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Course details
Discover how to incorporate the physical elements of the landscape into rich textures. Develop your drawings to create textured paintings using oils and ‘found objects’ from the surroundings.
In this workshop artist Kieran Stiles will share with you how his plein air painting practice informs his visual vocabulary.
The landscape surrounding us in St. Ives will be our starting point with its rugged coast line and expanse of sea and sky. The morning will be spent drawing the sea and rocks from direct observation, as a way of gathering information and exploring visual ideas about representation.
In the afternoon, learn how to develop your drawings into an oil painting which incorporates found objects from the landscape, such as sand, grit and other materials to reflect the textural quality of the natural world.
An enjoyable day workshop in which you will explore how to mix a range of media to create textural and spontaneous responses to the landscape.
The St. Ives School of Painting is a friendly and welcoming place for all levels of ability, class sizes are kept small to create a nurturing environment for all.
Taught by
What to Bring
All materials are provided including a portfolio folder to take your work home with you. As we plan to 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
The workshop starts at 10am and finishes at 4.00pm, please aim to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start time. 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.
What our students say
It was a joy from beginning to end. Loved the course.
Thoroughly enjoyed whole experience Kieran was an excellent teacher and I learnt so much – thank you
FAQs
Studio Courses
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 the school has plastic folders available in our shop for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.
For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home.
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.
Weekend Courses run 10am – 4pm on the first day but the final day starts at 9.30 and ends at 3.30 with a short lunch break to enable people to get home that evening.
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.
If any of the courses do need a bit of experience we flag this up in the brochure and 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.