Painting by Gary Long

Painting Landscape with a Palette Knife

Oil / Landscape / Seascapes - Materials included

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

Course details

Artist Gary Long shares expert techniques for using a palette knife to bring texture, depth, and energy to your oil paintings. Build confidence by combining knife work with brushstrokes to create dynamic landscapes.

This is a chance to paint confidently in oils with a palette knife, using source material from the dramatic coastline around St Ives and working in the historic Porthmeor studios.

Artist Gary Long will share with you the secrets of harnessing the power of the knife to lift a painting. Through demonstrations and practice, learn to create texture, life and depth. You will combine it with brushwork to explore how the two techniques work together. This course will show you how to make your paintings come to life and create a dynamic landscape of your own.

Teaching will be through demonstrations and one to one time with each student. Gary will also work on his own piece during the sessions so students can observe the process of development. As the course uses oils, solvents such as low odour white spirit will be used in the studio. If you are sensitive to solvents, the course may not be suitable for you.

What will I learn?

How to create texture, depth, and energy in your paintings using a palette knife.
Gain confidence combining palette knife techniques with brushwork to produce dynamic landscapes.
Understand how to use oil paints effectively, including working with solvents.
Develop observational skills by painting from source material inspired by the dramatic coastline around St Ives.
Watch and learn through live demonstrations and by observing the tutor’s own painting process.
Receive individual guidance to support your personal development throughout the course.

Who would this course suit?

This course is ideal for those wishing to explore the creative potential of palette knife techniques and is well-suited to those interested in expressive, textured landscapes and combining knife work with brushwork. With hands-on guidance and demonstrations, it offers a chance to loosen up your style and build confidence. Please note that solvents will be used, so the course may not be suitable for those with sensitivities.

Ahead of your oil painting course with us if you would like to brush up your skills, you are entitled to 25% off our online “Getting Started with Oil Painting” course here. You will be given a code after purchasing our studio oil painting course.

Our studio ‘Beginner’s Oil Painting’ courses can be found here.

Painting Landscape with a Palette Knife

Oil / Landscape / Seascapes – Materials included

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

Taught by

Gary
Long

View Gary’s Work

After many years as an illustrator I taught on the BA Illustration course at Falmouth University. In 2011 I began teaching at St Ives School of Painting. I deliver courses involved with the figure, still life and landscape. My practice as a painter feeds into the teaching, often through demonstrations. The school is wonderful – the history the ethos and most of all the people.

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 end at 4pm. There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.

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.

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 need time to arrange accommodation, we can hold a provisional booking for 24 hours. 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.