Where Sea Meets Land (online)
Oil / Landscape
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Register InterestCourse details
How to convey that fleeting moment when a wave crashes on the shore, its drama, energy and movement? Learn the secrets to capturing this dramatic encounter between sea and the land in oils.
We record these live sessions so you can watch again on demand for 1 month after the course. Students will have the opportunity to ask the tutor questions during these live sessions as well as have access to a group forum on a secured course platform. This private online space is a chance for you and your group to connect with each other and share progress during the course.
You will need to gather your own materials for the course and have access to the internet. We will have staff on hand to assist with your connecting on Zoom with a dedicated tech session. You will receive a comprehensive handbook on setting up ready for the course covering equipment and materials.
Using an expressive approach in oils capture the dramatic encounter between the sea and the land. Wherever you are in the world transport yourself to the dramatic coastline around St Ives. Working from a video capturing a dramatic Cornish day on the coast, students and Gary will observe and sketch, learning how to work with gouache to make annotations on colour and weather. Develop these into lively and dramatic oil paintings. You will gain confidence in using tools, techniques and a limited palette to capture drama and movement. Use these skills to respond to whatever landscape inspires you, not just the coast.
Learn how to work with gouache to make annotations on colour and weather. Develop these visual notes and sketches into lively and dramatic oil paintings. You will gain confidence in using a limited palette and work with a palette knife to capture drama and movement.
Teaching will be through both pre-recorded video demonstrations that transport you to our studio here in St Ives as well as 4 live sessions with a small group. Gary works on his own piece during these so students can observe the process of development.
As well as benefiting from live demos you will have the added bonus of time in between sessions to practice what you have learnt and gain feedback from your group and Gary. The group is kept small at just 15 students and you will be able to interact will your fellow students at the live zoom sessions as well as on our image sharing platform.
Painting by Gary Long 
Painting by Gary Long 
Day to day plan
This is a 2 week course and will work best for those that can commit time in between the live sessions. There is a combination of live, interactive sessions with Gary lasting two and a half hours as well as pre recorded videos to watch.
Upload images of your artwork to our proprietary course platform over the two weeks, so your class and tutor will be able to view, like and provide feedback.
Tech session
Live Zoom session Thursday 18th February 3pm – 4pm GMT
Technical induction with our digital administrator to ensure everyone is comfortable and ready for the first session.
Week 1 – Preparing the ground
In this first week you will work through in your own time a series of tasks to get ready for painting in the second week. Choose a local landscape of your own if you are able to draw outside or work from the recording we send you. There is one live session and pre-recorded instructional videos for this first week. Upload your studies onto our image sharing platform to share your progress with fellow students and Gary.
Monday 22 February– Observing closely
Live Zoom session 10.00am – 12.30pm GMT
Gary will meet you and your group and give you an overview of the course. In this first live session he will talk you through your first week and key tasks; the process of making an annotated drawing, a tonal study and working in gouache. Work from a video recording of a dramatic coastal scene. In the afternoon experiment with the drawing and tonal work. After the live session enjoy further instructional videos covering the key tasks for the day. Use this time to explore your local landscape if you can.
Tuesday 23 February – Moving into colour
Self study with instructional videos
In the morning you can move on to your third task. Access the video on how to move into colour using gouache. Spend the day experimenting with colour at home.
Wednesday 24 February – Experimenting
Self study
In your own time revisit the videos and work through this whole process again. Observe a landscape closely and create annotated notes, move into painting with charcoal and finally create a study in gouache. If you can, try out the process using your own local landscape. The more you experiment the more this will become second nature. Armed with lots of studies you will be ready to move into oils the following week.
Week 2 – Moving Into Oils
In this second week of study we move into painting with oils. Teaching is through three live interactive sessions. Upload your studies onto our image sharing platform to share your progress and get feedback from your fellow students and Gary.
Monday 1 March – Selecting image and palette
Live Zoom session 10.00am – 12.30pm GMT
Gary starts the session showing his own approach to working in oils. If you have an easel either desk or standing have this set up ready, otherwise work on the table. Gary will talk you through your materials and set up and how to start to put your drawing down on to the canvas. Learn to select and crop your colour study ready for this stage. Spend time creating your palette alongside Gary. In your afternoon practice your colour mixing so you have your palette ready for the next day.
Tuesday 2 March – Creating energy and movement
Live Zoom session 10.00am – 12.30pm GMT
Starting with a demonstration Gary will show you how to start your painting working with thin washes. Explore a range of mark making styles and tools to create a confident painting with movement and energy. In the afternoon in your own time continue to work on your painting.
Wednesday 3 March – Adjusting and resolving
Live Zoom session 10.00am – 12.30pm GMT
While students continue to work on their piece Gary will spend time with each student to look at the process of adjusting and resolving a painting. Share your piece with the group at the end of the day on the image sharing platform.
What you will get out of this course
- An understanding of the properties of oil paint so you can have more control of the paint and get the effect you want.
- Confidence in colour mixing so you can develop your own personal palette that you can recreate rather than rely on guesswork.
- The skills to develop paintings from drawing studies.
- Confidence in using a variety of tools and techniques to get a range of marks and effects. This will help you create paintings that are interesting and striking.
Who would this course suit?
Whether you are a complete beginner in oil paints or would like to build your confidence working with them, this course is a wonderful starting point. If you love painting landscape but feel stuck, this course gives useful tools for loosening up and animating your paintings.
Taught by
What to Bring
You will receive a comprehensive handbook on setting up ready for the course covering equipment and materials. We will guide you on how best to set up in your own home environment whatever that might be from the kitchen to the studio.
You will be provided with a full materials list and you will need to use oil paint and either low odour white spirit or Zest It, if you are sensitive to solvents.
IT Equipment
You will need a laptop or tablet with audio and camera enabled so you can have a screen near where you are working. A phone is not ideal as you will struggle to see enough. You will also need reasonable broadband connection and speed.
Timings and Breaks
On the Thursday before the course starts there will be technical session with our digital administrator to make sure you are comfortable with the technology and everything is working correctly. Times are in GMT.
Key Dates: Live Zoom Sessions
Pre Course Tech session – Thursday 18 February 3pm – 4pm
Session 1 – Monday 22 Feb 10.00am – 12.30pm
Session 2 – Monday 1 March 10.00am – 12.30pm
Session 3 – Tuesday 2 March 10.00am – 12.30pm
Session 4 – Wednesday 3 March 10.00am – 12.30pm
You will be set self-directed tasks to complete in between live sessions.
These classes will be recorded and available to view a couple of hours after the session ends so you can review and recap before the next morning session.
All recordings will be available for you to watch again on demand as many times as you like for one month after the course ends. This means you can review, pause, rewind and further develop your skills.
What our students say
It was well-structured and inspiring and it worked really well in every way!
Gary has a wonderful manner and makes the whole process of learning so easy. It feels really sad to have completed this course after three months.
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.
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.
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].
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.
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.
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