Course details
Explore the possibilities of abstraction 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 online recording 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.
Ideal if you are looking for drawing as a way to concentrate and relax as well as to ‘get in the zone’, but also useful for anyone starting a project from scratch or 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. Through a process of selection, editing, enlarging, layering and repeating, find new ways-in to creating paintings from objects, landscapes and figures. Above all, this will be an opportunity to have fun and to experiment!



Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for both absolute beginners and those with more experience, looking to build confidence in new ways of working. Aimed to help you step out of your comfort zone and loosen your approach to drawing and painting.
What will I learn?
1. Build confidence working from figuration to abstraction.
2. Use drawing as a way to relax.
3. Find new ways into abstraction.
4. See how to develop new artworks in a range of mediums from experimental drawings.
5. Take inspiration from a variety of objects, settings and ideas.
How does an online session work?
Once you have booked you will be able to watch on demand immediately.
You can pause, rewind and watch again as often as you like until the session expires 60 days after purchase
You will be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your discoveries with fellow students from around the world. You can also share your work on social media using the #schoolofpainting
You can watch on a PC, laptop or tablet and if you have chromecast or miracast you could even cast to your SmartTV from your phone.
Taught by
What our students say
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 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.
Online Art Courses
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.
Can I learn painting online from home?
Yes. Our online painting courses allow you to learn from professional artists wherever you are. You can pause demonstrations, revisit lessons and work through practical exercises in your own time.
Are online art courses suitable for beginners?
Many of our online art courses are suitable for beginners. Course descriptions explain the recommended level, materials and experience so that you can choose a course that feels manageable and relevant to your interests.
How do online art courses work?
Once you have purchased an online course, you can access it through your account and work through the video tuition and supporting resources at a time that suits you. Access periods vary from 60 – 180 days, just check the individual course page before booking.
For live webinars, once you book a place, we will share a link with you in advance so you can join us at the relevant start time – this is typically via Zoom. A recording of the webinar will be shared with you after the webinar so you can re-watch in your own time.
Do you offer online art courses?
Yes. We have more than 90 online art courses covering painting, drawing, colour, landscape, abstraction, mixed media and other creative subjects. The courses are taught by practising artists and can be followed from home at your own pace.
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.
In Person Courses
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
