Get Involved

Artist tutor Iona Sanders is rarely still for long - between teaching, painting and taking on new creative projects, we were lucky enough to catch her to hear about her latest adventure: creating artwork and work-in-progress pieces for Steven Soderbergh’s new film, The Christophers, which premieres in the UK tomorrow, Friday 15 May.

In our latest blog, Iona shares how her paintings became part of the film’s artist studio set, what it was like working behind the scenes, and why authenticity was so central to the project.

🔗 Read more via the link in our bio ...

One week to go until @formfalmouth ✨

From 15-17 May, the three-day art festival will be taking place at Princess Pavilion, bringing together over 90 Cornish artists and makers - including many of our brilliant artist tutors.

With live music, local food vendors, and so many exciting and inspiring creatives to discover, it’s a fun, relaxed way to immerse yourself in Cornwall’s creativity and experience the vibrancy of Falmouth in full flow.

Come along, explore, meet the makers, and soak it all up - here are just a few of the artists exhibiting! ...

"I had found my place." ✨

Some of our best ideas are shaped by our students - their curiosity and the way they experience each course. But what matters most is hearing that the experience felt exactly as we had hoped it would when we first created it.

Following our recent Artist Retreat Weekend, Shelley shared:

"It felt like this was where I was meant to be - I had found my ‘place’. The tutors were wonderful - encouraging, informative, passionate, and they instilled a level of confidence I didn’t even know existed.

"We were encouraged to explore every medium, every surface, and every thought process - building on a theme that was woven through the three days."

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to leave their feedback 💙

📸 Bob Berry Photography ...

This week at St Ives School of Painting 💫

We’ve had a wonderful start to the year, with our courses full of both new and familiar faces. We can’t wait to welcome more of you in the weeks ahead!

If you’re booked to visit us, why not plan in a morning dip at Porthgwidden Beach before heading to the studio? The perfect way to start the day.

Here’s what’s coming up this week:

🗓️ Mon-Wed: Amy Albright leads Expressive Painting in the Elements. Missed it? You can join Amy again in October when she returns to run the course.

🗓️ Wednesday: The final session of our Interiors Art Club - it’s flown by! Don’t forget to sign up for June’s Art Club, where we’ll be exploring landscapes.

🗓️ Thursday: Our regular evening Life Drawing session, 18:30-20:30. Everyone’s welcome.

🗓️ Fri-Sun: Explore the town and harbour on Capturing St Ives with Hilary Jean Gibson - just one place left!

🗓️ Saturday: Saturday Life Drawing, 10:30-13:00. All levels welcome.

🔗 Browse more courses via the link in our bio
📸 Bob Berry Photography ...

Some things never change.

Since 1938, people have been coming here to create.

Different generations.
Same reason.

Art brings people together.

Happy World Art Day 🩵

#WorldArtDay #CultivatingCommunity #CreateTogether ...

“Sometimes you have to accept that there are some things you can do - and some things you cannot.” 💫

Ahead of his upcoming courses, we caught up with Brighton-based artist Julian Vilarrubi. Working directly from observation, his practice is rooted in looking, responding, and understanding what’s in front of you - whether in the studio or out in the landscape.

We’re looking forward to welcoming Julian back to the studio to explore figure, landscape, and composition.

🔗 Read the full interview via the link in our bio ...

This week at St Ives School of Painting 💫

We’re celebrating World Art Day this week - marking the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci and this year’s theme: Cultivating Community Through Art.

It’s something that runs through everything we do here at the School - from our Porthmeor Programme, where friendships are formed over time - to our newly introduced Online Art Club, connecting people around the world.

Whether you’re creating at home, learning something new, or sharing your skills - you’re part of it.

Here`s what`s coming up this week:

🗓️ Mon-Weds: Artist Natalie Day kicks off our sold-out Abstract Landscapes course, inspired by Lanyon

🗓️Wednesday: On World Art Day, Iona Sanders leads the second session of Online Art Club - Interiors.

🗓️ Thursday: Join us for our regular Thursday evening Life Drawing sessions, 18.30-20.30! Everyone`s welcome.

🗓️ Fri-Sun: Kerry Harding leads her popular sold out course, Poetry of Process.

🗓️ Saturday: Join us for our regular Saturday Life Drawing sessions, 10.30-13.00! Everyone`s welcome.

🔗 Browse more of our courses via the link in our bio ...

Meet Meg, our Studio Manager 👋

If you’ve attended a course with us, you’ll likely have met Meg.

She’s often the first person in the building - preparing the studios before the day begins, organising materials, coordinating with our technicians and artist tutors, and making sure we`re all set before the courses begin.

She’s also there when you arrive back from a morning painting on the coast - helping you settle in, making you a warm drink, and keeping things moving when the day gathers pace.

Much of her work happens quietly in the background. But every course relies on it.

"I’m very aware, in a practical sense, that quality art materials matter - and that a paintbrush can be a very personal thing! Or lighting... or tea breaks."

Alongside managing the studios, Meg has her own painting practice - some of her wonderful artworks featured here.

We spoke to her about what the role involves and what she values about working at St Ives School of Painting.

🔗 You can read more via the link in our bio - thanks Meg! ...

If you’ve been thinking about joining Art Club… now’s the time ⏰

We begin again tomorrow evening, and this is your last chance to join us live - set aside 90 minutes each week just for your creativity.

Slow down, reconnect, and build confidence in your work throughout the sessions.

This term, we’ll be focusing on interiors - documenting the everyday, working from our surroundings and moving from quick sketches to more layered, expressive work.

📆 Dates & Times:
Wednesday 8 April, Iona: 6–7.30pm
Wednesday 15 April, Iona: 6–7.30pm
Wednesday 22 April, Camilla: 6–7.30pm
Wednesday 29 April, Camilla: 6–7.30pm

🔗 Link to book is in our bio
🖼️ Featured: Kicthen Table, Iona Sanders ...