Surrealism, Magic + The Spirit of Place
Mixed Media / Abstract / Landscape - Materials included
We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.
Course details
Join environmental artist Greg Humphries for an unusual & enchanting journey to explore the Spirit of Place through the use of art.

A selection of Ithell Colquhoun’s Tarot cards, art work in enamel paint (1978) © Ithell Colquhoun
After a brief introduction in the studio to discuss ideas around The Spirit of Place (or Anima Mundi); we will venture out into beautiful St Ives and its surroundings to record our impressions through the use of natural processes and automatic drawing techniques.
We will be looking at the British Surrealist artist, Ithell Colquhoun, who experimented with surrealist automatism, a method where the artist surrenders artistic control over the process; through techniques such as ‘entoptic graphomania’ in which random dots are joined and ‘superautomatism’ or ‘taking a line for a walk’.
Working back in the studio we will interpret our work using ‘psychological morphology’ which is ‘seeing’ imagery in random patterns. Using our own colour palette and the unique and colourful ‘Taro’ collection by Ithell Colquhoun for inspiration we will create our own Tarot spreads, which each artist can interpret further for themselves.
These techniques together enable participants to build a direct communication with Spirit of Place, and is a process that can then be applied in any landscape.
Taught by
What to Bring
All materials are provided. As we may work outdoors for some of the duration of the workshop, please wear sensible shoes and bring a coat or sunhat as appropriate.
Timings and Breaks
17th September
The workshop starts at 9:30am and finishes at 12.30pm, please aim to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start time. We will serve tea and coffee during the workshop.
FAQs
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]
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 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
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 as class sizes are small and our tutors are experienced in managing varying abilities within a group.
If any of the courses do need a bit of experience we flag this up on the website.
Booking a Course
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 Long Stay Car Park, both a 5 minute walk away. In the peak summer months it may be easier to park at Trenwith 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.