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 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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