Course details
Learn drawing and painting techniques to capture the landscape in oil, in a way that deepens and enriches your individual response.
This landscape painting course introduces the work and distinctive painting style of Julian Vilarrubi, who studied at the Royal Academy Schools in London, where he was awarded the Richard Ford Award for travel in Spain. Over the years, Julian has developed a rich body of landscape paintings inspired by his travels across Europe and Russia.
‘Landscape & Composition’ provides a comprehensive learning experience with drawing being a fundamental starting point of the creative journey. There will be an emphasis on using the formal properties of picture making in combination with techniques such as collage and memory, to create a series of outcomes that embody a response to the local landscape.
Time will be spent outside in the local landscape gathering visual references, making colour notes and painting en plein air. Back in the studio, Julian will demonstrate techniques for colour mixing and paint application, including how to create impasto effects with oil paint. He will also discuss how to prepare a composition by combining elements effectively and addressing any compositional issues.
Julian will be referencing artists such as Patrick Heron, Pierre Bonnard, Gustav Klimt, Georges Seurat, Vincent Van Gogh, amongst others during the course, and sharing observations and insights into the methods these artists used to depict the landscape in their work.
You will gain techniques for transferring information, such as squaring-up and scaling and learn how to establish mood and atmosphere by employing tone and colour with acrylic grounds and oil paints. By the end of the course, you will have accomplished a series of outcomes that will pave the way for further opportunities for growth and advancement.
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 and the weather conditions.
Day 1
There will be a visual introduction to the week with contextual examples to demonstrate how artists have used compositional ideas in their landscapes. Julian will be describing his own variety of approaches to creating and developing a composition.
In the afternoon you will be in the landscape (weather permitting) at different locations, working directly through drawing and collage to arrive at a number of studies that can be developed further over the following two days.
In addition, techniques for transferring visual information from sketches and drawings to painting surfaces will be demonstrated.
Day 2
Julian will introduce and demonstrate a key colour mixing exercise, the essentials of oil painting covering application techniques, the effects of different surfaces and of coloured grounds. Techniques such as palette knife painting and impasto will be discussed.
Different oil painting approaches will be introduced and we will go out and implement these ideas directly in the local landscape in response to the previous days compositional studies.
In the afternoon you will be working through possibilities in painting, perhaps in a series of works, layering and reworking in order to push your ideas and boundaries into new directions.
Day 3
The final day will be focusing on exploiting ideas and approaches that have emerged over the previous two days. We will be working on a larger scale in oils en plein air from your own chosen view either on a single work or in a small series.
The day will end with a group summary and round up of the work. We will be discussing your thoughts, thinking about how your response to the landscape and your handling of the material has evolved whilst also considering new avenues in order to extend your work in the future.
What you will learn
- An understanding of oil painting materials and techniques
- Editing visual information for use in painting
- Combining elements to create a composition through collage and juxtaposition
- How to measure, understand scaling and transferring information e.g. squaring-up
- Creating mood, drama and atmosphere through the use of tone and colour
- Exploring painting methods of application and mark-making
- Working in a series
- Choosing appropriate materials and methods to explore a particular scenario or idea.
Who would this course suit?
This course would suit anyone at all levels who wants to extend their skills in painting and drawing whilst building their confidence in visualising, setting up painting possibilities and acting upon them to produce a series of outcomes that ideally would offer up further opportunities for development.
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.
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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