caroline will encourage you to be brave, go big and explore mark making on a larger scale. (She will be working on surfaces that are A1 plus, when we say ‘go big’ this could mean scaling up from A5 to A3 or you could go much much bigger. The principals that she teaches during this webinar will still apply).
Looking at artists such as Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell and Monet, this webinar will be fun and explorative and will help to give you the confidence to paint what you feel. You will work with either acrylics or oil paints and Caroline demonstrates that there is not one ‘correct’ way of painting and encourages a freer way of working.
Joan Mitchell once said, ‘My paintings repeat a feeling about Lake Michigan, or water, or fields… it’s more like a poem… and that’s what I want to paint’.
Taking Mitchell’s approach to intuitive painting, see how this style of painting offers a fresh approach to your painting practice. For this webinar, we recommend that you sit back, relax and enjoy watching Caroline guide you from our historic studios in St. Ives. Then, in your own time you can explore the techniques learnt in the session and re-visit the recording for inspiration.




Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for both absolute beginners and those with more experience, looking to build confidence in intuitive painting. Aimed to help you step out of your comfort zone and loosen your approach to drawing, painting and making larger work.
What will I learn?
1. How to find inspiration to translate into an intuitive painting
2. How to approach larger pieces of work
3. How to trust the process by gaining confidence in your mark making
4. Tips on choosing colours and finding balance in your work
5. How to find ways in to painting when you have a creative block.
How does an online session work?
We record the sessions so you can watch on demand, as often as you like, for up to 60 days after purchase. This way you can pause a scene, rewind and finish your painting.
You will be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your work and get feedback from fellow students around the world.
You can watch on a PC, laptop or tablet and if you have chromecast or miracast you could even cast to your SmartTV from your phone.
Taught by
What our students say
Caroline is such an engaging tutor, I really felt we were sharing her process with her as it actually happened. Watching her paint was both relaxing and inspiring.
Caroline moved me so much and has given me the confidence to finally give intuitive painting a go and not be scared. Her advice was fantastic and really resonated with me.
Caroline was excellent – very lovely and welcoming presence, and despite it being a ‘lecture’ over video she manage to impart a sense that you were in the studio with her, not just at the end of a screen.
It’s so lovely to watch Caroline paint, she’s such a wonderful teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. She’s so relaxed and I felt like I was right there with her in the studio. I now feel confident, inspired and I look forward to experimenting and creating.
It has given me a good insight into abstract painting. Whilst I enjoy painting, I do not consider myself a very good painter and I have always appreciated abstract art. Whilst I have tried to have a go, I do not have the confidence and am too uniformed in my approach. Caroline has given me a lot to think about in a positive way and I am looking forward to ‘having a go’.
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.
