The Feeling of Landscape

Acrylic / Painting / Abstract

Book Selected Date

Course details

Immerse yourself in a more expressive way of painting landscape, using memory, atmosphere, colour and texture to capture the feeling of place.

Landscape is never quite the same twice. Wind moves through it, rain obscures and reveals it, sunlight transforms colour and rock, and water reflects and distorts what surrounds it. Weather is not simply something that happens to a landscape—it is part of what makes the landscape what it is.

This three-day course explores how we can capture something of these shifting elements and sensations through paint, rather than simply recording a particular place. Much of our time will be spent in the comfort of the studio, experimenting with ways to translate these elements into paint, with brief opportunities to step outside, experience the weather first-hand and bring those impressions back into our work.

Working through a series of practical experiments, we will explore techniques and mark-making to suggest wind, rain, sunlight, water, rock and atmospheric change. Students will be encouraged to experiment freely with the qualities of acrylic paint—allowing it to flow, drag, scrape, layer, pool, blur and collide—to discover unexpected textures and effects.

These experiments will then become a resource for developing an individual landscape painting. Rather than working from a specific location, students will be encouraged to invent and construct their own landscape, drawing on memories, experiences and observations of places that have stayed with them.

St Ives itself provides a rich source of inspiration. The harbour, coastline, rocks, sea and changing skies can be observed and absorbed without becoming something that has to be literally reproduced. A walk through the town or along Porthmeor Beach might provide a colour, a texture, a fleeting impression or simply a feeling that can later find its way into a painting.

The emphasis throughout is on experimentation, spontaneity and enjoyment of the painting process. There is no requirement to produce a conventional or realistic landscape. Instead, the aim is to discover how paint and imagination can work together to create something that captures not only how a place looks, but something of how it feels to be there.

Come prepared to get lost in the elements—and to see where the paint takes you.

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

We’ll begin by exploring the feeling of landscape through a series of playful studio experiments. Using colour, texture and mark-making, we’ll look at ways of suggesting elements such as wind, water, rock, light and changing weather, with opportunities to gather impressions from the landscape around St Ives.

Day 2

Building on the first day’s experiments, we’ll explore how memories, observations and sensations of place can be translated into paint. You’ll begin developing ideas for your own landscape, combining different techniques and allowing the painting to evolve in a more intuitive and expressive way.

Day 3

The final day will focus on bringing your ideas together and developing a more resolved landscape painting. There will be time to experiment further, refine your work and reflect on the techniques and approaches you might want to carry forward into your own practice.

What will I learn?

  • How to use memory, observation and sensation as starting points for painting.
  • Develop a wider range of mark-making, texture and paint-handling techniques.
  • Explore expressive techniques for suggesting wind, rain, water, rock, light and atmosphere.
  • Gain confidence in moving beyond literal representation towards a more personal response to landscape.
  • Develop ideas and experiments into an individual, expressive landscape painting.

Who would this course suit?

This course is ideal for anyone looking to loosen up, experiment and find a more personal way of responding to landscape. It will suit those who enjoy exploring colour, texture and mark-making, whether you already have some painting experience or are looking to develop a more expressive approach.

The Feeling of Landscape

Acrylic / Painting / Abstract

Book Selected Date

Taught by

Neil
Canning

View Neil’s Work

Although group demonstrations and talks are an important part of the way I teach, I prefer to do as much as possible on a one-to-one basis. I believe this helps students develop their own creative voice and gears everything to their own personal level of development. Also addressing the direction they would like their work to take.

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.

As we endeavour to take a walk out into St Ives or along the beach at times during the course, please bring with you suitable clothing and footwear for the time of year that you are visiting, e.g. for Autumn and Winter courses, bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket and sensible footwear. For Spring and Summer courses, don’t forget your suncream and a sun hat.

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.

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:

  1. Go to our website: www.schoolofpainting.co.uk
  2. Click on the ‘Log in’ button (usually found near the top right of the page)
  3. Enter the email address and you used when booking
  4. 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 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.

You might also like...