Expressive Landscapes

Drawing / Painting / Landscape

Book Selected Date

Course details

Explore the stunning St Ives landscape and discover new ways of seeing, interpreting and expressing a sense of place through drawing and painting.

This immersive course invites you to experiment with new ways of seeing and interpreting the landscape, developing preparatory drawings and sketches as a foundation for expressive paintings created in the studio. Throughout the course, Steven will introduce you to a rich variety of artistic materials and techniques, alongside the work of influential landscape painters.

Learn about the importance of composition and how elements such as balance, focal points and negative space can help create engaging and dynamic paintings. Working outdoors in the surroundings of St Ives, you’ll make observational sketches, capturing something of the character and atmosphere of the landscape. Back in the studio, you’ll use these studies to consider different compositions and develop your ideas further.

Experiment with a range of drawing and painting materials, including pencil, charcoal, ink, acrylics and oil paints, learning how different media and techniques can be combined to create expressive effects. Through working with tone, texture, colour and mark-making, you’ll be encouraged to challenge conventional approaches, work more freely and open up new possibilities within your painting practice.

Steven will guide you in capturing the feeling of a landscape or place, rather than simply recording what you see. Looking at how artists such as Andrew Wyeth, Peter Doig and Jock McFadyen have taken inspiration from their surroundings, you’ll gain insight into different ways of expressing a sense of place through painting.

Above all, this course encourages you to experiment, take creative risks and challenge preconceived ideas about what is ‘right’ in art. The aim is not only to loosen up your painting, but also to loosen up your thinking, helping you develop a more personal and expressive approach to your work. You’ll leave with a variety of studies and paintings, new techniques to explore and greater confidence in your artistic practice.

What will I learn?

  • Practical skills in taking ideas from observational sketches through to expressive paintings on a range of surfaces.
  • A better understanding of composition, including balance, focal points and negative space, to create more engaging paintings.
  • Experiment with a variety of drawing and painting materials, including charcoal, ink, acrylics and oils, exploring colour, tone, texture and expressive mark-making. Learn how to combine them effectively.
  • Learn to see and interpret the landscape in new ways, drawing inspiration from your surroundings and the work of influential landscape painters.
  • Build confidence in working more freely and intuitively, embracing unexpected discoveries and developing a more personal and expressive approach to painting.

Who would this course suit?

This course is suitable for artists of all abilities who enjoy painting landscapes and are keen to experiment with new materials and techniques. Ideal for those looking to loosen up their approach, develop their understanding of composition and gain confidence in creating more expressive and personal paintings.

Expressive Landscapes

Drawing / Painting / Landscape

Book Selected Date

Taught by

Steven
Buckler

View Steven’s Work

My work is about more than the landscape, it’s about the sense of being in it. The atmosphere, the light and the colour. For me it is about drawing and painting these bits of our landscape that are normally edited out of our perception and experience.

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 workshop will run from 10:00am until 16:30pm. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time so you can check in at reception and get settled in. We will serve tea and coffee at break times during the morning and afternoon.

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:

  1. Go to our website: www.schoolofpainting.co.uk
  2. Click on the ‘Log in’ button (usually found near the top right of the page)
  3. Enter the email address and you used when booking
  4. 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 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.

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