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
Art Courses
Do you have to be experienced to come to the School?
No prior experience is required to join most of our art courses. The School of Painting is a friendly and welcoming environment for all ages and abilities, including complete beginners.
Our drop-in life drawing classes and short workshops are perfect if you’re trying painting for the first time. Many of our longer courses are also suitable for beginners, as our tutors are experienced in supporting mixed ability groups. If a course requires previous experience, this will be clearly stated on the course page.
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]
Can you help me choose the right course?
Yes, our friendly and knowledgeable team are always happy to help you choose the best course for your needs, whether you’re a beginner or looking to develop specific skills.
Please call us on 01736 797180 to discuss your options.
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
Booking a Course
How do I reserve a place on a course?
You can book your place online or by calling us on 01736 797180.
If you need time to arrange accommodation, we can hold a provisional booking for 24 hours. To secure your place, a £100 deposit is required, with the remaining balance due 12 weeks before the course start date.
About St Ives
Where can I park near the School?
The nearest long-stay car parks are:
Island Car Park
Barnoon Long Stay Car Park
Both are approximately a 5-minute walk from the School.
During the busy summer months, you may find it easier to park at Trenwith Car Park near the leisure centre and walk into town. A shuttle bus often runs back up the hill from near Tate St Ives.
How do I get to the School of Painting in St Ives?
By train:
The nearest mainline station is St Erth, which is approximately a 15-minute taxi journey away. From there, you can also take the St Ives Bay Line, which runs every 30 minutes. The School is a 10-minute walk from St Ives station.
By car:
Take the M5 to Exeter, then follow the A30 into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, exit at the St Erth roundabout towards St Ives. Continue through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives..
Where can I stay in St Ives?
St Ives offers a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, guest houses, and self-catering options. You can explore options on our website, or contact us directly on 01736 797180 if you’d like personalised recommendations.
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