John Piper, Camilla Dixon Abstract Art Classes© John Piper

Observation + Abstraction

Drawing / Mixed Media / Abstract - Materials included

We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.

Register Interest

Course details

Explore the possibilities of abstraction on this three-day course drawing inspiration from your direct surroundings. Experiment with new ways of working from figuration to abstraction.

Suitable for anyone who is looking to shift from purely representational expression to something more individual. This three-day course uses the different ‘backdrops’ around us – landscape, interior, figure or still-life – to help you find your own visual vocabulary.

Starting with different approaches to line drawing, Camilla takes you through simple exercises, encouraging you to pull-out the abstract elements of a scene. Rather than attempting to ‘represent’ your chosen object or scene, Camilla encourages you to see these afresh, helping to direct the eye more keenly and truly. Through a process of selection, editing, enlarging, layering and repeating, find new ways-forward to creating paintings from objects, landscapes and figures. Above all, this will be an opportunity to have fun and to experiment!

Ideal if you are looking for drawing as a way to concentrate and relax as well as a way to ‘get in the zone’, but also useful for anyone starting a project from scratch or for a total beginner. Camilla shows you how to use drawing as as a starting point, or way-in, to creating a larger more complex painting, collage, relief, sculpture or installation.

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‘Camilla’s teaching style enabled us all to be released into understanding the process and possibilities within abstraction and how we could explore this through distilling our observations and approaches to mark making. I felt encouraged and supported during the three days, which affirmed me and boosted my sense of self as a creative person. I created work which I would not otherwise have created and it was a very enriching time, learning from fellow students and insights from Camilla’s life and creative development. It was a great boost to my confidence and I am most grateful!’

Student feedback

Camilla Dixon, observation and abstraction
Camilla Dixon, observation and abstraction

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

On the first day, experiment with line drawing. Start with looking at objects and backdrops that you are drawn to, be that landscapes, interiors, still-life or figures. Camilla will take you through a series of simple exercises to loosen your approach to capturing these things and to see them afresh.

Day 2

On this second day, you are encouraged to ‘pull out’ the abstract elements of these line drawings and develop them into a series of abstract work by introducing colour or collage. Thinking about what form these abstractions may take, be it painting, sculpture or installation, Camilla will help you to develop these works further.

Day 3

Working in the studio, develop these works further to come away with a finished, or multiple ‘finished’ pieces. Share your work with your tutor and peers.

What will I learn?

  1. Build confidence working from figuration to abstraction.
  2. Use drawing as a way to relax.
  3. Experience a variety of unconventional materials, giving you a bolder approach to creativity.  
  4. An understanding of the principles of making abstract art and the process of abstraction.  
  5. An understanding of the possibilities of multi-dimensional working.

Who would this course suit?

This course is open to people of all experience levels that want to make abstraction less abstract! It is an ideal place to nurture your creativity and understand the process from pieces that describe to pieces that evoke.

Observation and Abstraction

Drawing / Mixed Media / Abstract – Materials included

We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.

Register Interest

Taught by

Camilla
Dixon

View Camilla’s Work

I find tutoring to be a constantly evolving project. It supports my creative work as it requires that I not only understand my processes but can apply them in a way that is useful to other people in their quest for creative flow. Harnessing a fluid and responsive working method, can address all sorts of practical or emotional obstacles that students face. It can be quite literally life-changing.

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

Camilla was an interesting and inspiring tutor. The studio and setting were beautiful, and we were made to feel welcome. Despite being a beginner to art, I felt that the course was as appropriate and accessible to me, as it was for those with more experience.

Hilary M

I have enjoyed two of Camilla’s sessions so far and cannot wait for more, as I love the way she teaches.

Camilla is a fabulous tutor and demonstrates the process in an engaging and creative way. Never forgetting the need for freedom and self-expression during the ‘process’.

As a practicing artist the course allowed time for experimentation in new materials with a focus on the development of ideas & concepts. The guidance from Camilla throughout the course was encouraging and valuable. Camilla covered every aspect and talked about any related subjects in an inspiring and open manner. It was a very inspiring and well-structured course.

Camilla presented what could, certainly for me, have seemed daunting work practices in a very relaxed manner, accommodating the varied needs and experience of the student group. Camilla seemed to keep the plates spinning for the full three days. This was the first course I’ve done at the School of Painting. It won’t be the last.

Camilla’s teaching style enabled us all to be released into understanding the process and possibilities within abstraction and how we could explore this through distilling our observations and approaches to mark making. I felt encouraged and supported during the three days, which affirmed me and boosted my sense of self as a creative person. It was a great boost to my confidence, and I am most grateful!

Freedom to progress our work was the emphasis, not in making a finished piece, there were no rights or wrongs. Camilla was very generous in her interactions with each student and gave us each affirmation. The team were all very supportive and helpful. Thank you!

Great tutor, great team, great space. What more could one ask for.

I liked being taken somewhere I’d never imagined going. I’d follow Camilla anywhere she wanted to lead (artistically speaking, and within reason).

Pauline Johnston

Camilla was inspirational and adjusted the plan to the group perfectly. There was a great atmosphere, and I certainly learnt a lot. I came home with a renewed creative energy!

Clare

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:

  1. Go to our website: www.schoolofpainting.co.uk
  2. Click on the ‘Log in’ button (usually found near the top right of the page)
  3. Enter the email address and you used when booking
  4. 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 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.

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