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

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

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.

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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