Dynamic Landscape in Oils
Oil / Abstract / Landscape - Materials included
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Moving between en plein air sketching on the cliffs and beaches around St Ives and developing work back in the studio, create intuitive and expressive responses to the landscape using oil paints and oil bars.

Inspired by expressive painters from St Ives and beyond, this course encourages you to move between direct observation and personal interpretation, developing a freer and more sensory response to land, sea and sky. Through a balance of time spent outdoors and in the studio, you will explore ways of reimagining landscape through colour, texture, gesture and abstraction. Use observations as starting points to develop intuitive and expressive paintings in oils and oil bars, exploring dynamic mark-making with brushes, knives and other tools.
Open to all levels, this course is ideal for those interested in experimentation, generating ideas and loosening their approach to painting. You will be moving away from representation towards abstraction and a personal, painterly language rooted in atmosphere, memory and place.
There will be time spent walking and working outdoors on rough coastal ground in order to capture the rugged landscape beyond the town and along the coast path. The weather can be unpredictable, so please come prepared with suitable footwear, waterproofs and warm clothing.



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 off by looking at the working practice of artists Joan Eardley, Alfred Wallis and David Tress. Later, we will head out to the Island. This iconic part of St Ives will help us consider the landscape, the skyline and horizon working tonally, expressively and broadly, with a limited colour palette.
Day 2
Today, we will work a little larger, using oil paint on our coloured grounds. We will consider the working practice and imagery of Barbara Rae, who developed monoprints from her drawings. Following a demo you will try out monoprinting and monotype. After a drinks break, we will walk out to Clodgy Point. Working loosely, thin to thick paint with lots of quick studies.
Day 3
Our aim is to create loose, vigorous and expressive landscape painting in oils. The day will be spent on individual pieces, layering to create texture and depth, developed from our outside work.
Ahead of your oil painting course with us if you would like to brush up your skills, you are entitled to 25% off our online “Getting Started with Oil Painting” course here. You will be given a code after purchasing our studio oil painting course.
Our studio ‘Beginner’s Oil Painting’ courses can be found here.
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.
What our students say
Jill is a brilliant artist and a great teacher. I’m an untrained novice but this was so accessible and inspiring
I have attended many courses here and they have always been excellent. But this was superb. The tutor was so inspirational and I shall draw on her generous knowledge over and over again. Jill catered to a range of experiences and her style was so approachable.
The energy and patience of Jill, our tutor, was amazing and l am so pleased with the work she helped me create!
Jill is experienced and very knowledgeable. She packed the three days with flexible options, learning and experience. I am coming away energised and with new avenues to pursue and a range of approaches to experiment with. Jill was generous with her time and met each student’s process with encouragement and thoughtfulness. I think the course contained a vast amount more than one might expect on a three-day workshop.
The resources and the space to work in were excellent. The tutoring was wonderfully inspiring and supportive. I felt encouraged and supported all through and learnt new things
Jill was an excellent tutor. Very well run course, engaging and insightful. Thoroughly enjoyable and I learnt lots of new techniques.
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:
- Go to our website: www.schoolofpainting.co.uk
- Click on the ‘Log in’ button (usually found near the top right of the page)
- Enter the email address and you used when booking
- 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 art courses do you offer in St Ives?
We offer a varied programme of art courses in St Ives, including painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media and life drawing. You can choose from one-day workshops, short summer sessions and more immersive three- and four-day studio courses. We also offer longer development courses for those looking to take their practice to the next level.
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.
