Drawing Out Your Voice (3)

Drawing / Mixed Media - Materials included

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

Register Interest

Course details

Learn to translate your creative impulse into meaningful composition by working in series rather than on individual pieces. Emphasis is on the freedom to progress, integrating observation with imagination.

Many artists feel compelled to make sketches of what they see in day-to-day life. However, back in the studio, developing these can be a challenge. This course will help you identify your unique vision of the world by integrating your observation of the material world with the personal topography of your memory and imagination. Learn to translate your creative impulse into meaningful work by working in series rather than on individual pieces. This course’s emphasis is on the freedom to progress, allowing more consolidated artwork to emerge.

The tutor will encourage you to recognise themes and narrative emerging from your work. This will empower you to identify your creative voice and develop it in new and unexpected ways. In contemplating other artists’ techniques for collecting and using source material, you will deepen your own conversation with your surroundings and your drawing.

The course’s series-based approach will reinvigorate your practice. It will build your confidence to decide what to respond to and how, and in using selective processes to develop your imagery and build narrative.

It presents a rare opportunity to learn from Peter Skerrett, drawing on his many years of experience as an architect, artist and now Senior Lecturer in Drawing at Falmouth University.

Using a range of media to create alternate versions of your work offers you a freer way to evolve sketches and source material. Peter will offer one-to-one support and you will also spend time with your peers sharing ideas and suggestions for progress, giving you a fresh take on your work that puts your progress at the centre. A wonderful chance to expand the potential of your imagery

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

Begin with an introduction and group discussion in the studio on how artists collect and record visual information from the environment. With your group and tutor, explore various locations around St Ives making drawings, notes, and photographs that will form the basis of your work. Then back in the studio, Peter will lead a series of exercises that will start to expand the potential of your sketches and begin to work towards a series of drawings.

Day 2

Develop your drawings further using the principles of selection, variation, scale, composition and emphasis. Make a series of work using a mix of materials including paint, collage and drawing to explore the essence of your creative voice.

Day 3

Using the tools and techniques developed over the previous two days, continue to work on your series. Peter will spend time with you individually and with the group – a chance to step back and determine how to move forward. On the last afternoon the group will review the progression of each individual series of works.

What will I learn?

  1. How to find and record the information you need when out sketching.
  2. How to select and make decisions about what to develop in your work.
  3. How to find ways to evolve work back in the studio.
  4. How to identify your own distinctive approach to a subject.
  5. How to critically review your work.

Who would this course suit?

If you draw or paint regularly but wish to invigorate and develop your work further, this course is for you. It will be useful for harnessing the potential of your source material into more resolved artworks. If you are less experienced but enjoy challenging yourself and experimenting with innovative approaches to making images, you would also benefit. Although a guided course, you should enjoy working independently.

Drawing Out Your Voice (3)

Drawing / Mixed Media – Materials included

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

Register Interest

Taught by

Peter
Skerrett

View Peter’s Work

I enjoy the intensity of the workshops that I’m invited to run here at the school. A group of artists can produce such an incredible body of work in just a few days. This really inspires my own practice. The energy helps me to see and notice more when I’m out and about in Cornwall to bring these observations back to the studio.

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.

What our students say

Just loved being there. A painting holiday to remember always and so worth travelling from Australia to attend.

Frances Dennis

Informative course, emphasising the need to work through the journey of subject to achieve a valid response and believable outcome.

Sue Jones

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.

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.

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].

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.

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