Course details
Discover the ideas and influence of St Ives Modernist, Barbara Hepworth-exploring form, space, nature and abstraction through drawing and painting, both en plein air in her sculpture garden and the Porthmeor studios.
Following the outbreak of war, Barbara Hepworth moved to St Ives with her partner, the artist Ben Nicholson, and family in 1939. Ten years later, she moved into Trewyn Studios – the place where she would live and work until her death.
Now known as Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture garden, and managed by Tate, these studios provided a sanctuary for Hepworth to live and work, writing of them: ‘Finding Trewyn Studio was a sort of magic’. At Trewyn, there was a studio, a yard and a garden where Hepworth could work in ‘open air and space’. The home, garden and studio is now preserved as a museum, and the sculptures are much in the same place they always were. Providing a sanctuary for artists and visitors, Hepworth’s garden is full of impressive sculptures amongst architectural plants and leafy green foliage; an ideal spot for sketching.
On this three day course, enjoy spending time in Hepworth’s beautiful sculpture garden, developing a journal of sketches to develop further back in our historic Porthmeor studios.
Led by artist Hilary Jean Gibson, the course explores Hepworth’s sculptures through pencil, pen and watercolour. Let Hilary guide you through the historic garden and spend some time gathering information through sketching and note-taking to bring back to the Studio. Add colour using a limited palette, and see how to capture the colours, textures and sculptural forms against plants and buildings.
Day to day plan
This is a rough indication of what to expect over the course. However sometimes the structure of the days may alter depending on the nature of the group.
Day 1
On day one, spend several hours in Hepworth’s Garden in St Ives; gathering information to take back to the studio through sketching and note-taking. Using pencils and water-based media, start to develop a journal. Hilary will show you how to create tonal and colour notes.
Day 2
Start the morning sketching in your journal in Hepworth’s Garden. Back in the studio, working from your journal, create drawings and studies in watercolours. Using a limited palette, discover how to mix the bronze colour of the sculptures, and the green verdigris colouring of the patinations found on their surfaces. (Hepworth had her own recipes for these).
Day 3
A final morning sketching in Hepworth’s garden followed by experimentation in the studio with superimposing, wet in wet and variegated washes. Leave the course with a number of ‘finished’ pieces inspired by Hepworth’s Garden and using the techniques learnt on the course.
What will I learn?
- Learn about Barbara Hepworth, her story, and tremendous influence in art history and St Ives.
- Increased confidence working ‘en plein air’, in a journal, gathering material to take back to the studio.
- Explore themes in Hepworth’s work such as realism, abstraction, layers of ideas and symbolism.
- Experiment with a variety of drawing media and water-based techniques. Draw in pencil, pen, on coloured backgrounds, as well as writing about the experience of drawing in the garden and the inspiration of Hepworth’s work.
Who would this course suit?
This course would suit artists at any stage in their creative journey; whether you have an established practice or are just starting out. Ideal if you are looking for ways to fine tune your observation skills, develop drawing and painting experience and enjoy time in the exceptional gardens.
Ideal for artists working in different media as a rich source of inspiration, you will discover the deep thinking, research and planning behind Hepworth’s work which could in turn inspire your own creative process.
Taught by
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 3.30 on Sunday after a short lunch break to try and enable people to get home that day.
There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.
FAQs
Studio Courses
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]
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 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?
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.
Short workshops start at 10am in the Summer and 9.30am/ 1.30pm during September festival
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 as class sizes are small and our tutors are experienced in managing varying abilities within a group.
If any of the courses do need a bit of experience we flag this up 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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