experimental painting course using oil and acrylic paint in St Ives Cornwall

Pushing the Boundaries

Acrylic / Oil / Abstract - Materials included

We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.

Register Interest

Course details

This dynamic course explores the boundaries between representation and abstraction. Extend your painting vocabulary through a series of structured exercises, manipulating paint and image in a fun and experimental way.

Marion taylor mixed media painting course using acrylic paint

Enjoy the freedom to experiment and challenge yourself in a well-resourced and supportive atmosphere. Exercises will include observational painting, blending, manipulation of paint with a variety of tools, expressive mark marking, dragging, also using brushes on sticks. You will explore how to work directly on to found images and your own photographs to create paintings.
Learn to develop and work from your own source material. In the later part of the course you will have the freedom to explore a very personal approach to painting using the experience gained from the paint manipulation exercises.

The contemporary artist Gerhard Richter, an inspirational, of great diversity will be your primary reference. Diversity defines Richter paintings. His work ranges from photo-realism to pure abstraction with both figurative and scenic elements throughout. This course aims to give a broad overview of Gerhard Richter vast exploration of painting, examining some of his approaches in detail.

Day to day plan

This is a rough indication of what to expect over the course. However sometimes the structure of the days may alter depending on the nature of the group, weather and which tutor leads the day.

Day 1

Observation and Representation.

Start with a simple still to create a series of small, observational paintings, using a limited palette with specific constraints. Repeat these exercises using the St Ives landscape as a source material, either from direct observation or printed images. Explore experimental mark making, focusing on some of the techniques employed by Gerhard Richter.

Day 2

Combining observation with abstract mark making

Combine the mark making and paint manipulation techniques you have experimented with directly onto simplified versions of the observational paintings from day one. You will work on a series of small paintings using the structure of specific goals and methods to stretch your skills of paint application and image creation.

Day 3

Painting on photographic images

Students will apply the mark making approaches explored with Kerry directly onto photographic images using magazines in the studio, as well as their own source material. There will be a studio visit in the morning to Marion Taylor’s studio at Porthmeor Studios who’s own recent practice uses this technique. Extend this approach through photo montage and combining paint manipulation techniques.

Day 4

Developing your personal approach

The last day of the course will allow you to select and combine your favourite subjects and techniques to develop your own approach. Your tutor will support each student through one to one discussions to find a direction that best suits them

What you will get from this course

  1. Knowledge of how to manipulate paint in different ways with a range of unconventional tools and increased confidence in expressive mark making.
  2. An ability to use playfulness to unlock my personal creativity.
  3. A series of structured exercises to use to break out of habits that will make my work more dynamic and intuitive.
  4. An appreciation of the diversity of techniques and styles available to create arresting images
  5. A deeper understanding of the techniques of Gerhard Richter you can take home and use in your own painting.

Who would this course suit?

This course would suit you if you have some experience of painting. More important however is an openness to experimentation. It is a particularly exciting course if you enjoy trying new things and have an interest in contemporary painting.  Ideal for artists looking to extend and expand their painting vocabulary, but appropriate for anyone with an open mind and a desire to experiment and develop skills and push their own boundaries.

Pushing the Boundaries

Acrylic / Oil / Abstract – Materials included

We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.

Register Interest

Taught by

Kerry
Harding

View Kerry’s Work

The best work comes when your shoulders are down and the hours disappear, not as easy as it sounds as most artists will tell you and so its been one of the guiding principles in my approach as a tutor. After over a decade of teaching I have also most enjoyed the process of helping students find their own voice, its already there and so hugely rewarding to help with this discovery.

What to Bring

Our studios are fully equipped and we provide you with all the materials you need for your course. However, if you have a favourite set of brushes or any specialist materials that you would prefer to use, please bring them with you.

Timings and Breaks

The first day starts at 10am and finishes at 4.30pm, please aim to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start time.

All course days after that start at 9.30am and finish at 4pm and there will be an hour for lunch. There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.

What our students say

If you want a course with excellent tuition, a well planned fast moving course – choose this one! It’s the best course I’ve been on. I’ve learnt so much in four days. Thank you Kerry and Marion. 

Sally Holman

Stimulating, challenging, well organised and varied. I was looking for a new direction for my painting and this has given me a plethora of possibilities. Thank you! 

Jack Friskney- Adams

FAQs

Art Courses

Do you have to be experienced to come to the School?

No prior experience is required to join most of our art courses. The School of Painting is a friendly and welcoming environment for all ages and abilities, including complete beginners.

Our drop-in life drawing classes and short workshops are perfect if you’re trying painting for the first time. Many of our longer courses are also suitable for beginners, as our tutors are experienced in supporting mixed ability groups. If a course requires previous experience, this will be clearly stated on the course page.

Studio Courses

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]

Can you help me choose the right course?

Yes, our friendly and knowledgeable team are always happy to help you choose the best course for your needs, whether you’re a beginner or looking to develop specific skills.

Please call us on 01736 797180 to discuss your options.

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?

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.

Short workshops start at 10am in the Summer and 9.30am/ 1.30pm during September festival


Booking a Course

How do I reserve a place on a course?

You can book your place online or by calling us on 01736 797180.

If you want to reserve a place whilst you confirm holiday accommodation we will give you a full refund if you change your mind within 24 hours of booking. Just get in touch [email protected].

To secure your place, a £100 deposit is required, with the remaining balance due 12 weeks before the course start date.

About St Ives

Where can I park near the School?

The nearest long-stay car parks are:

Island Car Park
Barnoon Long Stay Car Park

Both are approximately a 5-minute walk from the School.

During the busy summer months, you may find it easier to park at Trenwith Car Park near the leisure centre and walk into town. A shuttle bus often runs back up the hill from near Tate St Ives.

How do I get to the School of Painting in St Ives?

By train:

The nearest mainline station is St Erth, which is approximately a 15-minute taxi journey away. From there, you can also take the St Ives Bay Line, which runs every 30 minutes. The School is a 10-minute walk from St Ives station.

By car:

Take the M5 to Exeter, then follow the A30 into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, exit at the St Erth roundabout towards St Ives. Continue through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives..

Where can I stay in St Ives?

St Ives offers a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, guest houses, and self-catering options. You can explore options on our website, or contact us directly on 01736 797180 if you’d like personalised recommendations.

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