Image by Bob Berry student desk set up at the st ives school of painting

The Art of Keeping it Simple

Q: Where can I park near the School?

The nearest long-stay car parks are: Island Car ParkBarnoon 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.

Mixed Media / Still Life - Materials included

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

Course details

Simplify and refine your still-life studies on this four-day course. Inspired by innovative Modernist artists, this course shows you the essential approach to creating powerful paintings.

Learn to create dynamic paintings by focusing on simple forms, considered composition and a limited colour palette with artists Marion Taylor and Liz Luckwell. See how renowned British Modernist artists like Ben Nicholson created innovative, powerful works by reducing subject and content to its essentials.

Let go of the detail and avoid distraction by seeing how using your memory can create more intuitive work. Bring out the essence of a subject and explore varying the thickness of paint and the direction of the brushstroke. This course is ideal if you are looking for new ways to free-up your painting practice and create rich still-lives inspired by Modernist painting. If you are looking for working in a way between figuration and abstraction, this course is for you.

‘I liked that the course taught many skills, covered a lot of ground and led to a logical conclusion based upon the steps leading up to it. Both tutors were excellent.’

‘A perfect combination of the teaching of skills and processes with lots of inspiration and ways to go forward. Both tutors were informed and supportive.’

‘Each day began with some information/ideas/inspiration and some demonstrations too. This was a great start to the day. Well paced with exercises I can continue with at home’

Day to day plan

This is a rough indication of what to expect over the course. However sometimes the structure of the days may alter depending on the nature of the group and weather.

Day 1

Begin by making line drawings from a simple still life, concentrating on shape and form. Explore composition through line using pencil and graphite and make tonal studies in charcoal.

Day 2

Look at the work of British Modernist William Scott, and his still life subjects. Develop composition with limited palette of acrylic paint on board.

Day 3

Consider the works of Ben Nicholson. Draw and make tonal studies of interior still life. Create oil grounds inspired by the landscape and environment of St Ives.

Day 4

Create textured surfaces and coloured grounds. Combine interior studies and landscape using oil paint on boards.

The Art of Keeping it Simple

Mixed Media / Still Life – Materials included

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

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.

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.

Taught by

Liz
Luckwell

View Liz’s Work

Liz Luckwell’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in the act of drawing, which underpins her method of working with materials, allowing images to emerge from the process itself. Starting from realistic beginnings—often sketching her immediate environment—Luckwell’s work evolves through a gradual process of simplification, distilling forms into more abstracted, emotive expressions. Her creative journey is infused with early memories of helping her mother craft wreaths and bouquets on the kitchen table, a tactile experience that still informs her approach. Working from her home, the Gardener’s Cottage, she often reflects on her family’s deep connection to gardening, a theme that permeates pieces like her oil pastel on board Summer Weeds, where natural forms are transformed through a nuanced, intimate exploration of colour and texture.

Marion
Taylor

View Marion’s Work

I have enjoyed teaching at The School for over 25 years and this has always gone hand in hand with my own practice, as I find sharing ideas and techniques stimulating and rewarding. My approach is to give students the confidence to develop their skills, to think for themselves and so extend their visual language and find their own path.

What our students say

A fantastic course which I have really enjoyed and has inspired me to rediscover my love of art. Marion was an excellent teacher , so encouraging and accommodating of all abilities. Thank you!

Laura Feekins-Bate

Thank you Marion for such a marvellous experience. I arrived nervous but was given a space to express myself. First time painting and discovered its great!

Jose Mejia

So much food for thought and further experiments with oil paint. My mind is full of shapes, lines, colours and textures. Fully immersed in St Ives School of Painting and Ben Nicholson.

Sophia Blackwell

More than fulfilled my expectations. A wonderful friendly atmosphere putting you at your ease. Could have been intimidating but it certainly wasn’t!

Melanie Peckham

I learned a whole range of techniques to help me ‘keep it simple’. There was so much to think about alongside a constant focus on the artists we were thinking about. The tutors were unfailingly expert and supportive, gentle and clear in their approach and disarmingly knowledgeable. It was such a huge pleasure to be able to dip into the brains of these lovely people.

Christine

It was great how it focused on particular artists and that there were reference books being used all the time. I loved how the studios were in themselves a historic entity. The course was very inclusive and the group was beautifully moulded to be mutually supportive and cheerful. It was varied – studio still life work mixed with outdoor sketching in the glorious landscapes of St Ives. All of us, whatever our backgrounds and abilities, were taken seriously in the studio and we learned from each other as well as from the tutors.

Christine

The atmosphere at the School is just lovely. So very friendly, respectful of everyone, and with this wonderful sense of calm and love of the beautiful. I enjoyed every minute and know that I can learn so much more here and always be welcome.

Christine

A perfect combination of the teaching of skills and processes with lots of inspiration and ways to go forward. Both tutors were informed and supportive.

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 want to reserve a place whilst you confirm holiday accommodation we will give you a full refund if you change your mind within 24 hours of booking. Just get in touch [email protected].

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.