Kerry Harding painting abstract seascape - sea and clouds

Experimental Oil Landscapes - online course

Oil / Landscape

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

Register Interest

Course details

This is a unique opportunity to take part in an inspirational 3 week online art course with renowned artist Kerry Harding. Combining videos you can watch in your own time with live group tutorials using Zoom, you will work through a series of tasks and learn to incorporate the playful exploration of oil paint into a series of landscape inspired paintings.

The tasks are designed to consecutively lead you through the course however it is important to enjoy each stage and not be focused on a final perfect end point.

The course will introduce you to new techniques as well as a working practice based on experimentation and play. By this we mean making without expectation which we believe will open up a world of possibilities for you.

The course structure includes 6 units of learning with pre recorded video sessions where Kerry sets out a task for you to follow (5 in your studio and 1 outside in your local environment). A live session on Zoom is scheduled each week on a Monday evening. Students will have the opportunity to ask the tutor questions prior and during these live sessions as well as have access to a group forum on a secured course platform. This private online space is a chance for you and your group to connect with each other and share progress during the course.

You will be able to enjoy access to the video sessions and Zoom recordings up to one month after the courses finishes. In addition there are downloadable theory notes for you to keep.

You will need to gather together your own materials for the course and have access to the internet. We will have staff on hand to assist with your connecting on Zoom. You will receive a comprehensive handbook on setting up ready for the course covering equipment and materials.

Day to day plan

This is a 3 week course and will work best for those that can commit time each week to do the tasks. With a live and interactive session each week with Kerry and your group using Zoom you will then go off to work on your own project with guidance and direction to follow. All timings are BST (London time).

Pre – Course set up

On the Wednesday before the course starts there will be technical session with our digital administrator to make sure you are comfortable with the technology and everything is working correctly.

Pre Course Tech session – Wednesday 3 -5 pm

Week 1

Monday – An introduction to materials and how to set up for the course.

Task 1 – Play and Experiment, watch the video session. Get started straight away or wait for the Zoom introduction.

6 – 7.30 pm Live session with Kerry and your group introducing you to the course. Post your questions and images of your responses to task 1 before the Zoom session using our course forum.

Tuesday – . Task 2 Developing your paint vocabulary. Watch the video session and follow the task in your own time. Once you have spent a few hours on this move to the next session.

Task 3 Learn to combine your painting vocabulary and create layers and contrast.

Wednesday – By the end of the day upload a photo of your artwork, which your class and tutor will be able to view, like and provide feedback on.

Week 2

Monday – Task 4 Taking it outside video session- quick exercises to capture the ‘essence’ of a place designed to stop you getting bogged down with a perfect drawing or representation.

6 – 7.30 pm Live evening Zoom catch up with Kerry and your group. Post your questions and images of work before the Zoom session using our course forum.

Tuesday – Task 5 Starting your landscape painting, working in a series and staying relaxed

Wednesday – By the end of the day upload a photo of your artwork, which your class and tutor will be able to view, like and provide feedback on.

Week 3

Monday – Task 6 Taking away – discover, edit, and learn to enjoy and harness surprises

6 – 7.30 pm – Live evening Zoom group tutorial with Kerry to discuss progress over the three weeks and your next steps.

Tuesday – Carry on in your own time experimenting and exploring

Wednesday – Last day for feedback from your group and tutor. Post your work on the forum and ask any final questions.

Your tutor will set an additional extension task and provide feedback the following week.

What will I learn?

Learn to tap into the power of experimentation and play (making without expectation)

Explore an expressive and loose approach from which you then can slowly resolve and consider your paintings.

Learn to harness the happy accidents. Being open to where the creative process takes you often produce better results than a more controlled approach.

Learn how to let the paint work for you, make it contribute to your painting and express your personal voice.

Combat the ‘fear of failure’. You have to be relaxed to make good art. The course will help to banish fear and pressure in the studio.

Who would this course suit?

This course is suitable for the adventurous. It’s ideal if you feel you need a confidence boost combined with technical tips to enjoy painting more. Those who would like to be more confident using oils in particular and want to understand this media better will find Kerry’s approach liberating. Although the theme of landscape is used what you learn can be used for any subject.

How long will I have access to the course?

You’ll have access to all course materials for the duration of your course, plus an additional 4 weeks after your end date.

Experimental Oil Landscapes – online course

Oil / Landscape

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

Register Interest

How much contact time will I get with Kerry?

You will receive a weekly response from Kerry via our course platform where she will comment and feedback on a selection of your photo uploads on the communal studio wall. There will also be 3 live Zoom group tutorials where you will be able to send in questions for Kerry to discuss with the group.

There may be up to 25 students on this course, which is more than the usual 10 we have in the studio. However the nature of online learning means this in no way impacts negatively on your learning.

The ability to review the sessions via recordings for a month combined with the face to face online sessions and feedback over 3 weeks gives you more opportunity to ask questions and embed the learning in your practice.

Taught by

Kerry
Harding

View Kerry’s Work

The best work comes when your shoulders are down and the hours disappear, not as easy as it sounds as most artists will tell you and so its been one of the guiding principles in my approach as a tutor. After over a decade of teaching I have also most enjoyed the process of helping students find their own voice, its already there and so hugely rewarding to help with this discovery.

What to Bring

You will receive a comprehensive handbook on setting up ready for the course covering equipment and materials. We will guide you on how best to set up in your own home environment whatever that might be from the kitchen to the studio.

Timings and Breaks

Over the three weeks there will be a live session every Monday which lasts 90 minutes: 6pm – 7.30pm (London time). The tasks are made available for you to complete in your time.

On Wednesday 27th January 3-5pm, there will be an introductory session with our digital administrator to make sure you are comfortable with the technology.

IT Equipment

You will need a laptop or tablet with audio and camera enabled so you can have a screen near where you are working. A phone is not ideal as you will struggle to see enough. You will also need reasonable broadband connection and speed.

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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