Nathan Oliviera

Finding the Figure

Drawing / Waterbased / Abstract / Figure - Materials included

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Course details

Using inks, charcoal and waterbased materials learn to create fluid, visceral figures moving between abstraction and representation. Our starting point will be the haunting paintings and drawings of Bay Area artist Nathan Oliveira.

Nathan Oliveira
Reclining Nude with Crossed Legs, 1960

The course is inspired by Olivera’s declaration that “For me, painting is that magical material, that beautiful stuff that was invented… by manipulating this material somehow I can find that figure I’m looking for, that figure that represents all the issues I’m bringing up and addressing.” Nathan Oliveira

This two-day course will take you exploring in the space between painting and drawing. Loosening up your approach, it will help you discover the figure you are looking for in a gestural and vivid style. Marion introduces you to materials and approaches that elicit more expressive, painterly mark-making. You’ll find using these helps you relinquish control and precision in your painting, allowing movement and verve to emerge.

This course harnesses the spontaneity and gorgeous unpredictability of inks and waterbased paint to create enigmatic, sensual figures. It is a space to feel relaxed and open to the possibility of materials and the human form.

What will I learn?

  1. Techniques for working with inks and waterbased materials.
  2. How to express movement working from a figure
  3. A less formal, more experimental approach to drawing and painting the figure
  4. How to lose your inhibitions and draw more freely
  5. Techniques for working quickly and spontaneously in a variety of materials.

Who would this course suit?

Ideal if you have done some life drawing and want to loosen up and learn to be more expressive and free.

Finding the Figure

Drawing / Waterbased / Abstract / Figure – Materials included

Book Selected Date

Taught by

Marion
Taylor

View Marion’s Work

I have enjoyed teaching at The School for over 25 years and this has always gone hand in hand with my own practice, as I find sharing ideas and techniques stimulating and rewarding. My approach is to give students the confidence to develop their skills, to think for themselves and so extend their visual language and find their own path.

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

Studio 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.

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