Course details
A ten month online intensive course, with 1-1 tutorials and small group creative sessions to develop you as an artist.
The Porthmeor Programme Online is a unique opportunity to find and develop your individual creative voice over the course of 10 months. Making is at the heart of it. We combine professional guidance and support from 1-1 tutorials with our lead artists, with practical making workshops led by guest artists.
The process will take you on a journey over the 10 months with the primary purpose of expanding your personal practice. Running through the programme is the development of your critical voice through personal projects, one to ones and group crits.
You will learn to develop key ‘creative muscles’: risk taking and experimentation alongside the art of translation and interpretation.
Our small group size means a generous amount of tutor time alongside a close, supportive peer group.
Many students go on to exhibit together and establish valuable long term networks. This online version has evolved from our face to face model and without the need to travel to St Ives every month, widens the opportunity. We have run the face to face version now for 10 years, guiding over 150 students through our unique programme so far. We have used this experience to develop this online version so you can benefit from this powerful and motivating programme from your own home.
Workshop Dates
In addition to the monthly workshops, there is also a group seminar on the Thursday following each workshop, and 1-1 tutorials once a month. Find out more below.
16 January – 12.00-12.30
Onboarding Technical Session on Zoom
23 January
Introduction with lead tutors Kate Southworth and Greg Humphries
24 & 25 January
Harnessing Chance in Painting with Kate Southworth
During the weekend you will work with automatic techniques of image making to allow your unconscious creativity to emerge unhindered, discovering new ways to tap into your creativity in a freer, less self-conscious way.
21 & 22 February
Motivation Through Materials with Kitty Hillier
Saturday/Sunday Motivation Through Materials with Kitty Hillier Encouraging experimentation and play, working with acrylics, collage and mixed media, loosening your approach to making art.
28 & 29 March
Atelier Drawing with Emily Roberts
Self-portraits have been a key part of art history for centuries, offering artists a unique way to express their identity and perspective. Over the weekend we will discuss symbolism of the self portrait, its use through history and it’s context in artistic practice, sighting the work of artists such as Rembrandt, Gluck and Artemisia Genthileschi.
April – Break
2 & 3 May
Dreams & Drives – Ilker Cinarel
What is your individual artistic practice? And what is your working method? Over the weekend, Ilker will help you to define these for yourself, through group discussion and practical exercises that involve writing, expressive drawing and model making.
6 – 7 June
New dimensions 2D to 3D and back again – Camilla Dixon
Develop Your Painting and Creative Potential Through 3D Abstraction and Exploration. Playful, experimental exercises will help you to loosen up and widen your creative curiosity, flexibility and confidence.
11 – 12 July
Finding Your Voice Through Nature – Greg Humphries
Using memories and sketches gathered from a Special Place, Greg will demonstrate charcoal drawing, acrylic painting and glazing and discuss the process of simplification to abstraction within nature.
August – Break
5 & 6 September
Changing Landscape with Kieran Stiles
Explore the influence of Joan Eardley on the work of Kieran Stiles. Learn how to enhance three-dimensional forms in the landscape by depicting them traditionally but by thickening the oil paint to make the painting surface three-dimensional itself. Once these textures have been applied, free flowing washes of diluted oil colour can then be poured on top.
10 & 11 October
Next steps for Your Creative Practice with Greg Humphries & Kate Southworth
How much contact time is there with tutors?
Every month there will be a weekend workshop, a follow on group seminar and you will have a personal 1-1 tutorial, (with the exception of April and August when we will breaking for the holidays).
We have an online platform for your group to discuss and share work on, offering peer support and encouragement.
What happens when the programme ends?
You will retain access to your group platform for a year, including all the recordings of your live sessions.
There is the opportunity to come on an artist retreat in St. Ives ranging from five days to a weekend, for those who would like to touch base again and refresh. These sessions incorporate practical workshops and individual tutorial sessions.
How is the programme structured?
Over 10 months, you will enjoy a mix of individual tutorials and guidance from our lead tutors Kate Southworth and Greg Humphries, accompanied by a structured and varied creative programme taught by both lead and guest artists.
Live classes run monthly, via Zoom on Saturday and Sunday mornings with you working independently in the afternoons, gaining feedback at the end of the day. The sessions are recorded so you can review the session at your leisure and catch up if you miss any.
Your lead tutor will follow up each class with a group discussion on the following Thursday morning, to maximise your learning along with 1-1 monthly tutorials, find out more below.
Each lead tutor will give you a distinct perspective on your work. They will run the sessions together at the start and close, with Kate Southworth taking the first half of the programme, followed by Greg Humphries. This will be the seventh time they have run this programme together so you are in good hands.
Timings and Breaks
Live workshops will be broadcast monthly on Saturdays and Sundays, 10.00-13.00. You will then work independently before regrouping at the end of the day.
Your first weekend will start on Friday 23 January, with an introductory session. This will be a chance for you to meet your tutors and fellow students.
Cost
Total fee: £2,320
Instalment plans are available.
Group Seminars & 1-1s
On Thursday’s following each workshop, there will be a group seminar with your lead tutor and peers to reflect on the previous workshop and discuss next steps for the coming weeks.
Your tutor will schedule monthly 1-1 tutorials at times to be agreed. For the first part of the course, these will be with your lead tutor Kate Southworth and will take place between 16.00-18.00 on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evening.
For the second part of the course, these tutorials will be with Greg Humphries and will take place on a Saturday morning. (On some occasions, the 1-1 tutorials may require to take place on a weekday morning.)
I really needed a fresh approach and to break out of habits and blocks. The nature of the programme gave me the opportunity to really think about what I wanted to do and how to experiment in new ways.
Alison Cook, Porthmeor Programme Online
What skills will I learn?
The sessions are varied, and most people will come across a new technique or nugget of information they will find valuable. However, the primary focus is not on developing your painting skills in these sessions. It is about discovery, taking risks and gaining insights.
We design the sessions to limber up your creative practice, to energize and to build the critical voice you need as an artist. We are happy to advise you on our shorter courses online and face to face that offer a range of practical skills development.
To help you supplement the Programme with practical learning we offer a 15% discount on all our online sessions for the duration of the programme.
Who would this course suit?
This will suit both early stage artists and those with more experience who are looking to challenge and stimulate their practice. We believe that developing a strong practice is where you start.
The focus is not on the secrets of getting gallery representation or making a living as an artist. It is about helping you become the confident artist you want to be and the rest will follow. This is the first most critical and exciting step and this is what we can help you with.
Our diverse range of weekend workshops offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide variety of subjects, materials, and techniques. Each workshop is designed to enhance your skills and empower you to push your creative boundaries. This journey of self-discovery is a crucial and exhilarating step, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Taught by
In Conversation
Read our series of Q&A’s with alumnus of the Porthmeor Programme
Alison Cook
We caught up with Alison Cook, an alumnus of the Porthmeor Programme Online, as she talks through her practice.
Gwynne Perry
We caught up with Gwynne Penny, whilst visiting ‘Ebb & Flow’, one of three successful exhibitions put on by MAC | RAGS.
Sue Watt
We caught up with Porthmeor Programme alumnus Sue Watt to get an insight into life before, during and after the programme.
FAQs
Online Broadcast
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
Do I need a webcam/any equipment?
For our webinar sessions which are broadcast on the internet and no webcam or microphone is needed as you just need to be able to see/hear hosts and you can communicate using the chat function. You can watch using a PC, Smart TV or tablet. A phone isn’t ideal as you will struggle to see enough unless you can miracast to a screen or smart TV.
For the longer online courses on Zoom you will need a laptop or tablet with audio and camera enabled so you can have a screen near where you are working. If you have a PC without camera or speakers, you can purchase a plug and play webcam for approx £25 which connects to a usb port. You will also need reasonable broadband connection and speed.
All the art materials and equipment needed to participate in the course will be listed in full on the online learning platform, for live webinars this will be a minimum of two weeks before the session starts.
I have registered for the webinar but I can't find my joining link
You can access all the resources and joining link for your webinar via our online learning platform. You will need to have set up an account on our online learning platform in advance. You can do this during the checkout process when purchasing your webinar. If you are having trouble accessing your online account, please contact [email protected]. You can use a PC or tablet or even cast from your phone to watch on your Smart TV.
I paid for the session but missed it, how can I watch?
Currently all our online sessions are recorded and you can access the recording on our online learning platform until it expires. Usually 60 days for a webinar, 90 – 180 days for multipart webinars or online courses.
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
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 Long Stay Car Park, both a 5 minute walk away. In the peak summer months it may be easier to park at Trenwith 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.
Apply
Thank you for your interest in this artist development programme, which aims to help you discover and refine your individual creative voice, strengthen your practice and grow your confidence. We want to make sure the Porthmeor Programme is good fit for you and you need to be able to commit fully to benefit the most of your experience. Please tell us about you, your relevant art experiences, why you would like to join the programme and why this is a good time in your life. Please include 4 or 5 images of your work.
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