Sea + Rocks
Oil / Landscape / Seascapes - Materials included
We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.
Register InterestCourse details
Learn to make fresh and lively oil studies of the breaking waves and rocky outcrops of St Ives, explore drawing media to capture compelling compositions and then paint directly from observation on the Cornish coastline.

Join us for this weekend course led by artist Ashley Hold exploring the rugged coastline of St Ives. Ashley will demonstrate how to capture the rich landscape of West Cornwall in oils. Taking you from shoreline to studio, learn to work en plein air.
The course starts with Ashley taking you through the techniques you need to compose fresh and lively studies in oils. Capturing colour, movement and texture, you will work directly from observation, learning the techniques to help you choose successful pictorial compositions. In the following days, you will learn how to transform your initial studies into a compelling painting. If you have worked in oils before you will enjoy being shown new approaches and techniques to lift your painting style.
Our studios are situated just a short walk away from stunning coastal scenery. There will be lots of opportunities, if the weather allows, to wander out on to the beach and coastal paths on our doorstep and sketch outside. We will be taking some photo and video clips as a visual reference (a camera/phone or tablet will be necessary) to help us deal with the challenge of suggesting the movement of water and the changes in light, tide and the unpredictable weather.




Who would this course suit?
It would be helpful to have at least some experience of drawing and painting but otherwise this course would suit those at all stages of their creative journey.
Please note we will be spending time outside in the landscape so you will need to be mobile and comfortable walking over rough terrain. However we do have portable stools and we wont need to walk far.
What will I learn?
- Increased confidence working with oils.
- A better understanding of the tension between reality, pictorial composition and imagination.
- Insights into best practices for working outdoors.
- An awareness of the possibilities of capturing colour, movement and texture through oil paint.
- An understanding of transforming smaller studies to larger compositions.
Taught by
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.
As the weather is never completely reliable, as part of the course, it is useful to be able to gather video clips to work from as a way to help you deal with capturing the movement of waves, which can then be replayed over and over. If you have one, please bring along a digital tablet/phone that could be used for this. The workshop is usually a mix of working outside and in the studio, depending largely on the weather.
It would be useful to bring a packed lunch for each day so you can spend more time outside as you may be working some distance from the town.
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
I learnt a huge amount in three days. The studio was a fantastic physical environment Excellent teaching and support.
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.
Art Courses in St Ives
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.
Do you offer art classes for children and teenagers?
Yes. Our Young Artists Programme includes art workshops for children and teenagers, with sessions designed for different age groups. During the summer, we also run creative workshops for children aged 7-13.
How large are your art classes?
Our studio courses are taught in small groups of around 10 to 12 people, allowing tutors to provide individual guidance alongside group demonstrations and discussions.
What is included in an art course?
Course fees include professional tuition from a practising artist and use of the School’s studio facilities. Materials and equipment are all included in our in person courses, workshops and life drawing sessions – so you can just turn up and get started. Teas and coffees are also provided throughout the day.
Can I attend an art course on my own?
Absolutely. Many students come to St Ives School of Painting independently. Courses offer a welcoming and sociable environment, with plenty of opportunities to meet other people who share an interest in making and learning.
Do you offer beginner painting courses?
Yes. Our programme includes beginner-friendly painting courses covering materials such as oils, acrylics and watercolours. These courses introduce you to essential tools and techniques while giving you plenty of time to practise and explore your own ideas.
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.
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 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
In Person Courses
What art courses do you offer in St Ives?
We offer a varied programme of art courses in St Ives, including painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media and life drawing. You can choose from one-day workshops, short summer sessions and more immersive three- and four-day studio courses. We also offer longer development courses for those looking to take their practice to the next level.
What do I need to bring?
You don’t need to bring anything with you unless we specify beforehand. All materials, aprons and tools are provided, however some people do like to bring along their favourite set of brushes or sketchbooks.
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.
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]
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.
