Course details
Explore unique techniques of watercolour and how it can be used to portray the atmosphere of sea, sky and coast in an impressionistic style.
Spend three days with renowned watercolourist David Webb as he leads you through his process to create an impressionistic seascape in watercolour.
The sea is in constant motion so we will endeavour to capture the essence of what we see in our sketchbooks, which we can later use to create seascape paintings in the studio.
From the calm harbour with boats and glossy, shimmering water to the crashing waves, golden sands and rocky headland of Porthmeor there is a wealth of source materials for our paintings within a few minutes’ walk.
Every morning, weather permitting, we will spend time outside, sketching the stunning viewpoints of the St Ives peninsula before returning to the studio to develop our field work into watercolour paintings. David will show you how to capture a coastal landscape with a loose and impressionist style. You will learn how to build up a painting using transparent washes and learn different watercolour techniques.
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 and weather.
Day 1
After introductions and a brief talk on materials and sketching techniques, we will walk down to Porthmeor beach to make sketches of the sea, sky and rocks by the headland.
In the afternoon David will show you the watercolour techniques that you will need to create watercolour paintings from your sketches.
Day 2
Today we will visit the harbour and sketch boats, ripples and reflections.
Back in the studio we will work up these sketches into more finished watercolour paintings.
Day 3
Another different location today. In the morning we will walk to Porthgwidden beach, and the surrounding area. Here we can sketch the beach, rocks and the scenery around Bamaluz beach.
In the afternoon we will create studio paintings from our sketches and finish off any uncompleted paintings.
What will I learn?
You will learn how to sketch and understand the formation of waves and the sea.
You will gain tips on perspective and sketching rocks, boats and other features.
You will learn key skills of watercolour technique, including colour mixing and how to build up paintings in transparent washes.
Who would this course suit?
This course will suit beginners and improvers alike. Some experience of drawing would be useful but David will provide demonstrations and exercises in sketching coastal scenes.
A positive attitude and willingness to learn is always a good start. Watercolour is a difficult medium and mistakes are easily made, but perseverance and learning from your mistakes is the key to success.
We will be walking to the harbour and beach but these are all within easy reach of the studio.
Ahead of your watercolour course with us if you would like to brush up your skills, you are entitled to 25% off our online ‘Getting Started with Watercolour Painting’ course here‘. You will be given a code after purchasing our studio watercolour course. NB – The online course uses a different palette to our studio course.
Our studio ‘Beginner’s Watercolour’ courses can be found here.
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.
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.
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 end at 4pm. There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.
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 need time to arrange accommodation, we can hold a provisional booking for 24 hours. 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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