Slow drawing

Slow Time Drawing with Alice Mumford

Drawing / Still Life

We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.

Register Interest

Course details

Learn to look more deeply at the world around you and improve your ability to work with and understand tone. Join artist Alice Mumford as she shares with you how to develop these key skills that have served her own painting practice so well.

Do you wonder how artists make everyday spaces and objects so stimulating and inspiring? In these two sessions Alice shares with you two key lessons she learnt at Camberwell School of Painting where she studied. One was everything is form, in light and in space; the second was around using the tonal scale. Getting the tonal values correct is crucial to the success of the artwork.

This course will help you translate what you see in three dimensions into two dimensions.

Alice has designed the sessions to suit anyone who is interested in looking. You don’t need any particular skill in drawing to enjoy and take part. Whatever your level of experience you will lose yourself in the process.

This short course will provide an insight into Alice’s own practice and the skills she has learnt over time. Her practical in depth demos can motivate and inspire you, building your confidence in materials and process.

Each class lasts two hours and you will be set a task to complete or think about between them. There will be an opportunity for you to pose questions to Alice during the demonstrations.

You can watch the sessions live or later. We record them so we can let you revisit them to refresh your memory and you can watch on demand as many times as you like, for up to a month.

You will see Alice as she works along with you. You won’t be seen or heard in the session but you can ask questions using the chat function. Share your work live with others on social media using the #schoolofpainting

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Sessions

In these two sessions, Alice will be working in the studio live to share with you her process. Questions will be taken throughout. We expect each one t0 last around 2 hrs.

Session 1 – Live broadcast, 10:30 am – 12:30pm, 26th April

Drawing like Painting

For our first drawing, we will explore the tonal scale together and draw using no lines at all. That might sound nerve wracking but jump in – the water is lovely! For our second drawing we will start with a wash.

Session 2 – Live broadcast, 10:30am – 12:30pm, 27th April

Simultaneous Contrast

Taking what we learnt in session 1 we will look at Seurat’s drawings and how he used simultaneous contrast to create the effect of glowing, shimmering light. See how he used this tonal work to inform his pointillist paintings.

What will I learn?


Deepen your understanding of tone that could be used to strengthen your paintings.

Deepen your observational skills and pleasure in looking and responding.

How to notice and be inspired by the ordinary and the everyday so you can find subjects all around you.


Who would this course suit?

Anyone who wants to take time to look and absorb the world around them. No drawing skills required.

How Does an online session work?

We will send you a link on the morning of the session so you can join in live.

You can put questions to the tutor using the online chat function. We record the sessions so you can watch on demand, as often as you like, for up to a month after. You will also be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your discoveries with fellow students from around the world.

Slow Time Drawing with Alice Mumford

Drawing / Still Life

We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.

Register Interest

Taught by

Alice
Mumford

View Alice’s Work

“The school of painting is an oasis; a place to share ideas, enthusiasm and adventures into painting. Teaching has helped me to translate my thoughts and reflections about art into practical courses. In doing this I have learnt so much and shared in that adventure. It’s an opportunity to pass on the wonderful sense of being part of a bigger ‘family’ of painters.”

What to Bring

Materials: You will need watercolour paper with a not (a texture) size A3 or A4 , 4 pencils 2 X 4B ,2 x6B , a knife for sharpening, a putty rubber.

Still life: Something tonally dark i.e. an empty bottle, jug, teapot, something tonally light i.e. a table cloth and something mid tone like a wooden spoon, plus one or two other objects. See images above. If you’re not sure about your tonal understanding of your objects take a photo on your phone and turn it black and white.

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 Breaks

We will start teaching at 10.30 am and expect each session to last two hours.

During the session please pose questions to the artist using the chat function.

We will be sending you a recording of the sessions so you can revisit as often as you like for up to a month after broadcast.

FAQs

In Person Courses

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.

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].

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.

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?

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.

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


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.

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