Course details
Discover a vibrant world of colour in the back streets, gardens and harbour of St Ives. This course will ignite and motivate your passion for finding colour and help you gain confidence to use new colour stories in your own art practice.
In any visual display, colour is arguably the first element we experience, and yet, as artists, we often leave it till last when we plan a work of art. But what happens if we put it first?
Join us on this inspiring journey to expand your skills and appreciation for the vibrant world of colour. Working directly from observation, we will work outside in the gardens, on the harbour and beaches, and in the back streets of St Ives, looking for colour, expressing and harnessing it however we can, in water based paint, mixed-media and even collage. Camilla will encourage you to put aside the science of colour theory for the duration of the course and to listen to one’s own instinctive response to colour by ‘simply looking’.
In the studio, we will experiment with those colour-findings and combinations to develop more abstracted interpretations, following the direction that feels most appropriate, with colour always being the leading consideration. Have fun with exercises that encourage both chance and choice, see how you respond to different colour juxtapositions using collage and paint, and choose your own outcomes for further exploration. You might create a series of small collages or paintings, or choose to work on larger mixed media pieces.
Throughout the course, draw inspiration from the rich and vibrant colour palettes of artists such as Paul Klee, Georgia O’Keeffe and Barbara Rae amongst others, and focus on nurturing play to discover and develop your own response to colour.



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
AM: Structured exercises using found materials and collage in the studio, to start immersing ourselves in the quest for colour, help us look for new combinations, and put colour first.
PM: Looking for colour at low tide, down on the harbour sand, gathering information, returning to the studio to explore findings in paint.
Day 2
AM: Considering colour through memory, in the studio and further afield, indoors and outdoors, depending where our explorations lead us. Taking a colour or two from Day 1, out into new environments, looking for new relationships.
PM: Painting and mixing media, en plein air, in the gardens and among the rocks and sands at low tide and sands.
Day 3
AM: Experimenting with newly found colour, in the studio or outside as student chooses. Individual tutorial chats, if desired.
PM: Consolidating work, group exhibition and chat, slide-show and round-up.
(In the event of bad weather, we will look for colour where and when we can, for example in the Tate, and adapt the schedule as needed. Please wear suitable clothes for painting outdoors in the Cornish Summer! Also do bring images of previous work if you would like to refer to them in a tutorial chat.)
Who is this course for?
Beginners and experienced artists are welcome. This course is suitable for anyone interested in exploring colour, its effects on other colours and the relationships between colours, from an intuitive perspective, rather than academic/theoretical one.
There will be some walking and exploring outside (weather permitting), but not very far, or very steep, within close range of the School of Painting.
What will I learn?
1. Loosen your approach to colour and find new ways of incorporating it into your own practice, regardless of your skill level
2. Gain increased confidence in using colour and responding intuitively to the world around you through colour
3. Develop a deeper interest and awareness of your personal response to colour
4. Stimulate and inspire your journey to record your own unique colour stories through different mediums such as paint and mixed media
5. Explore and learn from other artists who use colour in their work.
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 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:
- Go to our website: www.schoolofpainting.co.uk
- Click on the ‘Log in’ button (usually found near the top right of the page)
- Enter the email address and you used when booking
- 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 art courses do you offer in St Ives?
We offer a varied programme of art courses in St Ives, including painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media and life drawing. You can choose from one-day workshops, short summer sessions and more immersive three- and four-day studio courses. We also offer longer development courses for those looking to take their practice to the next level.
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.