Course details
Learn how to capture the shifting drama, light and atmosphere of the sky and discover how clouds can transform a landscape and become the focus of a powerful painting.

Tom Rickman has been studying changing light and atmosphere for many years, an interest that first grew from watching shifting skies and clouds while working from a beach hut overlooking Lyme Bay in Devon.
Over time, Tom has developed a distinctive approach to painting clouds that captures both drama and subtle atmosphere. For Tom, the sky is never separate from the land beneath it; his paintings explore the symbiosis between landscape and atmosphere, where each shapes and reflects the other.
This course offers an inspiring opportunity to deepen your understanding of landscape painting through Tom Rickman’s own methods and processes, exploring light, atmosphere and the ever-changing relationship between sky and land.
Working in charcoal, gouache and oils, you’ll explore the sky as more than a backdrop to the landscape, learning how clouds, light and atmosphere can shape mood, movement and composition within a painting. Through demonstrations and guided exercises, Tom will encourage you to look closely at the visual language of weather and atmosphere, developing skies that range from quiet and contemplative to bold and dramatic.
Tom will guide you through the materials and tools used throughout the course before demonstrating how to establish strong visual starting points through drawing. Using simple pictorial sketches, you’ll explore ways to simplify and structure what you see, considering proportion, horizon lines, tonal contrast and varied line quality to identify the elements that will make a compelling painting.
Building on these drawings, Tom then demonstrates how to develop your ideas through gouache studies before bringing everything together in a final cloud painting in oils. Along the way, he shares practical insights into observation, composition and paint handling, helping you gain confidence in your own painting practice.
How long is the course?
The course includes over three hours of video content, divided into manageable sections that can be followed at your own pace. The demonstrations are organised into three parts: drawing, gouache and a final oil painting. Each section includes its own set-up guidance, helping you prepare before you begin. Reference images are provided for every demonstration, allowing you to work alongside the course videos step by step. Alternatively, you may choose to use your own reference material, applying the techniques and principles explored throughout the course to the skies and clouds that inspire you personally.



Who is this course for?
Ideal for those with some painting experience, this course offers students an inspiring opportunity to deepen their understanding of landscape painting through the study of light, atmosphere and the ever-changing relationship between sky and land, encouraging a more thoughtful and expressive approach to observing and interpreting the landscape.
What will I learn?
- Develop confidence in observing and painting clouds, light and atmosphere as expressive elements within the landscape.
- Explore techniques for working in charcoal, gouache and oils to capture different weather conditions and moods.
- Learn how to simplify and structure a scene through sketching, considering proportion, horizon lines and tonal contrast.
- Gain insight into Tom Rickman’s approach to painting skies, from clear midday light to the rich colour and atmosphere of sunset.
- Create more dynamic and engaging landscape paintings by understanding how clouds can shape composition, movement and emotion.
How does an online course work?
Upon purchase, the course will be available to view in your account.
We recommend watching each lesson in full first, before exploring the ideas in practice. Images and films of clouds/skies will be available in your account for you to paint from or you can work from your own resources if preferred.
As he paints, Tom Rickman shares his thoughts and observations, discussing the choices he makes and the techniques he uses to develop the studies and paintings. This live commentary provides a valuable opportunity to gain insight into his creative process and approach.
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 live with others on social media using the #schoolofpainting and tagging us @stives painting
You can watch on demand, as often as you like, for up to 180 days after the purchase date. 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 will I need?
A list of materials will be available to see in your account upon purchase of the course along with any reference material relevant to the course.
You will need access to the internet and ideally a PC, laptop or a tablet with audio.
Timings and Breaks
Watch now at your leisure with plenty of opportunity to watch again as often as you like and let the ideas percolate and the painting begin.
You can revisit as often as you like for up to 180 days after purchasing the course.
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
