Enjoy creating abstract and experimental paintings and drawings inspired by the iconic Downalong rooftops of St Ives, with drawing, simple printmaking and waterbased painting.

Inspired by the clarity of light, surrounding dramatic landscapes, and its picturesque harbour, St Ives has long attracted artists, writers, and holiday-makers alike. 

This new series of online classes, ‘Postcards from …’ will use the places in and around St Ives that inspired an international roster of artists including Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Ben Nicholson, Christopher Wood, Alfred Wallis, Bryan Wynter and Patrick Heron.  

Focusing in particular on sites which captured these artists’ imagination, Postcards from… will take you on a creative journey to the famous spots around St Ives including its harbour, Porthmeor Beach and its cobbled, winding streets, lined with stone fishermen’s houses. Using films of these familiar landscapes, led by one of our experienced tutors, this series will transport you to these inspiring St Ives locations, wherever you are in the world. 

In this session of our Postcard series you will look to the work of St Ives artist Bryan Wynter. An ideal workshop for those interested in techniques to help with experimentation, tapping into the more surreal aspects of our imagination. Enjoy combining simple printmaking you can do from home with water-based painting inspired by the techniques of this significant St Ives artist you may not have discovered before.  

Moving from London to St Ives just after the First World War, Wynter immersed himself in the natural environment. A keen swimmer, Wynter made various items to help him play with various perspectives from above and beneath the water: a wet suit, an aqua lung and a glass bottomed boat. His paintings took inspiration from these disparate directions, often combining various viewpoints. Eventually settling in Carn Cottage – a run-down rustic cottage on Zennor Moor – Wynter was to stay in West Penwith for the rest of his life.

Following from Wynter’s aerial inspirations, you will work from a bird’s eye view of the rooftops of St Ives. Hilary will guide you through Wynter’s monoprint technique which he used in the 1940s. Taking his painting, Birds Disturbing the Sleep of a Town, 1948, as a starting point, learn how to make a simple offset print by painting onto a surface, pressing paper into that surface and then working into the print. You will work from a recorded video to create versions of Wynter’s eerie night-time scene from the comfort of your own home.  

You will be working from the same film as Hilary so you will see both Hilary at work and the video on screen.

What will I learn?

1. Delve into the processes and techniques of Bryan Wynter, an exciting St Ives artist from the 1940s.
2. Enjoy freeing up your imagination with fun and simple printmaking techniques.
3. Learn how to work into a basic print to create a unique water-based painting.

Who would this course suit?

Beginners and those with more experience are both welcome to join. If you are looking to learn new ways to expand your drawing and painting practice, or just inspiration by looking to other artists, this course is for you.

How does an online recording work?

Once you have booked you will be able to watch on demand immediately. 

You can pause, rewind and watch again as often as you like until the session expires 60 days after purchase

You will also be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your discoveries with our community of fellow students from around the world.

You will need access to the internet and ideally a Smart TV, PC or laptop or a tablet with audio. Phones are not suitable unless cast to a smart TV.