Course details
Join practising artist, Victoria Gillow, in this playful exploration of building history and narratives into paintings, through the use of coloured grounds and under painting.
The ‘well grounded’ webinar aims to enable artists to playfully identify and work with ideas around a painter’s choice of ground and how this can then inform how an artist starts to layer and build a painting, as well as how it can influence the way a painting is created and subsequently read/viewed, interacted with and enjoyed.
Every layer of colour, texture and mark adds to the history and narrative in a painting. Coloured grounds and under painting can be literal with a colour taken from the place observed or remembered. The choice of ground can also be an emotional one, informed by a true and deep connection with place – so it can work on two levels. We will look at different ways we can play with these ideas.
Taking inspiration from artists such as John Constable, Peter Lanyon and March Rothko, amongst others, Victoria will guide you on how to find balance, patterns and rhythms of colour and on how colours works with or against each other.
Working from your chosen images or from direct observation, Victoria will be showing you how to create paintings from the ground up. Learn about building grounds with colour and the possibilities of impasto, textured, and collaged grounds. Take the time to consider the way you apply the paint and how to create the energy in a brush stroke. You will be encouraged to ‘find your own voice’ through mark making and layers, paint and texture; to create a series of artwork.
The workshop promises to be playful and fun, with layers informing the reading of the paintings and artworks we produce. Everyone will have their own connection with a place, perhaps an immediate emotive response or maybe layers of memory and reflection.



Who is this course for?
This course would suit artists with experience and beginners a like. There will be something for everyone with the emphasis on accessing creativity a well as freeing up and enabling reverie in process based practice.
An interest in landscape/seascape painting would be useful.
What will I learn?
- How to bring new life and energy to a painting
- Explore how a painting can work from the ground up
- How layers work in paintings
- How a narrative and feeling can be built layer by layer
- Basic colour mixing
- Build confidence in using acrylic paints and mediums
How does an online session work?
We record the sessions so you can watch on demand, as often as you like, for up to 60 days after purchase. This way you can pause a scene, rewind and finish your painting. You can watch on a PC, laptop or tablet and if you have chromecast or miracast you could even cast to your SmartTV from your phone.
You will be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your discoveries with fellow students from around the world. You can also share your work live with others on social media using the #schoolofpainting and tagging us @stives painting.
Taught by
What to Bring
A list of materials will be available to see in your account upon booking the course. You will need access to the internet and ideally a PC, laptop or a tablet with audio.
You can revisit as often as you like for up to 60 days after the start of the course via the same links as the live events.
What our students say
It was great to learn how to start a painting, from standing at your favourite spot and starting sketching. There were so many tips to guide the painter. I particularly loved how Victoria teaches to build the layers of colours and make it exciting, explaining how to use mediums and other tips to create texture etc. Victoria is a great and generous teacher and I would love to attend her course in person one day.
What a great tutor! Victoria’s passion for her environment and her work was contagious, everything she did in the webinar – and she did a lot – was done with such enthusiasm; and even when she was talking us through quite basic things like colour mixing and sketching, she was so enthusiastic and empowering that it all felt really fresh and exciting. As Victoria shared her process the webinar just flowed so naturally and spontaneously, and it was so skillful that she could talk directly, answer questions, and while doing so produce really lovely work.
An action packed lesson, I learnt so much, itching to get outside and get painting!
A really enjoyable experience. Victoria Gillow is an outstanding and inspiring teacher.
FAQs
Online Art Courses
How do I log in to my online account?
To log in to your account, please follow these steps:
- Go to our website: www.schoolofpainting.co.uk
- Click on the ‘Log in’ button (usually found near the top right of the page)
- Enter the email address and you used when booking
- 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.
Can I learn painting online from home?
Yes. Our online painting courses allow you to learn from professional artists wherever you are. You can pause demonstrations, revisit lessons and work through practical exercises in your own time.
Are online art courses suitable for beginners?
Many of our online art courses are suitable for beginners. Course descriptions explain the recommended level, materials and experience so that you can choose a course that feels manageable and relevant to your interests.
How do online art courses work?
Once you have purchased an online course, you can access it through your account and work through the video tuition and supporting resources at a time that suits you. Access periods vary from 60 – 180 days, just check the individual course page before booking.
For live webinars, once you book a place, we will share a link with you in advance so you can join us at the relevant start time – this is typically via Zoom. A recording of the webinar will be shared with you after the webinar so you can re-watch in your own time.
Do you offer online art courses?
Yes. We have more than 90 online art courses covering painting, drawing, colour, landscape, abstraction, mixed media and other creative subjects. The courses are taught by practising artists and can be followed from home at your own pace.
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.
In Person Courses
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.
What art courses do you offer in St Ives?
We offer a varied programme of art courses in St Ives, including painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media and life drawing. You can choose from one-day workshops, short summer sessions and more immersive three- and four-day studio courses. We also offer longer development courses for those looking to take their practice to the next level.
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
