Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter by David PaskettNew Ways Into Watercolour
Drawing / Water-based / Watercolour / Landscape - Materials included
We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.
Register InterestCourse details
Join David Paskett, former president of the Royal Watercolour Society to learn unconventional and liberating approaches to breaking the ‘rules’ of watercolour and discover a new way to enjoy this medium.
This three day course will help you break out of the constraints of watercolour. Inspired by the harbour of St Ives, we will look at the shapes and architecture, the boats but also the objects found around the iconic St Ives harbourfront. We will also refer to the famous St Ives modernist painters who mixed still life, landscape and figures, blurring distinctions between ‘abstract’ and ‘figurative’.
Looking at ways of using watercolour more as you would gouache or acrylic, learn to make your painting opaque as well as work on tinted papers. This creates more room to correct mistakes but also creates quite a different effect. The planning for the painting is important and David will show you how to not only capture ideas through quick and energetic drawings but then also how to meticulously plan before leaping into your painting.
Learning to develop this considered stage will help you achieve a much more satisfying final piece and enable you to work with watercolour with much more confidence.
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
Line and composition.
We will go out on location in the harbour, a five minute walk from the studio. Making uncomplicated small drawings search for varied shapes to inform larger and more complex compositions back in the studio. Using line, collage, cutting and ripping, while referring to the work of Ben Nicholson, we will mix still life with landscape.
Day 2
Tone, shadow, dark and light.
In the morning we will spend some time outside at the harbour painting and drawing tonal contrasts with a limited palette. Back in the studio David will lead you through the simplifying process of transparent watercolour painting in layers from monochrome to colour. Stretch paper in preparation for third day.
Day 3
Colour
Using ideas gathered over the last two days, create a piece working on tinted papers to capture the iconic whitewashed buildings of St Ives in a different way to the conventional transparent approach to watercolour. David will share his enjoyment of mixing greys with watercolour and opaque white without using black and his fascination with the personalities of in inanimate objects with reference to Giorgio Moran.
What will I learn?
- How to mix colour accurately in particular how to work with greys to create light and space
- Effective ways to combine working in larger areas with detailed work
- How to tackle water, bright light and shadows as well as figures in a painting
- How to create a strong composition by learning from the masters
- An appreciation of drawing as a way of seeing. Valuing the companionship of a sketchbook.
Who would this course suit?
If you are new to watercolour as well as those who might have used watercolour before but are interested in new approaches. Ideal if you want to use the water based techniques but struggle with its limitations. You will need to be be able to walk a short distance to the harbour and spend time outdoors.
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
I enjoyed this course, nice friendly atmosphere in the studio and the tutoring was inspiring.
David was a delightful and interesting man and his planned approach was thoughtful and led to us producing some interesting personal results based on familiar local features.
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 want to reserve a place whilst you confirm holiday accommodation we will give you a full refund if you change your mind within 24 hours of booking. Just get in touch [email protected].
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.
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