Course details
Discover new ways to approach landscape painting in oils, building practical skills while finding a painting language that feels distinctly your own.

Hester Berry will guide you through her approach to gathering ideas, developing paintings and responding freely to the landscape. Her teaching focuses on giving you useful tools and techniques while encouraging your own individual way of seeing and painting, rather than asking you to imitate her style.
The course begins with Hester sharing her sketchbooks and introducing the ways she uses drawing, observation and experimentation to gather and develop ideas. Weather permitting, you’ll then head out into the St Ives landscape for a short walk and sketching session before returning to the studio, where the remainder of the course will focus on developing your sketches and references into oil paintings on board.
Through demonstrations, discussion and individual guidance, you’ll explore tone, colour, composition and expressive mark-making, alongside colour theory and examples from artists past and present. Hester will also address some of the challenges that arise when painting in oils: working wet-on-wet, simplifying a subject, painting more quickly and loosely, resolving a composition and knowing when to stop.
Working towards a resolved landscape painting, you’ll be encouraged to experiment, take risks and develop greater confidence in your own decisions. Hester will also encourage you to take the habit of drawing, sketching and experimentation beyond the course, using it as an ongoing way to gather ideas, explore possibilities and continue developing your own individual approach to painting.



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
Begin with Hester sharing her sketchbooks and approach to gathering inspiration from the landscape. Weather permitting, head out for a short walk and sketch. Explore what makes a location visually interesting and how to record the essential information through quick sketches, notes and observations. Back in the studio, begin developing these ideas
Day 2
Explore tone and expressive mark-making through demonstrations, discussion and studio-based painting. Hester will encourage you to experiment with different ways of applying paint, working more freely and loosely while considering how tone, gesture and texture can bring energy and atmosphere to a landscape.
Day 3
Bring your ideas together with a focus on colour and composition, continuing to develop your painting towards a resolved piece. Hester will offer individual guidance as you refine your work, make final decisions and consider when a painting feels complete.
What will I learn?
- Develop confidence in gathering ideas from the landscape through observation, drawing, sketching and experimentation.
- Develop a more individual and personal approach to painting, finding ways of working that feel authentic to you.
- Build practical confidence with oils, including wet-on-wet painting, colour mixing and working more quickly and loosely.
- Strengthen your understanding of tone, colour and composition, and how these elements work together within a painting.
- Learn how to simplify, develop and resolve a landscape painting, making confident decisions about what to include, emphasise or leave out.
- Gain a broader understanding of relevant art history and colour theory, and how these can inform and enrich your own painting practice.
Who would this course suit?
This course is suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to professional painters. Hester offers individual guidance throughout, helping each student build confidence, develop their skills and explore a more personal approach to landscape painting.
Taught by
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.
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.
Art Courses in St Ives
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.
Do you offer art classes for children and teenagers?
Yes. Our Young Artists Programme includes art workshops for children and teenagers, with sessions designed for different age groups. During the summer, we also run creative workshops for children aged 7-13.
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.
Do you offer beginner painting courses?
Yes. Our programme includes beginner-friendly painting courses covering materials such as oils, acrylics and watercolours. These courses introduce you to essential tools and techniques while giving you plenty of time to practise and explore your own ideas.
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.
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 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
In Person Courses
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.
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.
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.
