Paint the stunning Cornish Coast with expert guidance from three of our professional artists. Learn how to capture the essence of place, both in the landscape and back in the studio.

‘So enchanting and valuable. The course gives you a clear plan of action to research the subject and make studies of it , and demonstrates methods you can use – all of which is transferable to your ongoing practice. It’s also very interesting to hear about Zennor and the mermaid’. Geraldine.
In this unique course, we share three different professional artist approaches on painting the Cornish Coast, working both out in the landscape and from original reference material back in the studio.
You will learn so much from each of our professional artists by completing a variety of preliminary drawing and sketching exercises in different materials and trying out various painting techniques, as the course progresses. This is an ideal course to get the creative muscles stirring if you are stuck for ideas, or if you are simply curious on how other artists approach a subject matter.
This course offers over 8 hours of instructional content, featuring high-quality footage of lessons where our artists work in three beautiful locations in Cornwall, sharing their techniques and insights on working outdoors. Then they return to our historic studios in St Ives to delve deeper into their ideas and painting practices.
Our artists featured in ‘Painting the Cornish Coast’ are Gary Long, Hilary Jean Gibson and Victoria Gillow.
Gary Long visits Pendeen Watch in West Cornwall which is an inspirational location featuring a historic lighthouse and dramatic coastal views. Observe contrasts in light in the landscape and interpret these through sketches and gouache studies. Gary discusses colour mixing, layering, brush techniques and how to create depth and dimension in your work, finishing up with creating a textural painting of Pendeen Watch in oils.
Hilary Jean Gibson has a fascination for history and enjoys exploring narratives in her paintings. She will be walking and working with water-based materials, in her concertina sketchbook in different Zennor locations, sharing her observations as a visual diary and exploring the myth of ‘The Mermaid of Zennor’. Delve into the fun of exploring colour and water-based paint and combine this with the drawing and sketching exercises laid out in this course, to make composite paintings that capture the essence of a place.
Victoria Gillow focuses on the beauty of the dunes and expansive three miles of shoreline within the bay of St Ives. Create your own seascape with Victoria and learn processes to help you to paint the landscapes close to you. Explore the balance between realism and abstraction, infusing colour with imagination and emotion rather than simple representation. Scale up your studies and put the techniques to practice to produce a vibrant and expressive seascape painting.
All the lessons combined in this course will give you beneficial tools to start building your own creative toolkit and help you to banish the fear of how to start a painting based on a sense of place.
nb: The content of this course can be purchased as three separate shorter courses. However, if you purchase the longer course, you will make a considerable saving of £30, compared to buying the three shorter courses individually.



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 en plein air and in the studio. Aimed to help you step out of your comfort zone and loosen your approach to drawing and painting a sense of place.
What will I learn?
1. Skills to develop paintings from preliminary drawing studies of your direct environment.
2. Loosen your approach to capturing the landscape around you, learn how to evolve an immersive and liberating art practice.
3. Observe contrasts in light in the landscape and interpret these through sketches.
4. Work with acrylics en plein air and develop your own colour palette from the landscape.
5. Learn to create texture in oil paintings using different tools and media, how to layer, different brush techniques and colour mixing.
6. How to find ways into painting when you have a creative block.
7. How to include narratives in your paintings.
How does an online session work?
We record the sessions so you can watch on demand, as often as you like, for up to 180 days after purchase. This way you can pause a scene, rewind and finish your painting.
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 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 you need?
A list of materials will be available to see in your account upon purchasing the course.
You will need access to the internet and ideally a PC, laptop or a tablet with audio.
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.
