Course details
Do you want to dive into making work but get intimidated by the pressure to get it right? Painters and printmakers can harness these techniques to quickly get into the creative zone.
You might have a desire to express yourself creatively but feel unsure where to start or worry that you should draw ‘properly’ first before you enjoy using colour. This course offers a pain-free, seriously fun solution to get the creative ball rolling. Whether you’re new to art or are looking for a way to break out of your comfort zone into something more abstract, this is the perfect place to surprise yourself.
Influenced by the likes of Sir Terry Frost and Patrick Heron, Artist tutor Trevor Price encourages you to work spontaneously with bright coloured inks and abstract shapes. The loose approach involves layering colours and creating compositions as you work, so you can bypass anxiety about the finished product an enjoy the freedom of the process. Many artists use printmaking to break up their routine in the studio and experiment with ideas. The Porthmeor Print Workshop is a unique setting to soak up the rhythm and focus of the process and learn the essentials of any printing method. Using stencils and the pressure of the printing press produces stunning vibrancy and sharpness in your prints. Trevor will give you a technical understanding of how to use rollers, inks, stencils and the printing press, most of which can be easily adapted to make your own prints back at home.
You’ll come away from the course confident in your own creativity and with plenty to show off. Why not spend a couple of days letting your playful side out? Whether it’s the first step on your creative journey, or an invigorating new pathway to shake up your routine, all you need is the energy and enthusiasm to give it a go.
Please note this course will be held at the Porthmeor Print Workshop which is a 2 minutes walk from Porthmeor Studios. Access to this historic space is via a sloping cobbled path and steps. Unfortunately, means the studio is not accessible with a wheelchair.
Day to day plan
Day 1
We’ll begin with an introduction and demonstration of the monoprinting techniques explored during the course. You’ll then make stencils and create the first layers of your monoprints. In the afternoon we’ll reflect on our work so far, what’s working and what isn’t and how we can progress our prints from here.
Day 2
Trevor will guide the group through multi-layered monoprinting. Using work and stencils from the previous day we’ll experiment with additional colours. We’ll select favourites from the collection of prints we’ve produced to discuss and develop.
What will I learn?
- A technical understanding of the printing process.
- An easy abstract approach to shake up creative routine.
- An understanding of composition and layering.
- Confidence in your own creative ability.
- A creative toolbox you can adapt and use back at home.
Who would this course suit?
This course is ideal for you if you would like to express yourself creatively and have fun making art, but aren’t sure where to start. It is a fresh, fast paced course that revels in the process of making art, banishing any anxiety or overthinking. It is also great for anyone with experience in art that would like to liberate themselves from precision or figurative work, offering an easy way into working with bright abstract shapes and generating lots of new ideas quickly.
Please note this course will be held at our Penwith Studio and the Porthmeor Print Workshop which is a 2 minutes walk from the Porthmeor Studios. Access to this historic space is via a sloping cobbled path and steps. Unfortunately, this means the studio is not accessible with a wheelchair.
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
Trevor is an expert but wears his knowledge lightly…he encouraged us to feel playful.
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.
