Sculptural Luminosity with Coldwax Painting
Mixed Media / Oil / Abstract
We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.
Register InterestCourse details
Add texture, depth and luminosity to your oil paintings. Explore coldwax painting in a small group with this online course.
Join artist Laura Menzies for this three-day course exploring how to use coldwax medium with your oil paintings. Work more intuitively and expressively to create a series of compositions utilising this exciting technique.
This course is a chance to play and experiment with coldwax medium as a way to freshen up your painting practice. Over the three days, you will have the chance to try adding coldwax medium along with various other materials to create bold, expressive abstract works. Laura will help demystify how to harness these materials so you can create beautiful and ethereal effects at home with your own work.
Learn to add pigment and texture and to embrace happy accidents along the way, engaging with your practice in an imaginative and playful way. Treat the surface of your paintings more sculpturally, working up and working back into multiple pieces. Capture a sense of atmosphere through hues, tones and texture and have fun in the process!
This course will take place live on Zoom in a small interactive group enabling direct feedback on your work from your tutor. An ideal set up to speed up your learning and move on your painting to another level. You will have access to the recordings for up to 6 months from the date of the first live session. After the course continue to share your work with other participants and alumni of the Painting School on our private Facebook group.
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Sessions
Over 3 sessions, Laura will be working in the studio live and recordings of the classes will be shared with you. Questions will be taken at different points in the session.
Pre-course tech session :
An optional onboarding session with our technical staff to make sure you are comfortable using Zoom and the online course platform.
Day 1: Tuesday 5th December 10am-1pm – 3 hours tutored session
This first session, Laura will introduce you to various tools and methods used in coldwax painting. A chance to play with mediums and textures. Experiment with different ways of working and see examples of how Laura uses coldwax in her work.
Laura will set you tasks to complete for the next sessions. You will also be able to upload your work to our interactive learning site, where Laura can give comments and feedback.
Day 2 : Wednesday 6th December 10am-12pm – 2 hours tutored session
Working across multiple paintings, Laura will show you how to add pigment and various mediums to give your paintings great texture and depth. Carve back into the surface of your painting using different tools.
Day 3 : Thursday 7th December 10am-12pm – 2 hours tutored session
In this final session, you will have the chance to add final layers to your paintings and finish your pieces. This will also be a chance to share your work with your fellow students and get feedback from your tutor. Laura will offer various ways forward with your paintings and projects once the course has finished.
What will I learn?
Learn to create exciting intuitive paintings – have more fun and embrace happy accidents!
Build your confidence using coldwax medium in your oil painting, loosen up and widen your painting repertoire.
Learn new techniques to make drawing fun and expressive.
Build confidence in creating abstract paintings.
Add pigments and texture to your painting.
How does an online session work
This course takes place in a small teaching group via Zoom. This is the closest thing to a studio experience without the need to travel.
You can ask questions and get feedback on your work in realtime. Chat live with fellow students during the course and stay in touch via our learning platform. After each live session we will post the recording in your online account and it will be available to watch for a further 6 months, so you can practise what you’ve learnt and retain access to all the course resources in our virtual learning environment.
You can watch this on a PC, laptop or tablet and if you have chromecast or miracast you could even cast to your SmartTV from your phone.
Who would this course suit?
This course is suitable for all abilities. If you are interested in learning new skills and interests, or gaining confidence, experience, attitude and mobility in your painting practice, this course is for you. This course is a fun opportunity for painters interested in creating abstract oil paintings and engaging with it in a free and experimental way.
Taught by
What to Bring
A materials list will be available to see in your online learning platform, at least a month before the course.
You will need access to the internet and either a Smart TV, PC or laptop or a tablet with audio. Phones are not really suitable however cast your phone to a Smart TV.
Timings and Break
Pre-course technical help available
At 09:45 please click the link in your online learning system, to join the live session.
5th December 10:00 – 13:00
6th December 10:00 – 12:00
7th December 10:00 -12:00
You will have access to a recording of the sessions so you can revisit as often as you for up to six months after the first live session.
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.
Online Art Courses
Will I be able to extend access to my online course?
Yes. If your course expires before you’ve had a chance to complete it, you can purchase an extension to your access for a small additional fee.
Extension options range from £5 for 14 days on shorter courses to £20 for 30 days on longer courses. You can purchase an extension through your online account for up to 6 months after your original course expiry date.
Please note that extension length and cost vary depending on the course.
How do I log in to my online account?
To log in to your account, please follow these steps:
- Go to our website: www.schoolofpainting.co.uk
- Click on the ‘Log in’ button (usually found near the top right of the page)
- Enter the email address and you used when booking
- 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.
Can I learn painting online from home?
Yes. Our online painting courses allow you to learn from professional artists wherever you are. You can pause demonstrations, revisit lessons and work through practical exercises in your own time.
Are online art courses suitable for beginners?
Many of our online art courses are suitable for beginners. Course descriptions explain the recommended level, materials and experience so that you can choose a course that feels manageable and relevant to your interests.
How do online art courses work?
Once you have purchased an online course, you can access it through your account and work through the video tuition and supporting resources at a time that suits you. Access periods vary from 60 – 180 days, just check the individual course page before booking.
For live webinars, once you book a place, we will share a link with you in advance so you can join us at the relevant start time – this is typically via Zoom. A recording of the webinar will be shared with you after the webinar so you can re-watch in your own time.
Do you offer online art courses?
Yes. We have more than 90 online art courses covering painting, drawing, colour, landscape, abstraction, mixed media and other creative subjects. The courses are taught by practising artists and can be followed from home at your own pace.
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.
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.
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