Hilary Jean Gibson, Barbara Hepworth

Inspired by Barbara Hepworth

Drawing / Painting / Water-based / Abstract / Landscape - Materials included

We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.

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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.

Barbara Hepworth's Garden visit by students on Hilary-Jean-Gibson's Three day painting course

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?

  1. Learn about Barbara Hepworth, her story, and tremendous influence in art history and St Ives.
  2. Increased confidence working ‘en plein air’, in a journal, gathering material to take back to the studio.
  3. Explore themes in Hepworth’s work such as realism, abstraction, layers of ideas and symbolism.
  4. 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.

Inspired by Barbara Hepworth

Drawing / Painting / Water-based / Abstract / Landscape – Materials included

We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.

Register Interest

Taught by

In 1995 I became a tutor at the St Ives School of Painting. Offering inspiration through my passion for drawing, water-based media and art history, I strive to liberate a creative vision by teaching skills and techniques through direct observation and en plein air.

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

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.

Art Courses in St Ives

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.

Do you offer art classes for children and teenagers?

Yes. Our Young Artists Programme includes art workshops for children and teenagers, with sessions designed for different age groups. During the summer, we also run creative workshops for children aged 7-13.

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.

Do you offer beginner painting courses?

Yes. Our programme includes beginner-friendly painting courses covering materials such as oils, acrylics and watercolours. These courses introduce you to essential tools and techniques while giving you plenty of time to practise and explore your own ideas.

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.

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 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


In Person Courses

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.

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.

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