artists students being creative in the studio light streaming from roof windows

Unlocking Your Creativity

Acrylic / Mixed Media - Materials included

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

Register Interest

Course details

This transformational course gives you space to explore your personal approach to making art. Structured creative exercises will help silence those doubting gremlins, generate new ideas and reignite the artist in you.

Borlase Smart Studio, St Ives School of Painting

This is an ideal course if you are feeling a bit stuck and looking to unleash your creativity. At the end of it you will have a better understanding as to what kind of artist you would like to be and what kind of art you would like to make. This is relevant whether you are an experienced artist or just starting out.

The tutor will guide you through a series of playful exercises, including automatic drawing and dream boxes, designed to help you generate ideas and develop new imagery. You’ll be encouraged to experiment, take creative risks and explore a wide range of materials. With individual support and mentoring throughout the course, you’ll have the freedom to develop your work in a direction that feels right for you, using the materials and approaches that best suit your practice.

You will create interesting work that explores a very personal approach to the world around you and your own creativity;

Ilker Cinarel, ran this mixed media course. He gently nudged, probed, directed, demonstrating extensive art knowledge but allowed discussion, one to one, differentiated to each skills base. I’m feeling inspired & confident to move forward from stagnation. Ilker is a passionate creator I feel very privileged to have experienced such excellent tutoring.’ Jane 

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

Understand your practice. Explore your motivations for making work through structured exercises.

Day 2

Discover your authentic artist. Work to create a three dimensional piece to explore memories, relationships, observations. Exercises and discussions will help you explore what kind of artist you are and want to be. Collaborate to unlock your creativity, understanding collective making.

Day 3

With 1-1 tutorials based on your creative journal you will start to consider what material best suits your approach – painting, installation, drawing, collage.  Choose your colour palette and medium. Challenge yourself to scale up or approach the use of materials differently. The tutor will spend time with you individually during the day as you continue to develop your piece. Spend time considering each other’s work and share progress and next steps.

What will I learn?

  • A better understanding of what kind of artist you want to be and what kind of work you want to make 
  • Skills and methods to generate ideas and develop imagery
  • Energy and motivation to get creative and make new work
  • Time and space to reflect

Who would this course suit?

This is an ideal course for those who feel a bit stuck and need to re-energise their creativity. You might feel that the process of making art is what you need help with rather than instruction on the skills of painting and drawing. 

This could also suit you if you have a creative background and want to find a way of harnessing this to make art. You might not have an art background but you enjoy being challenged, discussions with others and the chance to be playful.

Unlocking Your Creativity

Acrylic / Mixed Media – Materials included

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

Register Interest

Taught by

Kitty
Hillier

View Kitty’s Work

My approach encourages play, experimentation and trust in our gut intuition. It’s always great to hear that after trying some of the quick mark-making and drawing exercises that I teach, people are keen to repeat them at home regularly as a way to relax or reset. 

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. We will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.

What our students say

Ilker is inspirational teacher. His insight and knowledge of art enables each student to benefit in the most constructive way.

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.

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