Course details
Develop a free and energetic approach to painting with watercolour. Learn to create contemporary, striking pieces, launching you on a whole new adventure in watercolour painting.
Experiment with different scales and techniques such as wax resist, wet on wet and reservoir painting, to loosen up your way of working, both en plein air and in our studio. Surprise yourself with just how free and dynamic watercolour can be – it is the perfect medium for capturing the beauty and drama of the Cornish landscape. An ideal course for anyone who has taken our studio or online beginner’s watercolour course, who would like some fun experimenting with the medium, along with expert tuition.
It is a relaxed, practical way to get to know the medium better, with plenty of tips and demos along the way. You’ll also get a feel for Hilary’s own approach and dive into the exciting methods used by diverse artists from Turner to more contemporary artists working today. Combine technique with intuition, working with various formats, in multiples, and on different backgrounds. This course reveals a way of using watercolour that might surprise you; harnessing the fluid, intuitive and experimental side of the medium.
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 the weather.
Day 1
In the studio, you’ll explore playful techniques such as resists, salt, cling film, and gouache lift-off, while en plein air sessions will take you to Porthmeor to practise monochrome painting and develop your observational skills on location.
Day 2
There will be plenty of opportunity to paint en plein air before heading back to the studio to mix sea-inspired colours, explore complementary colour palettes, and try out a range of experimental techniques.
Day 3
The morning will be spent painting en plein air, followed by time in the studio to crop, enlarge, and, if you choose, work on a larger scale. You’ll also have the chance to finish off any pieces and take time to review work as a group.
What will I learn?
- Develop a freer, more expressive approach to watercolour painting
- Gain confidence working en plein air and in the studio
- How to mix sea and sky-inspired colours, greys, harmonies and complementary palettes
- Explore a variety of techniques, including using water-soluble coloured pencils, washes, wax resist, creating pattern and texture
- Experiment with scale, different formats and cropping
- Leave with new ideas, refreshed skills, and greater creative confidence in watercolour
Who will this course suit?
This course is perfect for anyone with some basic experience of watercolour—whether you’ve taken one of our beginner’s classes or have an understanding of basic washes and the colour wheel —and are ready to explore the medium in a more expressive, playful way. It’s ideal for those looking to build confidence, experiment with new techniques, and enjoy the freedom of painting both outdoors and in the studio, all with expert guidance and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.
Ahead of your watercolour course with us if you would like to brush up your skills, you are entitled to 25% off our online ‘Getting Started with Watercolour Painting’ course here‘. You will be given a code after purchasing our studio watercolour course. NB – The online course uses a different palette to our studio course.
Our studio ‘Beginner’s Watercolour’ 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.
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.
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 end at 4pm. 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 need time to arrange accommodation, we can hold a provisional booking for 24 hours. 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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