Course details
Learn how to use the unique properties of soft pastels with liquid to create seascapes that capture the essence of this iconic location as you explore the beauty and energy of the coastline in St. Ives.
You will be presented with your very own bespoke set of 16 handmade Unison Colour pastels that have been especially curated for the workshop by Nina, only available to St Ives School of Painting. These pastels are often described as ‘smooth as butter’ and are highly pigmented for the deepest colouration. Made, labelled and packed completely by hand, they will be yours to keep after the workshop.
In this workshop, Nina will introduce you to the basics of soft pastel painting with liquid, with a focus on mark-making techniques and surfaces.
We will explore St Ives and create studies of the sea and coastline, focusing on tone with colour notes. Photos can be used alongside to help capture reference.
After lunch, you’ll return to the studio to delve deeper into the techniques of soft pastel painting, with a focus on blending and layering to create depth and texture in your work. We’ll explore your sketches and develop these into more developed artworks.
This workshop is perfect for artists of all levels who want to build their confidence in soft pastel painting and capture the beauty of the St Ives coastline on paper. Soft pastels are a versatile media which is especially forgiving to new artists. With small class sizes and personalised attention from Nina, you’ll be able to develop your skills in a supportive and nurturing environment.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll walk away with seascape pastel paintings that reflects your own personal style and captures the energy and mood of St Ives on paper.
nb: 14 – 17 year olds are welcome to attend with an accompanying parent/guardian who must also join in the session.
artwork and photo credits © Nina Squire 2023
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.
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.
FAQs
Studio 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
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 Long Stay Car Park, both a 5 minute walk away. In the peak summer months it may be easier to park at Trenwith 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.
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