Coinciding with the major exhibition at the Royal Academy ‘Francis Bacon: Man and Beast’, this three-day course explores Bacon’s fascination with animals and how it shaped his approach to the human figure. 

Let artist Ilker Cinarel take you on an exploration of Bacon’s interest in animals, movement and the human-form on this three-day oil painting course. Between September 1959 and January 1960, at a key stage in his career, Bacon stayed in St Ives working from Porthmeor Studios, where we are based now, making work for his first show with Marlborough Fine Art in London. 

Using No. 3 Porthmeor Studios, whose previous tenants had been Ben Nicholson and Terry Frost and then Patrick Heron and Trevor Bell, amongst others, this period marked a significant transition in Bacon’s career. During this period, Bacon experimented with paint and colour handling and embarked on a radical reassessment of how the human figure might be located in space on the canvas.  

Over this three-day course, you will have the chance to explore Bacon’s paintings and better understand how to add life and movement to your paintings. Learn how Bacon captured the uninhibited behaviour of animals and see how you can capture the figure in a freer, more expressive, way.  

What will I learn?

• How to add expression and movement to your paintings. 
• Developing loose sketches into a final composition.
• Working from photographs and found images to give your working-style more flexibility.
• Background knowledge about Bacon’s life and work.
• Using oil paints in a looser and more expressive style.

Who would the course suit?

Anyone with an interest in drawing and painting in a more expressive style. This will be an exciting opportunity to explore Bacon’s work in depth while loosening your approach to oil painting.

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. Please wear a mask on arrival.

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.