Join artist Gary Long for an inspiring two-part webinar, where you’ll explore techniques for drawing and painting the human figure within a landscape. The sessions will feature scenic footage evoking the landscapes depicted by Dame Laura Knight in the early 1900s.
In these sessions we will transport you to the beach in St Ives, to draw and paint from pre-recorded footage and stills of our model posing on the rocks. Inspired by the paintings of Dame Laura Knight, we have recreated scenes similar to those she painted while living in Cornwall, featuring our model amongst the rugged Cornish landscape. The two sessions will establish the practical approach you need to feel confident depicting a clothed figure in the landscape and working with oils, creating paintings that luxuriate in the richness of paint, movement and texture. Enjoy learning about Dame Laura Knight’s paintings during her time in Cornwall, see how her expressive and vivid paintings can provide inspiration for your own life drawings and paintings.
In the first session, Gary will demonstrate how he approaches capturing the figure. Working from images of the model, he will guide you through a series of exercises around mark-making and composition, working in pencil, charcoal and gouache. By watching Gary at work, learn how he positions the figure on the paper, how to use simple, bold outlines, and how to reduce the figure to its essence, capturing character while not losing the accuracy of your drawings. Establish tonal values and learn when to add colour for dramatic effect, developing your drawings into gouache studies.
In the second session, choose to develop a gouache study into an oil painting. Gary shares with you the usually hidden process of creating a painting from scratch, leading you to a final finished piece. Learn how to compose your painting and build your colour palette. Use brushes and experiment with palette knives, revealing the possibilities of expressive mark-making to convey atmosphere. You will learn how Knight’s use of bold colour, light and dynamic composition bring a vivid sense of life and movement to her work, drawing viewers into the world of her subjects.
You can revisit the course recordings and material as often as you like for up to 90 days after purchasing the course.
What will I learn?
- Learn a new approach to capturing the human figure
- Learn more about Dame Laura Knight and how she worked
- See how to capture the figure in quick, loose marks, capturing character and the individuality of the model
- Explore how to compose a drawing or painting successfully, borrowing from Knight’s technique
- Discover how to translate sketches into gouache studies
- Learn how to build up a palette in oils and tips on colour mixing
- How to begin an oil painting and see it through to a finishing stage
Who would this course suit?
Ideal if you are looking for new ways to expand your drawing and painting practice. Beginners and those with more experience are both welcome to join.
Taught by
What to Bring
A list of materials will be available to see in your account upon purchasing the course.
You will need access to the internet and ideally a PC, laptop or a tablet with audio.
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].
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.
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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