Abstract Landscapes inspired by Lanyon

Acrylic / Mixed Media / Abstract / Landscape

We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.

Course details

Create lively contemporary paintings inspired by the landscapes that Peter Lanyon knew and loved.

Peter Lanyon painting of Prussia Cove in Cornwall — Peter Lanyon, Prussia Cove, 1960

Painting Wreck 1963 by Peter Lanyon — Peter Lanyon, Wreck, 1963 © The Estate of Peter Lanyon

Taking inspiration from Peter Lanyon — one of Cornwall’s most pioneering post-war artists — this course delves into how a sense of place, movement, and sensation can merge to form a deeply personal visual language. Develop the confidence to take risks and learn to ‘read’ the landscape so that you can work more intuitively, only abstracting what you need.

Lanyon’s paintings were rooted in direct experience: walking, climbing, and even gliding over the Cornish coast to capture the landscape from multiple viewpoints. He saw himself not as an abstract painter, but as a landscape artist striving to convey the feeling of being in the landscape — the wind, the light, the physicality of space itself. His belief that true abstraction arises from immersion and sensory awareness underpins the spirit of this course.

Natural world artist, Natalie Day, will explore Lanyon’s multi-viewpoint process, a transformative approach that has influenced her own artistic journey. During the course, you’ll visit Little Trevalgan, a location that inspired Lanyon’s thinking about landscape, to draw, write, and gather impressions that go beyond surface observation. Guided by Natalie’s Pause, Notice, Filter approach, you’ll learn to ‘read’ the landscape, abstracting only what’s essential while maintaining an authentic sense of place.

In the studio, you’ll translate these experiences into paintings, collages, and prints, exploring how memory and emotion can shape composition and form. The course encourages you to take risks, build a personal visual vocabulary, and push deeper into abstraction — connecting landscape, process, and perception in new and transformative ways.

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 weather.

Day 1

Introduction to the week, Lanyon’s painting and Natalie’s approach, and the importance of having a repeatable process to create a fun and sustainable creative practice. Explore Natalie’s Pause, Notice, Filter framework which you’ll then put into practice out on The Island, drawing, writing and gathering information to inform and guide you through the week.

In the afternoon we’ll explore how memory drawings can help you stay connected with place and start to play with simple collage compositions.

Day 2

Weather permitting, our morning will begin with a taxi ride to Little Trevalgan, just beyond St Ives — the landscape that inspired Lanyon’s ‘360° views’ paintings. Immersed in this setting, we’ll draw, write, and experiment, gathering material to refine and expand back in the studio.

In the afternoon, continue developing the work begun on the first day, translating drawings and paintings into collages. From these, we’ll begin a small series of collaged and printed pieces.

Day 3

Self-study day, for which Natalie will give you clear tasks and goals; it is an opportunity for you to put in to practice your new skills before getting feedback.

Day 4

Studio-based, we will develop-on from the previous two days. Look at the work from the self-study day and then warm up from memory and start to respond in your own ways to the landscape.

In the afternoon, start to work in a larger format and through a series of techniques to push further into abstraction, using paint, print and collage. Start thinking about working on a series of outcomes.

Day 5

Carry on working on your series, consider lengthening the composition and taking some risks! Get together for a final tutorial as a group.

Throughout the week keep a sketchbook to keep ideas and information in one place.

What will I learn?

Develop a personal visual language through direct experience of place.
Build confidence to take creative risks and work intuitively.
Learn to ‘read’ the landscape and abstract only what’s essential.
Explore drawing, painting, collage, and print to express memory and emotion.
Apply Lanyon’s multi-viewpoint approach to connect observation with abstraction.

Who would this course suit?

This course is ideal for artists and creatives looking to develop a personal and intuitive approach to abstraction, exploring how direct experience of landscape and sensory observation can inform drawing, painting, collage, and print.

Abstract Landscapes inspired by Lanyon

Acrylic / Mixed Media / Abstract / Landscape

We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.

Taught by

Natalie
Day

View Natalie’s Work

Letting go of attachment to outcomes is an important element of my practice and teaching. I begin by gathering visual and sensory information, recording what I can on paper, then editing and simplifying back in the studio and using this to inform new pieces. By keeping myself curious I can step away from the idea of ‘making a painting’ and simply enjoy the process of exploring and letting the materials guide me.

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.

nb: this course will involve a field trip to ‘Little Trevalgan’ and some walking in and around St Ives. Please wear suitable walking footwear, and clothes for the weather on the day (e.g. a rain coat should there be some showers or sun cream if it is sunny)

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

A really gifted teacher. Very gently encouraging and giving just the right amount of support to move forward. Very well organised course.

Louise

Enjoyable and empowering. Natalie was clear and engaging and I would love to do more sessions with her… I have learned so much.

Andrea

Natalie is a great teacher, I appreciated how she kept checking in with how people were doing and encouraging them along too.

Francesca

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 want to reserve a place whilst you confirm holiday accommodation we will give you a full refund if you change your mind within 24 hours of booking. Just get in touch [email protected].

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.