Course details
Over the course of nine classes, explore this intuitive way of making work in tune with the dynamic patterns, energies and qualities of the calendar year.

Join artist Kate Southworth for this online pre-recorded course designed to sensitise your approach to creative work in line with the seasonal changes. During each yearly cycle we witness a pattern of fading, composting, lying fallow, germination, gestation, birthing, blossoming, fruiting and harvesting. Becoming tuned with these natural processes enables us to recognise similar patterns within our own work and with the creative process itself.
In this series, spanning the entire calendar year, we explore the symbolic significance of the four cross-quarter days celebrated by the ancient Celts, as well as the two solstices and two equinoxes. We will work with a range of creative techniques and processes that resonate with the specific qualities of each of these eight major transition points.
Explore artists whose work addresses seasonal change, rituals and intuitive processes including Bracha Ettinger, Hilma af Klint, Shirazeh Houshiary, Emma Kunz, Ithell Colquhoun, Agnes Martin, Leonora Carrington, Georgiana Houghton. Look at the calendar customs and rituals pertinent to the time of the year, and explore a range of creative processes and techniques that activate the imagination.
The first session introduces you to the concepts and the following sessions correspond to a different time of the calendar.
Watch each session on the corresponding date and give yourself time in between to absorb and review your learning, develop your practice and stay in tune with the seasons. You have access for a full year and can join at any time. You will be invited to join a private Facebook group so you can discuss and share your work with fellow students.
In addition to the pre-recorded lessons, there will be a live Q & A session with the artist Kate Southworth on the 15th October, where you can get the answers in real time to any burning questions that you may have.



Breakdown of Sessions
Watch each session on the corresponding date and give yourself time in between to absorb and review your learning, develop your practice and stay in tune with the seasons. These are pre-recorded to work through at your own pace. NOTE: There will be a live Q&A sessions with Kate, at 4pm on 15th October .
31 Oct: Firing the Darkness (Samhain)
21 Dec: Stillness (Winter Solstice)
1 Feb: Birthing New Dreams (Imbolg)
21 Mar: Life Surges (Spring Equinox)
1 May: Meadow Dancing (Bealtaine)
20 Jun: Watering the Brightness (Summer Solstice)
1 Aug: Growing and Slowing (Lughnasadh)
22 Sep: Life Surges (Autumn Equinox)
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for both absolute beginners and those with more experience looking to build confidence in new ways of working. Aimed to help you step out of your comfort zone and loosen your approach to painting.
What will I learn?
1. Learn to work more freely and intuitively.
2. See how seasonal changes, processes and rituals can inform your creative work.
3. Learn how other artists have worked with the calendar in their painting.
4. Work towards finding your own ‘voice’ or visual vocabulary over an extended period of time.
5. See how to work in tune with the dynamic patterns, energies and qualities of the calendar year.
Taught by
What to Bring
We will send you a list of materials and instructions upon booking the course.
You will need access to the internet and ideally a PC, laptop or a tablet with audio. Phones are not really suitable to watch a webinar on, unless you can cast to your Smart TV.
You will have a full year to enjoy the sessions, review and make work in response to the calendar.
What our students say
It became a most life changing part of my life’s journey
I really enjoyed it and found it personally interesting as well as learning new ways to approach my creativity.
Great tutor – approachable, knowledgeable and extremely calming to be around at the end of a busy work day!
I’ve booked another online course.
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.
