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Colour, Light + Depth In Painting

Oil / Painting / Still Life

Purchase

Course details

Would you like to explore colour more deeply? Join Alice Mumford to see how the shifting relationship between light, space and our point of view transforms the colours we see. Come on the journey to translate that understanding into paint.

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One of Alice’s Demonstration Paintings from the Course – The Long View

Begin your exploration of colour and light from the comfort of your home or studio. Using just a few simple objects and the natural light of a sunlit window, you’ll create a series of light scenarios that deepen your understanding of how colour changes with light and the viewer’s perspective.

Throughout the self-paced course, Alice will reference her own paintings and those of artists such as Ken Howard, Winifred Nicholson, Van Gogh, and Bonnard—painters whose work beautifully reveals the many ways light transforms colour.

In her demonstrations, Alice paints from everyday subjects like apples and jugs, arranged near a window, and explains her process and observations as she works. You can recreate Alice’s arrangements or design your own, experimenting with how the direction and quality of light affects colour and depth.

Although Alice teaches in oils, you are welcome to work in acrylics, watercolour, or another medium—just remember that while the colours may differ, the principles of light and your position relative to it remain the same.

How long is the course? The course includes over 4 hours of video footage which is broken down into smaller films. We have structured the course so that the first part is about Colour and Light, and the second part covers Colour and Depth.

Overall, the course contains;

  • 11 painting demonstrations where Alice paints and talks as she goes along, describing her process of translating what she is seeing into oil paintings on board
  • 7 videos of Alice talking about the use of colour, light and depth in her own and other artists’ paintings
  • 4 introductory and setting up videos

We recommend watching each of Alice’s painting demonstrations in full first, listening to Alice’s insights, before setting up your own arrangements to explore these ideas in practice. We have provided reference images for all of Alice’s still life set ups in case you would rather use these to paint from.

By the end of this course, you’ll have had the chance to explore how colour shifts with light and to build confidence in observing what you see. With Alice’s guidance, you can approach your own still lifes and landscapes with fresh curiosity, experimenting with colour, light, and placement to create paintings with atmosphere and subtle nuance, while gradually developing sensitivity, technique, and an appreciation for the visual language of painting.

How Long Will it Take to Complete

How long the course takes to complete will depend on your own schedule and pace. We’ve designed it so you can move through the lessons whenever it suits you. As a general guide, we recommend allowing at least a couple of weeks to work through the demos and exercises, as there’s a substantial amount to explore. You’ll have on-demand access to all content for 365 days after purchase, so you can revisit it as often as you like.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for anyone at any stage of their creative journey who wants to explore colour, light, and depth in their work. Through observation, experimentation, and hands-on painting, you’ll discover how the position of light and your own viewpoint can transform a scene.

Guided by Alice, you’ll gain confidence in your approach to painting, learning to capture atmosphere, vibrancy, and subtle nuances while enjoying the process of seeing and creating in new ways.

How long will the course take to complete?

How long the course takes to complete will depend on your own schedule and pace. We’ve designed it so you can move through the lessons whenever it suits you. As a general guide, we recommend allowing at least a couple of weeks to work through the demos and exercises, as there’s a substantial amount to explore. You’ll have on-demand access to all content for 365 days after purchase, so you can revisit it as often as you like.

What will I learn?

1. Understand how your position relative to the light source affects what you see and how you paint it.

2. Observe and interpret subtle variations in tone, hue, and shadow in simple objects like fruit, jugs, and everyday still lifes.

3. Experiment with arranging objects and compositions to see how light direction and intensity influence colour relationships and depth.

4. Build confidence applying these principles in paint and developing a more thoughtful and responsive approach to painting.

5. Develop a better understanding of how referencing the work of other artists can inform your own use of colour, light and depth.

How does an online course work?

Upon purchase, the course will be available to view in your account.

We recommend watching each demonstration in full first, listening to Alice’s insights, before setting up your own arrangements to explore these ideas in practice. We also provide a reference image for each still life set up so you could paint from these to practice from too, if you prefer.

While painting, Alice explains the challenges she encounters and her strategies for addressing them, offering helpful insights to observe and learn from.

You will be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your discoveries with fellow students from around the world. You can also share your work live with others on social media using the #schoolofpainting and tagging us @stives painting

You can watch on demand, as often as you like, for up to 365 days after the purchase date. You can watch on a PC, laptop or tablet and if you have chromecast or miracast you could even cast to your SmartTV from your phone.

Colour, Light and Depth In Painting

Oil / Painting / Still Life

Purchase

Taught by

Alice
Mumford

View Alice’s Work

“The school of painting is an oasis; a place to share ideas, enthusiasm and adventures into painting. Teaching has helped me to translate my thoughts and reflections about art into practical courses. In doing this I have learnt so much and shared in that adventure. It’s an opportunity to pass on the wonderful sense of being part of a bigger ‘family’ of painters.”

What to Bring

A list of materials will be available to see in your account upon purchase of the course along with any reference material relevant to the course.

nb: Although Alice teaches in oils, you are welcome to work in acrylics, watercolour, or another medium—just remember that while the colours may differ, the principles of light and your position relative to it remain the same. (the materials list will cover the oil colours that Alice uses. If using other mediums then you will have to match colours as close to the listed colours as you can)

You will need access to the internet and ideally a PC, laptop or a tablet with audio.

Timings and Breaks

Watch now at your leisure with plenty of opportunity to watch again as often as you like and let the ideas percolate and the painting begin.

1hr Live Broadcast Interview/Q&A: Early 2026, exact date TBC

You can revisit as often as you like for up to 365 days after purchasing the course.

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.

Online Art Courses

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.

Can I learn painting online from home?

Yes. Our online painting courses allow you to learn from professional artists wherever you are. You can pause demonstrations, revisit lessons and work through practical exercises in your own time.

Are online art courses suitable for beginners?

Many of our online art courses are suitable for beginners. Course descriptions explain the recommended level, materials and experience so that you can choose a course that feels manageable and relevant to your interests.

How do online art courses work?

Once you have purchased an online course, you can access it through your account and work through the video tuition and supporting resources at a time that suits you. Access periods vary from 60 – 180 days, just check the individual course page before booking.

For live webinars, once you book a place, we will share a link with you in advance so you can join us at the relevant start time – this is typically via Zoom. A recording of the webinar will be shared with you after the webinar so you can re-watch in your own time.

Do you offer online art courses?

Yes. We have more than 90 online art courses covering painting, drawing, colour, landscape, abstraction, mixed media and other creative subjects. The courses are taught by practising artists and can be followed from home at your own pace.

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.

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 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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