Marion Taylor, Transitions

Contemporary Composition

Drawing / Mixed Media / Painting / Abstract - Materials included

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

Register Interest

Course details

Explore the benefits of collage and montage to create textured, multi-layered mixed media paintings. Enjoyable for complete beginner or experienced artist alike.

Marion Taylor

Enjoy the expert tuition of two St Ives artists, Marion Taylor and Liz Luckwell, – and join us for this innovative approach to exploring looser ways of working and taking you towards abstraction. Working with everyday items such as scraps of paper, photographs, newspaper, maps and musical scores, see how collage and montage can add depth and texture to your paintings.

We start with an introduction into the fascinating history of collage and learn how collage can be used to resolve compositional dilemmas as well as a technique in its own right. Bringing a range of differing surfaces, colours, shapes and compositions into play, collage is an accessible medium suitable for beginners and more experienced artists alike.

Using both collage and montage techniques combined with mixed media painting, see how they can be used as a tool to develop your visual language. For example, “cut collage” creates a more constructive style whereas ‘torn material’ tends towards a more expressionist feel. There will also be a chance to see how other artists have used collage and montage in their work – Picasso, Matisse and St Ives artists Peter Lanyon and Sandra Blow.

This course is ideal if you are looking for new ways in to creating compositions, or adding texture and depth to your paintings.

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

Following a brief introduction and discussion we will start the day with some fun exercises, exploring ways to cut, tear and use paper to make collages in black and white. In the afternoon, we move onto colour, experimenting with rollers and paint, applying layers on top of our collaged pieces.

Day 2

Start the second day by looking at Picasso’s still life art works and explore ways to replicate simple still life collages. In the afternoon, be inspired by Matisse’s cut outs by arranging painted papers into lively compositions.

Day 3

We will consider the works of Sandra Blow, who was known for her large scale, colourful abstract collages made from discarded materials. Continue on playing with different materials, thinking about how scale can impact your pieces.

Day 4

Start the morning with an introduction into photo montage. Bring along some photographs to the session and learn a new method, applying paint on top of your images. The afternoon will be a chance to gather everything that you have learnt, to develop your ideas and share your work with the rest of the class at the end of the day.

What will I learn?

  1. Learn quick ways to transform an image through collage and montage.
  2. Build confidence in composition and expand your visual language.
  3. Loosen your approach to image making.
  4. Learn about a range of artists who use collage and montage in their practice.
  5. A chance to play and experiment with various surfaces, colours, shapes and compositions.
  6. Learn how to combine paint and photo collage to create new compositions.

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 increase skills, experience and experimentation.

Contemporary Composition

Drawing / Mixed Media / Painting / Abstract – Materials included

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

Register Interest

Taught by

Liz
Luckwell

View Liz’s Work

Liz Luckwell’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in the act of drawing, which underpins her method of working with materials, allowing images to emerge from the process itself. Starting from realistic beginnings—often sketching her immediate environment—Luckwell’s work evolves through a gradual process of simplification, distilling forms into more abstracted, emotive expressions. Her creative journey is infused with early memories of helping her mother craft wreaths and bouquets on the kitchen table, a tactile experience that still informs her approach. Working from her home, the Gardener’s Cottage, she often reflects on her family’s deep connection to gardening, a theme that permeates pieces like her oil pastel on board Summer Weeds, where natural forms are transformed through a nuanced, intimate exploration of colour and texture.

Marion
Taylor

View Marion’s Work

I have enjoyed teaching at The School for over 25 years and this has always gone hand in hand with my own practice, as I find sharing ideas and techniques stimulating and rewarding. My approach is to give students the confidence to develop their skills, to think for themselves and so extend their visual language and find their own path.

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

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 want to reserve a place whilst you confirm holiday accommodation we will give you a full refund if you change your mind within 24 hours of booking. Just get in touch [email protected].

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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