Course details
Discover how to turn simple everyday objects into expressive still-life oil paintings, focusing on light, mood, and refined composition.
How do you find inspiration from your everyday surroundings? How do you work out interesting compositions when drawing or painting things you find in your house?
On this three-day course, artist Eleanor Crow teaches you the subtle art of capturing the beauty of vases, bowls, bottles, fruit and flowers. Introducing you to how masters including Morandi, William Scott, Diebenkorn and Gwen John used the domestic setting as a place for inspiration, learn to capture the subtle tones in apparently simple subjects. Create captivating still-life compositions that capture subtle shifts of light and mood.
Working from your own still-life set-up, start by exploring tone and composition then create a tonal palette in limited colours. See how altering the combination of objects and the changing light – natural or artificial – can add rhythm and texture to your still-life set-ups. Eleanor will demonstrate how to transform your smaller studies into larger compositions, and how to add depth, tone and luminosity to your oil paintings. Ideal if you are new to oil painting, or are simply looking for new sources of inspiration, or ways to freshen up your approach.
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
Starting with an introduction to the idea of ‘groupings’, look to artists including Morandi, William Scott and Gwen John. Focus on tone and composition in charcoal and graphite in the morning, and then move to colour mixing in oils in the afternoon.
Day 2
Add to the colour mixing started on day one and then work on small studies. By the afternoon, begin a more involved, longer work.
Day 3
Working towards a finished, larger piece, you will have the opportunity to see your fellow students work in the afternoon.
What will I learn?
- Gain inspiration from your everyday surroundings. See how simple domestic objects you find in your home can inspire your work.
- Build confidence in working with oil paints.
- A greater understanding of other artists who have been inspired by still-life painting.
- Adding tone, depth and luminosity to your paintings.
- Gain confidence in building a composition.
Who would this course suit?
If you are interested in finding new ways of capturing the environment around you, this course is for you. Most importantly, this will be a chance to explore and experiment without judgement.
Ahead of your oil painting course with us if you would like to brush up your skills, you are entitled to 25% off our online “Getting Started with Oil Painting” course here. You will be given a code after purchasing our studio oil painting course.
Our studio ‘Beginner’s Oil Painting’ 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.
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
Eleanor is a brilliant teacher, she managed to spend plenty of time with us individually as well as in a group and was encouraging and inspired us to make the most of our own individual styles.
Fantastic course. Eleanor was very generous with her advice and knowledge, and I certainly went away with a lot of information on how to approach tone, palette, and composition.
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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