Course details
Learn to listen to the landscape that speaks to you. Process what you find with innovative exercises and unconventional tools designed to draw out your unique take on landscape.
Learn to use innovative painting exercises both in the studio and in the landscape. Using unconventional tools and processes you will free up your approach to landscape painting. Over the days build up a range of new source material; ideal starting points for future development. This is an ideal course for those with some painting experience who are ready to be challenged and stretched in techniques and approaches. If the weather allows there will be some time spent outdoors to gather ideas and materials to work on back in the studio. So come prepared with warm clothing and an open approach to working.
What will I learn?
- An appreciation of the diverse possibilities of expressive landscape painting.
- An understanding of the right questions to ask yourself when approaching expressive landscape painting
- A sharper understanding of what visual clues are emerging from your contemplation of landscape – past, present and future.
- The technical confidence to describe landscape in your own way.
Who would this course suit?
This course would suit anyone interested in exploring their personal narrative through landscape. You might be a more experienced painter looking to embolden your own style and voice or someone interested in exploring landscape painting at an early stage. There will be some time spent outside on the beach and headland, so you should be comfortable walking, carrying your materials and working standing or seated on the ground. However the course is mainly based inside the studio. This course involves working in oils. We use low odour white spirit and keep the studio well ventilated. However if you have a sensitivity to solvents and oil based products the course might not be suitable.
Taught by
What to Bring
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 like to use, please bring them with you.
It may also be useful to bring a plastic folder or portfolio to transport your work home (although we have these available to buy from £3.50). If your course involves working outside we would recommend you bring warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy walking shoes or boots.
Timings and Breaks
The first day starts at 10 am and finishes at 4.30 pm. Please arrive ten minutes before the start time and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before we start.
All course days after that start at 9.30 am and finish at 4 pm and there will be an hour for lunch. Occasionally these times may be changed if required by the tutor. There are plenty of nearby places to eat or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch into the studio.
FAQs
Our Courses
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 the school has plastic folders available in our shop for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.
For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home.
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?
Our courses start at 10am and end at 4.30pm.
Short workshops for adults start at 10am and end at1pm except during September festival when they run 10-12.30 and 14.30 – 17.00.
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.
If any of the courses do need a bit of experience we flag this up in the brochure and on the website.
Booking a Course
Can I pay by cheque?
Please get in touch by phone and we can hold your place for a few days whilst you post your cheque (made payable to: St Ives School of Painting) to us at St Ives School of Painting, Porthmeor Studios. St Ives TR26 1NG
How can I reserve a place?
We will hold a provisional reservation for 2 days if you give us a call whilst you find accommodation. Otherwise please book online or by telephone 01736 797180.
You can pay a £60 deposit with the balance 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 both 5 minute walk away. In the peak summer months it may be easier to park at the big top 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.