oil painting art course looking at landscape with artist tutor Tom Rickman

Light + Landscape

Oil / Landscape - Materials included

30 Oct - 1 Nov - 3 days - £445

Course tutors for selected date

Course details

Have you ever noticed that being in some landscapes can feel as though you are in a painting by Turner or Rothko? How did it come about that a landscape reminds you of a painting and not the other way around? Discover how to evoke the engulfing experience of being in the landscape.

evening to the east oil painting of landscape by artist tutor Tom Rickman at School of painting

Renowned for his use of light and colour, Tom Rickman shows you that concentrating on this rather than perfecting form or outline allows a more expressive, emotional painting to emerge.

Work outside in the landscape – Tom shows you techniques for responding to landscape subjectively and expressively. St Ives’ magnificent landscapes can make for an overwhelming subject when it comes to painting. With uninterrupted views and darting light, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Tom Rickman teaches you the art of looking subjectively at landscape: how to look through the eyes of a painter.

Work en plein air focussing on the sky. Tom encourages notetaking alongside your sketching, showing you how to take down visual information and ideas in a way that is invaluable back in the studio or at home. In our studios, he’ll arm you with the necessary colour theory for developing your sketches in pastel and paint. You’ll gain practical advice on using gouache and oils and how to make the paint work for you. Tom shares tricks of the light used by Monet and Turner to bring a sublime quality to your paintings.

As much a course in looking as it is in painting, the three days teach you to paint with intelligence and resonance, creating work that’s unforgettable.

Tom Rickman

Tom Rickman solstice

Day to day plan

Day 1

We’ll start with an introduction to the course and talk about some artists that have particular mastery over light and colour in their landscape work. We’ll then make sketches looking at the sky outside the studios and in the local area (weather permitting). In the afternoon we’ll develop our sketches back in the studio and do some exercises in colour theory.

Day 2

We’ll head back out to gather more source material, using notes from the previous day. In the afternoon we’ll explore more landscape work by other artists and theory, looking at how we can apply techniques to our own painting.

Day 3

Working inside or outside, we’ll develop pieces from previous days and look at how to bring a painting together.

What will I learn?

An enhanced awareness of light and colour in landscape.
A practical application of colour theory.
An understanding of how to take subject matter back to the studio and develop it through visual and writing practice.
How to look at and record light and landscape in an expressive and subjective way.
Techniques for ‘looking’ at landscape.

Who would this course suit?

This course is ideal if you have some painting experience but are looking to discover more in your painting. If you’re a complete novice you are most welcome to join – all that is required is the patience to look and see things a little differently. There will be some walking and painting en plein air, so please be prepared to do some walking and sit on rough ground or rocks to observe and sketch.

Light and Landscape

Oil / Landscape – Materials included

Course tutors

Book Selected Date

Taught by

Tom
Rickman

View Tom’s Work

The process of learning a practical discipline such as painting, can seem both daunting and frustrating. In the landscape and the studio I assess each individual student’s ability and use this as a starting point, trying to keep the teaching just beyond the curve of what they can and want to do. As much as teaching them the basics and certain techniques of oil painting, I wish to show them pointers and possible directions of development within their own work.

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.

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 end at 4pm. 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

The course exceeded my expectations. Tom was an excellent tutor; he was very well informed and shared his artistic experiences and knowledge in an accessible way. He was encouraging in a very subtle way and supported each individual according to our strengths. A thoroughly enjoyable three days in a fantastic, well-resourced studio in beautiful St. Ives.

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.