Painting en plein air
Oil / Landscape
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Register InterestCourse details
Learn the art of plein air painting and make the most of summertime by painting outdoors. Taught in a small group in our live interactive classroom.
Ever wanted to paint outdoors but wasn’t sure where to start? On this three-day course, artist Andrew Barrowman will show you the fundamentals of setting up, working in the elements and capturing the atmosphere and light of place.

Join Andrew live from Porthmeor Studios to see how painting outside can add a new depth of expression to capturing the landscape. Working with the elements, paint in a more intuitive and fast-paced way and see how to add light and luminosity to your paintings. Translated as ‘open air’ from French,en plein air painting was popularised in the 1800s by the Impressionists. Traditionally, painters would work from their studios, using paints made by grinding and mixing dry pigment powders with linseed oil. With the introduction of paints in tubes in the 1870s, painting outside became a much more attractive prospect.
Working en plein air allowed artists to capture the emotional and sensory dimensions of a landscape as well as a new spirit of spontaneity. Defining both a technical approach and a whole artistic credo, artists such as Constable, Corot and Manet depicted the landscape through an attention to light and atmosphere.
Andrew will give clear demonstrations of how to set up your workspace outdoors, which materials to bring, how to respond to the landscape around you as well as how other en plein air painters such as Constable, Corot and Manet have worked. Learn how these iconic painters transformed the way landscape painters worked. See how this versatile approach can be used to free up your practice and gain confidence in to set up your easel and paint – whether that be in your surrounding landscape or far off travels!
This course takes place in a small teaching group via Zoom. This is the closest thing to a studio experience without the need to travel.
You can ask questions and get feedback on your work in realtime. Chat live with fellow students during the course and stay in touch via our learning platform. After each session we will send you a recording which you can keep for a further 6 months, so you can practise what you’ve learnt and retain access to all the course resources in our virtual learning environment.
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Sessions
Over 3 tutored sessions, join Andrew live in the studio. You will be able to ask questions and get feedback on your work in real time via your camera and microphone. Enjoy live interaction with your fellow students. After each class we will send you a recording so you can continue independently in the afternoon. With access to our virtual learning environment you can watch the recordings and retain access to all course resources for a further six months
Pre-course tech session : Friday 19th August 3pm – 4pm
An optional session with our technical staff to make sure you are comfortable using Zoom and the online course platform. A fortnight before the course starts we will send you the zoom link for the technical session and further information regarding our online course management system.
Monday 22nd August: 11am – 2pm
Andrew will begin the day looking at some examples of plein air painting including Fred Cuming, Jon Redmond, Walter Sickert, John Constable and John Singer Sargent. After this, see which equipment you will need and learn to lay out a palette. Andrew will demonstrate how different easels, surfaces, mediums mixed with oils and brushes can create different effects. Using the view from the window at the School, overlooking Porthmeor Beach, you will see how to approach a painting and learn how to start your own plein air painting.
In the afternoon, Andrew will set work for you to complete independently and towards the end of the day, give individual feedback via our interactive learning site.
Tuesday 23rd August: 11am – 1pm
Reviewing your painting from the previous day, you will use the same view you selected on day one to begin a limited colour painting. Begin a limited colour painting of the same view in real time using Cadmium Red, Yellow Ochre, Ivory Black and White.
After the tutored session you will be set independent work for the afternoon and again Andrew will give individual feedback via the learning platform
Friday 26th August: 11am – 1pm
On the final day, meet again on zoom to review the previous day’s work and begin a full colour painting of the view through the window, or the view you have selected, and take it through to completion. At the end, we’ll discuss our paintings and answer any questions.
What will I learn
Learn to set up your workspace outdoors.
Build confidence working in the landscape.
See how to capture light and atmosphere in oils.
Work in a more intuitive, dynamic way to capture a sense of place, wherever you are.
Learn about Impressionist painters such as Manet and Corot.
How does an online Zoom session work
This course takes place in a small teaching group via Zoom. This is the closest thing to a studio experience without the need to travel.
You can ask questions and get feedback on your work in realtime. Chat live with fellow students during the course and stay in touch via our learning platform. After each session we will send you a recording which you can keep for a further 6 months, so you can practise what you’ve learnt and retain access to all the course resources in our virtual learning environment.
You can watch this on a PC, laptop or tablet and if you have chromecast or miracast you could even cast to your SmartTV from your phone.
Who would this course suit?
This course is suitable for all abilities but particularly helpful for those wishing to expand their practice to working en plein air.
Taught by
What to Bring
We will send you a materials list to get together and any pre-course tasks.
You will need access to the internet and either a Smart TV, PC or laptop or a tablet with audio. Phones are not really suitable however cast your phone to a Smart TV.
Timings and Breaks
At 10:45 please click the link to join the live session.
Monday 22nd August, 11:00 – 14:00
Tuesday 23rd August, 11:00 -13:00
Friday 26th August, 11:00 – 13:00
You will have access to a recording of the sessions so you can revisit as often as you like for the duration of the course and until it expires.
What our students say
The course was managed very well for mixed abilities. The tutor was extremely patient and created a relaxed and informal environment, putting everyone at their ease. The whole group were lovely and it was both a creative and positive experience in which I re-kindled my love of painting after a few years’ gap. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Andrew was able to cater for everyone and was most encouraging. He was able to see peoples strengths and also where they needed support, a sensitive tutor.
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.
