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.

Register Interest

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?

  1. Develop a personal visual language through direct experience of place.
  2. Build confidence to take creative risks and work intuitively.
  3. Learn to ‘read’ the landscape and abstract only what’s essential.
  4. Explore drawing, painting, collage, and print to express memory and emotion.
  5. 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.

Register Interest

Taught by

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 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.

Art Courses in St Ives

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.

Do you offer art classes for children and teenagers?

Yes. Our Young Artists Programme includes art workshops for children and teenagers, with sessions designed for different age groups. During the summer, we also run creative workshops for children aged 7-13.

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.

Do you offer beginner painting courses?

Yes. Our programme includes beginner-friendly painting courses covering materials such as oils, acrylics and watercolours. These courses introduce you to essential tools and techniques while giving you plenty of time to practise and explore your own ideas.

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.

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 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


In Person Courses

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.

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.

You might also like...