Course details
A fun exploration into Matisse’s studio and interiors, the rooms, the windows – the gardens and sea beyond. This course is all about colour, pattern and line, explored in a playful and vibrant way.

Open Window, Collioure, 1905, Henri Matisse
This course invites artists to explore the rich and versatile genre of still life through the lens of colour, composition, pattern, and line. Drawing inspiration from Henri Matisse, students will be guided into a vibrant world of expressive interiors and spaces, where colour and form are used to create depth and atmosphere. Throughout the course, participants will be supported and guided by professional artist and tutor Victoria Gillow, whose thoughtful teaching and artistic insight will encourage both confidence and individual exploration.
Using Matisse’s studios and interiors as a starting point, we will playfully re-create three interior spaces with views to the sea, similar to that of — the studios/rooms Matisse painted in Collioure (1905), Morocco (1912), and Nice (1918). Works such as Open Window, Collioure will act as touchstones, transforming the studio itself into an immersive environment, designed to feel like stepping into Matisse’s world.
Across the first days, participants will take part in guided, fun exercises using drawing materials and acrylic paint, each focusing on different aspects of Matisse’s practice. These sessions are designed to build confidence while encouraging individual interpretation and personal decision-making.
As the course progresses into days two and three, artists will move towards developing two or three larger-scale works inspired by the studio surroundings in St Ives and its sea views.
The outcome will be a vibrant and personal response to colour, pattern, and form, rooted in the still life tradition but interpreted through a contemporary, expressive lens inspired by Matisse.
NB: Expect bold Fauvist colour, expressive interiors, and playful still life setups — from Moroccan-inspired arrangements with fruit bowls, patterned fabrics, and cheese plants, to studio corners with windows opening onto the sea.



Day to day plan
Friday
The day begins with an introduction to Matisse’s still lifes and interiors, using constructed room sets, plants and props as starting points. Through guided sketchbook work and larger drawings, students will explore intuitive mark-making, line, pattern and simplified form, before introducing colour grounds inspired by the bold simplicity of Matisse’s ‘The Red Studio’.
Sat
The day starts with a recap of colour and linear composition, referencing still life and space beyond through artists such as Matisse, Ben Nicholson Patrick Heron and Mary Feddon. A late-morning visit to Tate follows. Back in the studio, students will explore limited-palette colour mixing, composition choices and scale, supported by demonstrations, reviews and ongoing discussions throughout the day.
Sun
The day focuses on developing large-scale works on canvas or primed board. Using Matisse’s Open Window at Collioure and Moroccan interiors as reference points, students will work on their compositions and colour. A simplified figure may be introduced as an optional extension, encouraging individual interpretation and personal direction. All students will be encouraged to take their work their own way.
What will I learn?
- Gain confidence using vibrant, expressive colour with an understanding of balance and harmony
- Understand simple colour theory and mixing using a limited palette
- Use pattern, mark-making and space to describe form and create energetic yet harmonious compositions
- Apply line and colour planes to clearly describe space within a painting
- Develop a stronger understanding of still life composition through immersive, playful studio practice
- Use sketchbooks and journals as active working tools to explore ideas, free up inhibitions and deepen understanding of Still Life genre, Matisse and other masters of this genre
Who would this course suit?
Artists of all experience levels are welcome; the structured guidance offers both fresh insight and a practical toolkit for seeing, simplifying, and responding to the world in a more expressive way.
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 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.
Art Courses in St Ives
How do I log in to my online account?
To log in to your account, please follow these steps:
- Go to our website: www.schoolofpainting.co.uk
- Click on the ‘Log in’ button (usually found near the top right of the page)
- Enter the email address and you used when booking
- Click “Log in” to access your account
Once logged in, you’ll be able to view your bookings, outstanding payments, online courses and any relevant account information.
If you’ve forgotten your password, simply click ‘Forgot password?’ on the login page and follow the instructions to reset it.
If you have any trouble accessing your account, please email us and we’ll be happy to help.
Do you offer art classes for children and teenagers?
Yes. Our Young Artists Programme includes art workshops for children and teenagers, with sessions designed for different age groups. During the summer, we also run creative workshops for children aged 7-13.
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.
Do you offer beginner painting courses?
Yes. Our programme includes beginner-friendly painting courses covering materials such as oils, acrylics and watercolours. These courses introduce you to essential tools and techniques while giving you plenty of time to practise and explore your own ideas.
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].
Who teaches your art courses?
Our courses are led by practising artists – including Jill Eisele, Alice Mumford, Iona Sanders and Neil Canning – all with extensive knowledge of their chosen subjects and materials. Each tutor brings their own artistic experience, working methods and approach to teaching, giving students the opportunity to experience a wide range of ideas and techniques.
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 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
In Person Courses
What art courses do you offer in St Ives?
We offer a varied programme of art courses in St Ives, including painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media and life drawing. You can choose from one-day workshops, short summer sessions and more immersive three- and four-day studio courses. We also offer longer development courses for those looking to take their practice to the next level.
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.
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.
