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
.
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.
Taught by
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
Online Broadcast
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
Do I need a webcam/any equipment.
For our webinar sessions which are broadcast on the internet and no webcam or microphone is needed as you just need to be able to see/hear hosts and you can communicate using the chat function. You can watch using a PC, Smart TV or tablet. A phone isn’t ideal as you will struggle to see enough unless you can miracast to a screen or smart TV.
For the longer online courses on Zoom you will need a laptop or tablet with audio and camera enabled so you can have a screen near where you are working. If you have a PC without camera or speakers, you can purchase a plug and play webcam for approx £25 which connects to a usb port. You will also need reasonable broadband connection and speed.
All the art materials and equipment needed to participate in the course will be listed in full on the online learning platform, for live webinars this will be a minimum of two weeks before the session starts.
I have registered for the webinar but I can't find my joining link
You can access all the resources and joining link for your webinar via our online learning platform. You will need to have set up an account on our online learning platform in advance. You can do this during the checkout process when purchasing your webinar. If you are having trouble accessing your online account, please contact info@schoolofpainting.co.uk. You can use a PC or tablet or even cast from your phone to watch on your Smart TV.
I paid for the session but missed it, how can I watch?
Currently all our online sessions are recorded and you can access the recording on our online learning platform until it expires. Usually 60 days for a webinar, 90 – 180 days for multipart webinars or online courses.
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
Can I pay by cheque?
Please get in touch by phone and we can hold your place for a few days whilst you post your cheque (made payable to: St Ives School of Painting) to us at St Ives School of Painting, Porthmeor Studios. St Ives TR26 1NG
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 both 5 minute walk away. In the peak summer months it may be easier to park at the big top 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.
