Students learning on the porthmeor art programme

Porthmeor Programme (Studio)

Mixed Media / Personal Development

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Course details

A ten month intensive course to develop you as an artist, enabling you to find and express your individual creative voice. Led by a personal tutor and a host of guest artists.

Hear more from our Lead Tutor, Kate Southworth

The Porthmeor Programme 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 with 1-1 tutorials with our lead artist, and practical making workshops led by guest artists.

We restrict the class to a small group size so there is 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. We have now run the Porthmeor Programme for 10 years, guiding over 100 students through our unique programme so far.

This developmental art course will take you on a journey 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.

Monthly Workshops

Our three day workshops run over weekends alongside individual 1-1 tutorials with the lead tutor. Students have said how much they value having three full days in the studio, allowing time to create, reflect, discuss and critique without pressure. Below is an indication to the content of the workshop weekends, please note these are subject to change.

Session 1 : 5 – 7 March
Introduction with Kate Southworth on Friday followed by New dimensions and Looking for Colour with 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.

Session 2 : 2 – 4 April
Harnessing Chance In Painting – 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 3 : 30 April – 2 May
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 4 : 28 – 30 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 : 25 – 27 June
Motivation Through Materials with Kitty Hillier

Encouraging experimentation and play, working with acrylics, collage and mixed media, loosening your approach to making art.

Session 6 : 3 – 5 Sept
Finding The Essence – Rachael Kantaris

Distil your ideas into simple forms and explore a variety of print making techniques using full sized professional presses at the historic Porthmeor Print Workshop.

Session 7 : 1 – 3 October
Revitalise – Jill Eisele 

This weekend will be about gestural and risk taking mark making using materials such as oil paints and oil bars. Move forward in your artwork, with practical inspirational ideas that feed in to your practice, focusing on the random, the sensory, and individual responses to all things visual.

Session 8 : 5 – 7 November
Closing Weekend with Kate Southworth

Spend three full days in our historic studios as the fully fledged artists you have become. You will each be focusing on your own work, with one to one tutorials, guided and supported by Kate.

How much contact time is there with the tutors?

Every month, excluding summer break, there will be a 3 day class. This will involve exploring different techniques and approaches with guest artist and 1-1 mentoring with your lead tutor.

We also have a bespoke online platform where you can discuss and share your work with your peers offering on going support and encouragement.

What happens when the programme ends?

We have a number of offers for those who would like to touch base again and refresh. These include artist retreats ranging from three to five days.

How is the programme structured?

Over 8 long weekends, you will enjoy a mix of individual tutorials and guidance from our lead tutor, accompanied by a structured and varied creative programme taught by our guest artists. Each weekend runs over three days, 4-6 weeks apart, with a break over Summer.

The lead tutor gets to know and your work in depth and you will have the benefit of a variety of guest artists who give you a different perspective on your work.

Our guest artists are: Greg Humphries, Camilla Dixon, Kitty Hillier, Ilker Cinarel, Jill Eisele and Emily Roberts.

How much does it cost?

Total fee £3,750
Instalment plans are available.

It was like pressing a light switch that I hadn’t realised was off. If you are looking for something different, then apply – it might just change your life. 

Sue Watt, Porthmeor Programme

Timings and Breaks

Each weekend will run 10.00 – 16.30 on the first day, then 9.30 – 16.00 on Saturday and Sunday.

What to Bring

All materials will be provided for you in the studio, but you are always welcome to bring any of your favourite items if you prefer.

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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 off a 15% discount on all our online sessions.

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. Rather than focusing on the secrets to gaining gallery representation, making a living as an artist, or simply improving your painting techniques, the emphasis should be on your growth as an artist.

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.

Please get in touch if you would like one of our team to give you a call to discuss whether the programme is right for you and answer any questions you may have. You can arrange this by emailing us at [email protected]

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Taught by

Kate
Southworth

View Kate’s Work

Kate Southworth makes paintings, spells and rituals. Her work engages with magic, alchemy, mysticism and spirituality and indexes the soul painting its own transformation. In addition to solo and two-person shows, her work has appeared in more than 35 group exhibitions including The Order of the Sun and Moon at the College of Psychic Studies, London and Craftivism at Arnolfini, Bristol.

In Conversation

Gwynne Perry

We caught up with Gwynne Penny, whilst visiting ‘Ebb & Flow’, one of three successful exhibitions put on by MAC | RAGS.

Alison Cook

We caught up with Alison Cook, an alumnus of the Porthmeor Programme Online, as she talks through her practice.

Sue Watt

We caught up with Porthmeor Programme alumnus Sue Watt to get an insight into life before, during and after the programme.

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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:

  1. Go to our website: www.schoolofpainting.co.uk
  2. Click on the ‘Log in’ button (usually found near the top right of the page)
  3. Enter the email address and you used when booking
  4. 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 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.

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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