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.
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
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
Online
Do I need a webcam/any equipment.
If it’s for our You Tube webinars and You Tube courses no webcam is needed as you just need to be able to see/hear hosts and you can communicate using the chat function. You can watch using a PC, Smart TV or tablet. A phone isn’t ideal as you will struggle to see enough.
For the longer online courses on Zoom you will need a laptop or tablet with audio and camera enabled so you can have a screen near where you are working. You will also need reasonable broadband connection and speed.
I have registered for the webinar but I cant find my joining link
The link will be emailed to you the day before the session. Please check your junk mail. If you can’t find the email please contact info@schoolofpainting.co.uk and we will resend it. In the New Year we are moving from Zoom to You Tube Live. This should be easy to use, just follow the link and watch live on the internet. You can use a PC, smartphone, tablet or even watch through your Smart TV.
I paid for the session but missed it, can you send me the video?
The video recording will automatically be sent to all who booked on the session. Currently all our short online sessions are recorded and you will have two weeks from the date of the session to watch it.
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?
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.
Weekend Courses run 10am – 4pm on the first day but the final day starts at 9.30 and ends at 3.30 with a short lunch break to enable people to get home that evening.
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 24 hours if you give us a call whilst you find accommodation. Otherwise please book online or by telephone 01736 797180.
You can reserve a place with a £100 deposit; balance is 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.