Course details
How can you resist the urge to over complicate a painting? Learn the art of simplicity in your landscapes so everything matters more and learn to make meaning out of less.
There can be so much going on in a landscape that you are trying to capture. The simplicity and clarity of vision other painters achieve can seem incredibly allusive. In this three day course artist Tom Rickman will share with you many of the devices he has developed and learned that help achieve this sweet spot of balance, harmony and reduction. So something as complex as the landscape can be distilled and refined into the essentials we need to convey our ideas.
The course begins with outdoor sketching and exploration of the local landscape, introducing the concept of reduction and how to capture the essence of a scene in graphite and charcoal. Students will look at the work of artists known for their minimalist approach—such as Giorgio Morandi, William Nicholson, Mondrian, Frederic Church, and Turner—and begin applying these principles to their own developing practice.
Through guided exercises and discussion, students will gain a stronger understanding of composition, form, and balance, while building confidence in using oil paints to express pared-back, thoughtful responses to the landscape.
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 will start with an introduction to the course and talk about artists that have particular mastery over the art of reduction. We’ll then make sketches looking at the landscapes outside the studios and in the local area (weather permitting). In the afternoon we’ll develop our sketches back in the studio.
Day 2
We’ll head back out to gather more source material, using notes from the previous day. In the afternoon we’ll explore more landscape work by other artists and theory, looking at how we can apply techniques to our own painting moving into using oils on board.
Day 3
Working inside in the studio, we’ll develop pieces from previous days and look at how to bring a painting together.
What will I learn?
- How to simplify the landscape to reduce complexity
- Understand better economy and reduction of form and composition
- Explore the nature of the golden section to recognize “the sweet spot” in your composition and other visual devices to help you make decisions in your painting
- Understand how to articulate and balance the subject
- The basics of using oil paints
Who would this course suit?
This course is ideal if you have some painting experience but are looking to discover more in your painting. If you’re a complete novice you are most welcome to join – all that is required is the patience to look and see things a little differently. There will be some walking and painting en plein air, so please be prepared to do some walking and sit on rough ground or rocks to observe and sketch.
Ahead of your oil painting course with us if you would like to brush up your skills, you are entitled to 25% off our online “Getting Started with Oil Painting” course here. You will be given a code after purchasing our studio oil painting course.
Our studio ‘Beginner’s Oil Painting’ courses can be found here.
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.
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 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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