Course details
Whether you are a beginner or have a creative practice, this course liberates you from expectations. Explore the techniques of parsemage and automatic drawing to create exquisite paintings in a free and unself-conscious way.
Join artist Kate Southworth for this three-day course exploring the symbolic connections between Alchemy and Calendrical Art. Loosen your approach, embrace chance and happy accidents, and tap into a more unconscious and intuitive way of working. See how various artists including Ithell Colquhoun, Leona Carrington and Hilma af Klint, used alchemy in their life and paintings, and learn various techniques and processes to free-up your practice.
Kate will guide you though practical exercises and group discussions using the stages of alchemy and the transition points of the calendar year. Relating these to your own creative process, you will work with automatic and mindful techniques of image making to encourage your unconscious and conscious creativity to flow and emerge unhinderred.
Learn how to use Parsemage, or powdering, developed by artist Ithell Colquhoun – a process of scattering powdered charcoal and chalk onto the surface of water and scooping paper either underneath the waterline or laying it onto the surface of the water. The traces of charcoal or chalk can then be developed further through drawing and painting. Producing a series of images using this technique, you will then have a chance to work through the results with various methods and mediums to create a unique body of works.
This course is ideal for both beginners and more experienced painters. Great if you are looking for a new direction, or even if you’d like to start painting and are not sure where to start. Kate is a wonderfully calm and attentive teacher who will help you on your painting journey, from wherever you’re starting!
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.
Day 1
On day one we will set the context by exploring creative practice as a transformative process in relation to Alchemy. We will explore some of the symbols, images, ideas, processes and operations found in Alchemy, and look at artists who reference alchemy in their work. In the afternoon we will work with automatic techniques (charcoal and collage) of image making to allow your unconscious creativity to emerge unhindered.
Day 2
We will work with Parsemage or powdering, which was developed by artist Ithell Colquhoun. This involves scattering powdered charcoal and chalk onto the surface of water and scooping paper either underneath the waterline or laying it onto the surface of the water. You will then develop this technique further using drawing and painting in watercolour and acrylic. We will produce a series of images using this technique.
Day 3
Referring to one of the works made over the last two days you will re-interpret it three times using a different medium each time (e.g. collage, painting, drawing). Then setting out your three interpretations you will make notes of the similarities and differences between them. We will end with a group tutorial and discussion.
What will I learn?
- Learn practical tips on navigating the creative process.
- Increased confidence in a range of approaches to making.
- Learn about alchemy and its connection to making art
- Learn to recognise that there’s no such thing as bad work and to feel confident about making.
Who would this course suit?
This course would suit artists at any stage in their creative journey; whether you have an established practice or are just starting out. Ideal if you are looking for ways to increase skills, experience and attitude as well as interests and mobility.
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.
What our students say
Kate facilitated and respected the varied needs & ways of working of each individual, regardless of previous experience. Kate was a very gentle and open tutor giving just the right amount of structure and guidance, whilst never imposing herself but always available. Thank you very much for a relaxing and reviving course.
It was well paced with rich content, with a focus on discovering and developing our individual style. The tutor’s gentle and affirming approach was both helpful and encouraging.
A beautiful course on all levels, deep and lovely productive time spent on understanding the process – Kate really is a great tutor.
Look at painting in a completely different way to other courses.
I didn’t really know what to expect as I am new to painting, but it was such brilliant experience, I really learnt a lot.
FAQs
Art Courses
Do you have to be experienced to come to the School?
No prior experience is required to join most of our art courses. The School of Painting is a friendly and welcoming environment for all ages and abilities, including complete beginners.
Our drop-in life drawing classes and short workshops are perfect if you’re trying painting for the first time. Many of our longer courses are also suitable for beginners, as our tutors are experienced in supporting mixed ability groups. If a course requires previous experience, this will be clearly stated on the course page.
Studio Courses
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]
Can you help me choose the right course?
Yes, our friendly and knowledgeable team are always happy to help you choose the best course for your needs, whether you’re a beginner or looking to develop specific skills.
Please call us on 01736 797180 to discuss your options.
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?
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.
Short workshops start at 10am in the Summer and 9.30am/ 1.30pm during September festival
Booking a Course
How do I reserve a place on a course?
You can book your place online or by calling us on 01736 797180.
If you need time to arrange accommodation, we can hold a provisional booking for 24 hours. To secure your place, a £100 deposit is required, with the remaining balance due 12 weeks before the course start date.
About St Ives
Where can I park near the School?
The nearest long-stay car parks are:
Island Car Park
Barnoon Long Stay Car Park
Both are approximately a 5-minute walk from the School.
During the busy summer months, you may find it easier to park at Trenwith Car Park near the leisure centre and walk into town. A shuttle bus often runs back up the hill from near Tate St Ives.
How do I get to the School of Painting in St Ives?
By train:
The nearest mainline station is St Erth, which is approximately a 15-minute taxi journey away. From there, you can also take the St Ives Bay Line, which runs every 30 minutes. The School is a 10-minute walk from St Ives station.
By car:
Take the M5 to Exeter, then follow the A30 into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, exit at the St Erth roundabout towards St Ives. Continue through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives..
Where can I stay in St Ives?
St Ives offers a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, guest houses, and self-catering options. You can explore options on our website, or contact us directly on 01736 797180 if you’d like personalised recommendations.
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