Course details
Explore the fluid, vibrant world of acrylic inks in this hands-on course designed to help build confidence in using colour in a more expressive way.

This relaxed and exploratory new course offers students the chance to discover the unique qualities of acrylic inks without the pressure of creating perfect, finished pieces.
Professional artist, Ella Carty, will demonstrate a range of techniques drawn from her own painting practice, encouraging students to experiment with colour, layering, and mark-making. With time to play and explore, participants can develop their own creative approach to using this vibrant and fluid medium.
Inspired by a still-life setup, the course begins with sketching warm-ups that encourage observation of shapes, forms, and colour. Students then delve into exploring acrylic inks, experimenting with diverse mark-making techniques using various tools, guided by Ella’s expert demonstrations. Embrace the unpredictability of wet-on-wet and harness the control of the dry-brush to extend your painting vocabulary.
The journey continues with playful exploration of layering, staining, and diluting inks to unlock the rich possibilities of translucency and opacity. Learn how to build complex layers of colour, creating depth, texture, and vibrant colour harmonies within your compositions.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a collection of studies exploring a range of acrylic ink techniques—offering inspiration and confidence for future creative work.




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 sketching warm-ups, exploring shapes and forms from a still life setup. Using these sketches, develop a composition with guidance on colour and structure. Then, begin experimenting with acrylic inks and mark-making using various tools. By the end of day one, have the first layers started, ready to build on the next morning.
Day 2
On the second day, continue experimenting with mark-making, exploring both wet-on-wet and dry-brush techniques to expand your painting vocabulary and confidence. Embrace the unpredictability of wet-on-wet and harness the control of the dry-brush.
Day 3
On the final day, explore layering, staining, and diluting inks to play with the translucency and opacity of colour washes. There will be demonstrations on how to build texture and depth through layered colour.
What will I learn?
- Gain confidence in using colour in a more expressive way.
- How to use different tools such as brushes, squeegees and rags to apply acrylic inks.
- How to use diluted inks to create stains and translucent washes to build up delicate layers.
- Wet-on-wet and dry-brush techniques to broaden knowledge of mark-making techniques.
Who would this course suit?
This course is suitable for confident beginners and those with some painting experience. It is ideal for anyone who enjoys experimenting with colour or wants to build confidence in using colour more boldly and expressively.
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.
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.
