Explore expressionist painting in the elements with artist Amy Albright as you immerse yourself in the Cornish landscape to sketch and paint with playfulness and emotion. 

This three-day course will lead you from Porthmeor’s beachfront studios to the sprawling seascapes beyond, painting outside in various locations in St. Ives, from gardens to dramatic shorelines. Start by exploring various mark-making techniques and creating black and white studies using paint and charcoal, then develop your work further with water-based paint.

Explore colour, tone and abstraction by mixing, applying, and layering paints during this fun and stimulating course.  Through practical demonstrations led by Amy, discover unusual tools and exciting expressive exercises to free up your painting and help you to capture the essence of the landscape.

With Amy’s expert guidance, follow in the footsteps of artists such as Helen Frankenthaler and Peter Lanyon, whose abstract expressionism will help to inform and inspire your own individualistic style. 

This course is ideal for anyone wanting to paint with acrylic paint in a looser way to create semi-abstract pieces based on a personal response to both place and the process of plein-air painting. It combines working outside with the opportunity to assess and further shape your landscapes inside the studio to produce a brand-new series of paintings on paper and board. 

nb: The course will involve walking short distances and painting outside on boards in changeable weather. Please bring suitable clothing and footwear.

What will I learn? 

• Learn exciting ways to loosen up your drawing, using charcoal and abstraction techniques.  
• Improve your sketching and painting techniques using watercolour and acrylics. 
• Learn how to ‘loosen up’ your style, using new tools and techniques 
• Be guided on how to add details, layers, and resolve your work  

Who would this course suit?

This course is suitable for those who wish to paint outside, and who enjoy the process of painting and creating semi-abstract pieces of work. Amy specialises in experimental approaches to art, helping students to relax and find confidence in using their emotions effectively within their artworks. All abilities are welcome; the course is designed to enhance all skill and experience levels.