Colour + Abstraction: Inspired by Patrick Heron

Acrylic / Painting / Abstract / Landscape

Book Selected Date

Course details

Have you always wanted to paint more boldly? Do you want to develop confidence with colour and work on a larger scale? This immersive course invites you to step beyond your comfort zone and discover the freedom of expressive painting through more expansive work.

Painting by Louise Rainbow

Inspired by the vibrant paintings of Patrick Heron and the spectacular Cornish landscape that surrounded his home, this exciting new three-day course explores colour, abstraction and the expressive possibilities of larger-scale painting. Come prepared to work bigger, embrace bold colour and discover a more adventurous approach to painting. The course is capped at 8 students, so you will have the space to work big and plenty of focused time with the tutor. 

Louise Rainbow, is a practising artist and experienced tutor with a particular interest in colour, landscape, memory and observation through expressive mark-making and contemporary painting approaches. Her teaching focuses on helping students build confidence, take creative risks and develop their own artistic voice.

Working both outdoors and in the studio, you will explore Heron’s distinctive approach to landscape through saturated colour, simplified forms and dynamic compositions. His paintings combine brilliant colour with a remarkable sense of calm, reducing the landscape to essential shapes while retaining its emotional power.

The course will begin with looking at colour relationships, abstraction and the work of Patrick Heron, alongside sketchbook studies made in the landscape and practical colour-mixing exercises. You will then begin to simplify what you see into shape and colour, using these observations as a starting point for more experimental paintings on paper and board.

Through demonstrations, practical exercises and individual tuition, experiment with vibrant acrylic colour, energetic brushwork and expressive mark-making. Learn to understand your own colour palette, simplify landscape into abstract forms and create paintings that bring together observation and imagination. As the course develops, begin to work on a larger scale, considering balance, composition and the relationship between different shapes, colours and marks.

Alongside Patrick Heron, Louise will introduce the work of other artists such as, Sandra Blow, Peter Lanyon, Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Mark Rothko and Henri Matisse, offering further inspiration for different approaches to colour, scale, shape and abstraction.

By the end of the course, you will have produced a large-scale painting (approx 1m x 1m), alongside a series of expressive preparatory studies on paper and board exploring colour, composition and abstraction.

Photos captured of Patrick Heron’s paintings in the 2018 retrospective exhibition of Heron’s work at Tate St Ives. Photographs by Cat Lee

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 and weather.

Day 1

The first day will introduce Patrick Heron and the ideas behind Colour Field painting, with a particular focus on colour relationships, abstraction and composition. Spend time making sketchbook studies in the landscape, gathering shapes, colours and impressions to work from back in the studio. Through practical colour-mixing exercises and experimentation, begin to develop your own palette before exploring these ideas more freely in a series of larger paintings on paper.

Day 2

Begin with working outdoors from the Cornish landscape, focusing on ways to simplify what you see into shape, colour and essential forms. Back in the studio, demonstrations of expressive acrylic techniques will introduce different approaches to brushwork, layering and mark-making. You will then begin developing your ideas on a larger scale, starting to build a more ambitious composition from the studies and observations gathered so far.

Day 3

Focus on developing your large-scale canvas, exploring how brushwork, balance and composition can bring the painting together. Individual tuition throughout the day will support you as the work evolves, helping you make confident decisions and push your ideas further. The course will conclude with a group discussion and review of the finished work, reflecting on the different approaches developed over the course.

What will I learn?

  • Develop confidence working on a larger scale, using colour, composition and mark-making with greater freedom.
  • A greater understanding of colour relationships and colour harmony, and how to mix vibrant acrylic colour.
  • Explore ways to simplify and abstract the landscape through shape, colour and composition.
  • Experiment with bold brushwork and expressive mark-making to loosen your approach to painting more freely.
  • Develop a series of preparatory studies and bring these ideas together in a large-scale painting inspired by the Patrick Heron and his work.

Who would this course suit?

This course is ideal for painters who would like to become more expressive, develop greater confidence with colour and explore working on a larger scale. It will particularly appeal to those interested in abstraction, acrylic painting and the Cornish landscape. Some painting experience would be helpful, although enthusiastic beginners who are open to experimentation and working boldly are also very welcome.

Colour + Abstraction: Inspired by Patrick Heron

Acrylic / Painting / Abstract / Landscape

Book Selected Date

Taught by

Louise
Rainbow

View Louise’s Work

Teaching is one of the most rewarding aspects of my creative life. I enjoy helping people discover possibilities in their own work that they may not yet see themselves. Seeing students gain confidence, become more experimental and develop an authentic artistic voice is enormously satisfying.

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. Sketchbooks are encouraged, along with a camera or phone for recording colour and landscape studies outdoors. As weather permits, some sessions will take place outside, so please bring suitable clothing and sturdy footwear.

nb Please note that aprons will be provided, but you may also wish to wear suitable clothing for painting, as there is always a chance of getting paint on 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 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.

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.

You might also like...