Course details
Would you like to create a simple still life that is bold and striking? Emma McClure will share with you the secrets of using vibrant colour and playful compositions to create your own painting.
Capture the essential nature of a subject in a fresh way and create a simple still life in acrylics or oils. Through close study of everyday natural and manmade objects learn to see beyond the surface – transforming familiar forms into bold, simplified compositions rich with personal expression.
Begin the course by exploring contemporary still life artists such as Christine McArthur, Ann Armitage, and Florence Hutchings, whose inventive approaches challenge traditional notions of the genre. Participate in engaging observational drawing sessions with pencil and charcoal, capturing the essence of a still life arrangement of your choice.
Evolve your studies into playful mixed-media explorations using charcoal, ink, collage, and mono-printing to help bridge the gap between drawing and painting and loosen creative inhibitions. Through guided exercises in colour mixing, the use of viewfinders, and quick thumbnail sketches, develop intentional, harmonious palettes and discover dynamic ways to construct a painting.
Explore expressive mark-making techniques using brushes, palette knives and unconventional tools and begin building up your paintings with increased confidence and freedom. There will be the opportunity to work on a variety of scales – such as quick studies on board or large, gestural paintings on paper, encouraging personal experimentation.
Conclude the workshop with a group discussion, offering space for reflection, shared insight and appreciation of each student’s unique creative voice.
This is an ideal course if you are new to painting or would like some guidance on how to simplify forms and bring colour and life into your work.
What will I learn?
- How to select and create strong compositions with an intentional colour palette
- Different approaches to painting still life in an abstract way
- How to loosen up and generate ideas for a painting
- How mixed media work can inform the composition of a painting
- The possibilities of working with a limited colour palette
- Different mark-making and paint application techniques
Who would this course suit?
This is an ideal course if you are new to painting or would like some guidance on how to simplify forms and bring colour and life into your work.
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 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
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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