Join us for this two hour online figure class inspired by the use of Chiaroscuro, an Italian term meaning ‘light – dark’ . Broadcast from our studio in St Ives with a clothed model. Join in at home with guided exercises and watch live or later.
You will see both the model and Tom as he works along with you. You won’t be seen or heard in the session but you can ask questions using the chat function. Share your work live with others on social media using the #SaturdayLifeLive and #SchoolOfPainting
Magdalene with the Smoking Flame, 1640, Georges de La Tour 
Rembrandt, Self Portrait as a Young Man, 1628
In art the use of strong contrasts between light and dark helped to achieve a sense of volume and three dimensions in objects and figures. Artists famous for developing this effect include Leonardo De Vinci and Caravaggio often using the style to depict scenes of high drama. However it can also be used to depict moments of intimacy and quiet with pools of candle light illuminating a figure. In this session we will experiment with both the use of dramatic staged lighting as well as a softer approach using candlelight.
These sessions are designed to inspire, instruct and surprise. Suitable for any level of experience. Each one will be run slightly differently depending on the artist leading it.
How Does an online session work?
Once you have booked, we will send you a link an hour before the session starts so you can join in live, all you need to do is follow the link ten minutes before the start time. You can watch this on a PC, or tablet and maybe even cast to your Smart TV from your phone.
You can put questions to the tutor using the chat function during the session. The sessions are recorded and you will be able to watch again at your leisure as many times as you want for up to 1 week. You will also be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your discoveries with fellow students from around the world.
Taught by
What to Bring
Bring any drawing materials you like to use. Charcoal is good to have and soft pencils.
You will need access to the internet and ideally a Smart TV, PC or laptop or a tablet with audio. Phones are less suitable due to the small screen size but certainly possible.
Timings and Breaks
We will start at 10.30 am and work for 2 hours. We will pause for questions at different points during the session you can pose any questions to the artist using the chat function.
FAQs
Online
Do I need a webcam/any equipment.
For our webinar sessions which are broadcast on the internet no webcam or microphone is needed as you just need to be able to see/hear hosts and you can communicate using the chat function. You can watch using a PC, Smart TV or tablet. A phone isn’t ideal as you will struggle to see enough unless you can miracast to a screen or smart TV.
For the longer online courses on Zoom you will need a laptop or tablet with audio and camera enabled so you can have a screen near where you are working. If you have a PC without camera or speakers, you can purchase a plug and play webcam for approx £25 which connects to a usb port. You will also need reasonable broadband connection and speed.
I have registered for the webinar but I cant find my joining link
The link will be emailed to you at least 30 minutes before the session. Please check your junk mail and if you can’t find the email please contact info@schoolofpainting.co.uk and we will resend it. You can use a PC or tablet or even cast from your phone to watch on your Smart TV.
I paid for the session but missed it, can you send me the video?
Currently all our online sessions are recorded and the video recording will automatically be sent to all who booked on the session. You will have at least a week from the date of the session to watch it or up to a month for some of our longer courses and webinars.
Our Courses
How can I get help in choosing a course?
Our friendly expert staff are always happy to discuss your needs and our courses in more detail to help you with your decision. Please call us on 01736 797180
How do I get my work home?
Tutors have special techniques for transporting oil paintings and the school has plastic folders available in our shop for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.
For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home.
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.
Weekend Courses run 10am – 4pm on the first day but the final day starts at 9.30 and ends at 3.30 with a short lunch break to enable people to get home that evening.
Do you have to be experienced to come to the School?
The School is a very friendly and welcoming place for all ages and experience. Our drop-in life classes and August half-day workshops are ideal for those wanting to have a go for the first time. Most of our longer courses are also fine for novices.
If any of the courses do need a bit of experience we flag this up in the brochure and on the website.
Booking a Course
Can I pay by cheque?
Please get in touch by phone and we can hold your place for a few days whilst you post your cheque (made payable to: St Ives School of Painting) to us at St Ives School of Painting, Porthmeor Studios. St Ives TR26 1NG
How can I reserve a place?
We will hold a provisional reservation for 24 hours if you give us a call whilst you find accommodation. Otherwise please book online or by telephone 01736 797180.
You can reserve a place with a £100 deposit; balance is due 12 weeks before course start date.
About St Ives
Where do I park?
The nearest long stay public car parks are the Island and Barnoon both 5 minute walk away. In the peak summer months it may be easier to park at the big top car park by the leisure centre and walk down into town. If you don’t fancy the walk up the hill at the end of the day there is a shuttle bus which runs from outside the cinema.
How do I get there?
Public Transport: If you are coming from further afield the main train line runs into St Erth which is a 15 min taxi ride away or you can take the St Ives Bay Line which runs approx. every 30 minutes. The School is a 10 minute walk from St Ives station.
Driving: M5 will take you to Exeter where we recommend that you take the A30 across Bodmin Moor and into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, leave the A30 at St Erth roundabout for St Ives. Turn right at the second roundabout. This road will take you through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives.
Where can I stay?
St Ives has a huge selection of hotels, guest houses and self catering accommodation to choose from. Please browse the art holidays St Ives section on our website and give us a call if you would like any help.