Course details
Reconnect with the supportive resources of a professional artist tutor; the Porthmeor Studios and a peer group familiar with the unique experience of your artistic journey as an alumni.
Feeling a Porthmeor Programme shaped hole in your life? Reconnect with the supportive space of Porthmeor Studios, professional artist tutors; and a peer group familiar with the unique experience of your artistic journey as a Porthmeor Programme alumni.
The one-to-one tutorials with your lead artist Greg Humphries, are an invaluable opportunity to focus in on your work with the undivided attention of professional artists and tutors, helping you to plot the course for your independent practice.
In this edition Guest tutor Kieran Stiles will join Greg, to explore in a practical workshop, ‘What makes a successful image?’. Artists often know if an image ‘works’ but frequently can’t tell you why, or how. Creating a successful image is not solely a gut feeling or instinct. As artists we can learn to become more ‘visually literate’ just by learning to look at our own and others’ works with a critical eye. Working in a variety of media, and looking to other artists’ work, Kieran will share with you the tricks and tools of successful image-making. Aiming not to be prescriptive in his approach, Kieran is more interested in analysing what works, and what doesn’t work, so that you can better understand how to produce, and reproduce, effective paintings.
Friday
The group will work with the guest artist, Kieran Stiles, on a practical art making session
Saturday
Your lead tutor Greg Humphries will take one to one tutorials while Kieran Stiles continues with a creative session
Sunday
A day of self study. Your lead tutor will continue to deliver one to one tutorials while students continue to work on the creative project started with Kieran Stiles.
We offer the Porthmeor Alumni Weekends on a first come, first serve basis and they are open to all Porthmeor Programme alumni. There are ten places available on each course, and you can book on to as many as you like.
The weekend is an affirming experience of making art in an inspirational space and will leave you feeling liberated and reenergised for the road ahead.
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 3.30 on Sunday after a short lunch break to try an enable people to get home that day.
There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.
What our students say
It was lovely to be back at the school, wonderful to meet more Porthmeor Alumni and Kieran was a brilliant and very knowledgeable tutor. It was also lovely to see Greg again and have the 1-1 session with him.
The weekend was well organised with plenty for us to get our teeth into. Great explanations and demonstrations from Liz, lots of food for thought from Ilker
FAQs
Studio Courses
How can I get help in choosing a course?
Our friendly expert staff are always happy to discuss your needs and our courses in more detail to help you with your decision. Please call us on 01736 797180
How do I get my work home?
Tutors have special techniques for transporting oil paintings and the school has plastic folders available in our shop for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.
For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home.
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.
Weekend Courses run 10am – 4pm on the first day but the final day starts at 9.30 and ends at 3.30 with a short lunch break to enable people to get home that evening.
Do you have to be experienced to come to the School?
The School is a very friendly and welcoming place for all ages and experience. Our drop-in life classes and August half-day workshops are ideal for those wanting to have a go for the first time. Most of our longer courses are also fine for novices.
If any of the courses do need a bit of experience we flag this up in the brochure and on the website.
Booking a Course
Can I pay by cheque?
Please get in touch by phone and we can hold your place for a few days whilst you post your cheque (made payable to: St Ives School of Painting) to us at St Ives School of Painting, Porthmeor Studios. St Ives TR26 1NG
How can I reserve a place?
We will hold a provisional reservation for 24 hours if you give us a call whilst you find accommodation. Otherwise please book online or by telephone 01736 797180.
You can reserve a place with a £100 deposit; balance is due 12 weeks before course start date.
About St Ives
Where do I park?
The nearest long stay public car parks are the Island and Barnoon both 5 minute walk away. In the peak summer months it may be easier to park at the big top car park by the leisure centre and walk down into town. If you don’t fancy the walk up the hill at the end of the day there is a shuttle bus which runs from outside the cinema.
How do I get there?
Public Transport: If you are coming from further afield the main train line runs into St Erth which is a 15 min taxi ride away or you can take the St Ives Bay Line which runs approx. every 30 minutes. The School is a 10 minute walk from St Ives station.
Driving: M5 will take you to Exeter where we recommend that you take the A30 across Bodmin Moor and into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, leave the A30 at St Erth roundabout for St Ives. Turn right at the second roundabout. This road will take you through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives.
Where can I stay?
St Ives has a huge selection of hotels, guest houses and self catering accommodation to choose from. Please browse the art holidays St Ives section on our website and give us a call if you would like any help.
