Course details
Create lively contemporary paintings inspired by the landscapes that Peter Lanyon knew and loved.
Join artist Liz Hough for this Lanyon-inspired five-day course exploring the iconic locations around St Ives. Develop the importance of taking risks and learn to ‘read’ the landscape so that you can work more intuitively, only abstracting what you need. This course is designed in two parts; both courses work as standalone courses in learning about abstraction but would also compliment each other if taken together, in sequence.
This is the second course in the series – ideal if you’ve taken the first but not essential. We will build on everything we learnt in the first Lanyon’s Landscapes. Further developing our journey into 5 line abstraction, colour merging and motif collecting, we will delve into 3D constructions, and back again, challenging how we see landscape and opening up new ways into abstracting our painting. We will also take a trip to one of Lanyon’s favourite spots to paint – Trevalgan Hill!
Combining abstract values with radical ideas about landscape, Peter Lanyon’s abstract paintings were based on close observations of the Cornish landscape that he loved. Lanyon considered himself a landscape rather than abstract artist and saw his immersion in the Cornish landscape of capturing a sense of place through all his senses.
Taking you on a journey to some of Lanyon’s favourite painting spots, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds that inspired some the artist’s most famous paintings. This course will help you build a personal vocabulary and narrative in your work, building personal content through your own interpretation of the landscape. It will help you to push further into abstraction and to learn to abstract from the landscape, through the eyes of Peter Lanyon.
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
Following an introduction to the course, head out drawing at Little Trevalgan Hill – 2 miles outside of St Ives. Here we explore 5 line abstraction, capturing 360 degree views, colour merging and motif collecting. In the afternoon, head back to the studio and make collages from the morning’s drawings.
Day 2
Studio based day. Move further into abstraction by developing drawings made at Little Trevalgan the day before.
Day 3
Self study day. Liz will not be present in the studio on this day, instead, she will set tasks the day before for you to carry out on this day. There will be a studio technician on hand.
Day 4
Morning – make simple 3D constructions from the drawings you’ve made. Use these to make mini paintings and collages. Learn to link these into a series using colour, motif and texture in the afternoon.
Day 5
Work to finish a work, or set of works. One on one tutorial sessions with Liz and a tutorial with the group.
Throughout the week you will keep a sketch book to keep ideas and information in one place. This course will help you to guide yourself into working on a project to continue with after the course finishes.
What will I learn?
- Learn to push further into abstraction.
- Learn how to ‘make space’ in your paintings.
- Loosen your approach to depicting the landscape, using a variety of mediums.
- Explore the landscape through the eyes of Peter Lanyon.
- Learn and practice how to abstract the landscape in your paintings.
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
Liz Hough is not only a brilliant artist but she’s also a fabulous teacher – a rare combination. The course was extremely well structured and clearly explained. Liz has furnished me with a solid working process which I can now use to take my work forward. She is also a generous, gentle, and encouraging teacher and made the whole week a real pleasure.
FAQs
Studio Courses
How can I get help in choosing a course?
Our friendly expert staff are always happy to discuss your needs and our courses in more detail to help you with your decision. Please call us on 01736 797180
How do I get my work home?
Tutors have special techniques for transporting oil paintings and the school has plastic folders available in our shop for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.
For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home.
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.
Weekend Courses run 10am – 4pm on the first day but the final day starts at 9.30 and ends at 3.30 with a short lunch break to enable people to get home that evening.
Do you have to be experienced to come to the School?
The School is a very friendly and welcoming place for all ages and experience. Our drop-in life classes and August half-day workshops are ideal for those wanting to have a go for the first time. Most of our longer courses are also fine for novices.
If any of the courses do need a bit of experience we flag this up in the brochure and on the website.
Booking a Course
Can I pay by cheque?
Please get in touch by phone and we can hold your place for a few days whilst you post your cheque (made payable to: St Ives School of Painting) to us at St Ives School of Painting, Porthmeor Studios. St Ives TR26 1NG
How can I reserve a place?
We will hold a provisional reservation for 24 hours if you give us a call whilst you find accommodation. Otherwise please book online or by telephone 01736 797180.
You can reserve a place with a £100 deposit; balance is due 12 weeks before course start date.
About St Ives
Where do I park?
The nearest long stay public car parks are the Island and Barnoon both 5 minute walk away. In the peak summer months it may be easier to park at the big top car park by the leisure centre and walk down into town. If you don’t fancy the walk up the hill at the end of the day there is a shuttle bus which runs from outside the cinema.
How do I get there?
Public Transport: If you are coming from further afield the main train line runs into St Erth which is a 15 min taxi ride away or you can take the St Ives Bay Line which runs approx. every 30 minutes. The School is a 10 minute walk from St Ives station.
Driving: M5 will take you to Exeter where we recommend that you take the A30 across Bodmin Moor and into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, leave the A30 at St Erth roundabout for St Ives. Turn right at the second roundabout. This road will take you through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives.
Where can I stay?
St Ives has a huge selection of hotels, guest houses and self catering accommodation to choose from. Please browse the art holidays St Ives section on our website and give us a call if you would like any help.
