Camellias in the Window, PortscathoWinifred Nicholson + the Window (online)
Oil / Landscape / Still Life
We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.
Register InterestCourse details
Join renowned artist Alice Mumford as she shares her unique style and technique to help you create tantalising paintings infused with light.
Capture in oils your own view of the world through your chosen window. Alice has chosen one of her favourite themes for the course combining the approaches of artist Winifred Nicholson with looking through windows.
The view from our window can be a source of comfort and connection to the world. Yours might be a busy urban view or a quiet rural landscape.
Working in oils, Alice will show you to create the unique colour palette of Winnifred Nicholson who once said:
‘I like that harmony to be expressed in colour. For colour is one of the surest means of expressing joy ‘
The four days will combine live learning via Zoom with Alice and your fellow students, with self study time. There will be exercises set by Alice to ensure this study time is structured and fruitful.
This will be a small intimate group of 13 students. You will have direct contact with Alice during the live sessions during which you can ask questions and get feedback on your work.
The sessions will be recorded and you will be able to watch again on demand for an additional 6 months.
You will need to gather together 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. You will receive a comprehensive handbook on setting up ready for the course covering equipment and materials.
Day to day plan
This is a 4 day course and will work best for those that can commit 4 whole days. With a daily live and interactive session with Alice lasting two and a half hours you will then go off to work on your own piece with guidance and direction to follow. For all our International students, please note timings are GMT.
Friday before the course starts
Zoom session 10:30am – 11:30pm
Technical induction with our digital administrator to ensure you are comfortable and ready for the first session.
Day 1
Zoom session 10:00am – 12.30pm
Alice will connect with the group on Zoom to discuss how Winifred Nicholson uses the colour scale. We then set up a palette together. There will be a live demonstration in the session. You will then have a series of exercises to do in your own time before the next zoom session taken from Winifred Nicholson’s colour scale. You should expect to be painting for at least 3 hours.
Day 2
Zoom session 10:00am – 12.30pm
You will have now spent several hours going through the exercises from the day before and we will regroup on Zoom to see how you have got on. Using the palette from day 1 in this session we approach painting both the window and the view beyond, in different ways on small boards. Continue this exploration until the next session.
Day 3
Zoom session 10:00am – 12:30pm
Today we bring together what we have learnt so far and move to a larger scale. Alice will start with a live demonstration and you will continue working on your larger scale painting for the afternoon.
Day 4
Zoom session 10:00am – 12:30pm
There will be a group session on this final morning where Alice will give one to one feedback on the work. She will help you work out what you need to do to resolve and finish your painting. Post your work on our private online learning platform so you can share with your fellow students your final results and see and comment on each other’s work. You will have access to this platform and all the course resources for a further 6 months.
What will I learn?
Looking through windows has been a subject loved by painters since the Golden age of Dutch painting. There are different approaches to the challenge of this often painted theme. It breaks down into foreground, middle ground and distance. Understanding how this can work in paint is the key.
You will benefit from the wonderful insights of Winifred Nicholson starting with her colour scales. These help us attune to our inner library of colour. By learning how to liberate colour by not worrying about form, discover an approach that could be a game changer for your painting.
Who would this course suit?
This course is suitable for the adventurous who are also interested in the roots of 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.
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
Technical induction Friday 15 October 10:30 – 11:30am
Day 1 – Monday 18 October 10:00am – 12:30pm
Day 2 – Tuesday 19 October 10:00am – 12:30pm
Day 3 – Wednesday 20 October 10:00am – 12:30pm
Day 4 – Thursday 21 October 10:00am- 12:30pm
You will be set carefully structured tasks to complete 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.
You will retain access to these recordings and course materials for a further six months so you can watch again and practice at your own pace
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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