Follow in the footsteps of St Ives artist Wilhelmina Barns-Graham and explore her unique approach to painting and drawing the rocks and waves of the famous rugged coastline of St Ives. 

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 is the first in a new series of online classes, ‘Postcards from …’ which 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. 

This online course will explore the history of the artists who were fundamental in setting up the St Ives School of Painting, such as Robert Borlase Smart and Albert Julius Olson. These artists depicted the iconic coastline of St Ives and influenced the paintings and drawings of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham.

You will follow in Barns-Graham’s footsteps, working from a video to capture the waves and rocks around Porthmeor Beach. Looking to Barns-Graham’s drawing Eight Lines Porthmeor, as well as her rock and lava drawings, you will create your own versions using pencil and ink on coloured paper. Guided by Hilary, use simple, intuitive mark-making techniques to create drawings which convey a sense of place.  

Barns-Graham was born in Scotland but moved to St Ives in 1940, where she retained a studio until her death. Here, with artists such as Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and Naum Gabo, she immersed herself in the vibrant St Ives art scene and her studio was located on Porthmeor Beach. Believing in the vitality of keeping an active art practice late into her life, she said of painting:  

‘Do it now, say it now, don’t be afraid… Life is so exciting. Trying to catch one simple statement about it, that’s what I’m aiming for, I’ll keep on trying.’ 

This energy and vitality was evident in her approach to capturing the West Cornish landscape. 

Learn more about the life and legacy of Barns- Graham on the Trust’s website https://www.barns-grahamtrust.org.uk/

What will I learn?

1. Learn how to draw with fluid minimal line to capture the essence of a landscape. Refine and simplify your drawings.
2. Learn how artists take inspiration from the landscape around them.
3. Learn how to use various drawing pencils, chalks and pens working in continuous line directly onto various papers.
4. Learn how to apply a colour wash.

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 session 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.