Course details
A ten month online intensive course, with 1-1 tutorials and small group creative sessions to develop you as an artist.
Hear more from our Lead Tutors Greg Humphries and Kate Southworth
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 – 2027
Here is an indication of our programme of monthly workshops that run alongside individual one to one tutorials with the lead tutor. Please note these tutors and sessions are subject to change.
Session 1 : Fri 29 – Sun 31 January
Introduction with lead tutors Kate Southworth and Greg Humphries and Harnessing Chance in Painting workshop 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.
Session 2 : Sat 27 – Sun 28 February
Motivation Through Materials with Kitty Hillier
Encouraging experimentation and play, working with acrylics, collage and mixed media, loosening your approach to making art.
Session 3 : Sat 3 – Sun 4 April
Atelier Drawing: Self Portrait in Oils 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
Session 4 : Sat 8 – Sun 9 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.
Session 5 : Sat 5 – Sun 6 June
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
Session 6 : Sat 3 – Sun 4 July
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.
August – Break
Session 7 : Sat 4 – Sun 5 September
TBC with Natalie Day
Workshop to be confirmed.
Session 8 : Sat 16 – Sun 17 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 additional opportunity to book 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.
Weekend Workshop Timings and Breaks
Live workshops will be broadcast monthly on Saturdays and Sundays, 10am – 1pm. You will then work independently before regrouping at the end of the day between 3pm – 4pm.
Your first weekend will start on Friday 29th January, with an introductory session from 3pm – 5pm. This will be a chance for you to meet your tutors and fellow students.
Cost
Total fee £2,550
Instalment plans are available.
Group Seminars & 1-to-1 Tutorials
On the Thursday morning following each workshop, there will be a 90-minute 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 45-minute 1-to-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 4pm-6pm on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evening.
For the second part of the course, these tutorials will be with Greg Humphries and will take place on a Saturday afternoon. (Please note these schedules are subject to change.)
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
Listen to our Porthmeor Programme Alumni
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 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.
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.
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.
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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