Liz Hough

My research for the online courses helps me to contextualise the rich history of the artists and landscape in and around St Ives. It is important for students to discover what sort of artist they are; I focus on what the student has to say, helping them to develop their own language, and to “find their own voice.” 

Responding directly to the ancient, rugged Cornish landscape, Liz Hough uses collage, painted papers, acrylics and oils to capture the essence of a place. After studying Fine Art at Manchester Polytechnic, Liz attended the Royal Academy Schools where she was awarded the prestigious Daler Rowney Prize and the Creswick Prize for Landscape Painting in Oils.  She was also featured in multiple editions of the Royal Academies Premiums Exhibitions. 

Following the Modern British Tradition, Liz takes simple shapes, abstracted from nature, and arranges them into strong compositions using vibrant colours alongside naturalistic tones. She has exhibited her paintings widely and is represented by Oliver Contemporary in London. Her work is held in national and international collections. Having also studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Perugia, Liz has spent time living and studying in rural Italy. She now lives and works in St Ives. 

What our students say

What an inspirational course. Liz Hough took us through the process in a most helpful and accessible way – we just didn’t want it to end. Many, many thanks. 

Val Hargreaves

Well resourced, relaxed, efficient, well paced, brilliant interface with the students on a group and individual basis, encouraging and challenging and fun!

Eileen Riddiford

I loved the multi faceted approach and Liz’s ability to react to individual needs and approaches. I loved the way that she highlighted a range of artists and also how she directed our gaze to each other’s work as potential for ideas. My understanding of the whole artistic process really improved and I feel more able to respond in a deeper way to mine and others work. Incredible experience.

Catherine Hale

I came with high expectations and amazingly they were exceeded!

John Rawling

It was just perfect and the back up from other staff members of the School of Painting was outstanding. For me it was the best painting course I’ve experienced together with venue, studios, equipment and location.

Janet Cranmer

Warm, welcoming and engaged tutor, the course was well structured and well organised, lovely atmosphere, all necessary materials supplied, the studio was bright and airy – and then there was the landscape!

Ann

Liz was a lovely inspiration…and made us all feel very relaxed as a group, so you still felt like you were having a creative break away, but at the same time able to push your self forward creatively.

Elizabeth Crabb

Well resourced, relaxed, efficient, well paced, brilliant interface with the students on a group and individual basis, encouraging and challenging and fun.

Eileen Riddiford

A wonderful school and inspiring teacher who encouraged and helped us to explore our own practice whilst pushing us beyond our perceived limitations – excellent .

Jessica Oliver

I feel very lucky to have been part of this weeks course and hope to be able to come back to St Ives Painting School sometime in the future. Everybody we met in the school was friendly and welcoming.

Moira MacDougall

The pace was just right. I enjoyed the 3 different media- sketching, collage then painting. We were eased into it gently. It was relaxing, interesting and fun as well as inspiring. Thank you for a fantastic, relaxing time.

Sara Truelove

Actually it exceeded my expectations. While looking forward to attending, I was concerned that I had only a year’s experience of painting and that I might be out of my depth. But Liz’s teaching was made me feel at home.

George Dow

I liked the group. I also liked the town, the centre d’arte, and as always Liz is a very intuitive, stimulating tutor. Very well researched course that was constructive as well as being fun.

Sally Holman

The fact that this was my third experience of this course and each time I have learned more and it has had changes that continued to challenge says it all.

Patricia Gilliland

Inspiring course, well guided and paced. Excellent tutor who helps you get the best out of your painting experience.

Sally Holman

I want to just say how much I’ve enjoyed this course! Liz has made it so interesting and inspiring. I’ll be signing up for her upcoming online course!

Victoria Waugh

I just wanted to say how brilliant Liz is – she is a great teacher – so calm, kind and inspiring – can’t wait to get out there with my camera!

Lucy Powell

Your teachers seem to have a unique ability that I haven’t found often in being able to direct their teaching to both beginners and more advanced students. Keep going and thank you!

Rosemary Howden

I just loved the tasks and I am expanding them because of Liz’s suggestions & ideas. I am so grateful for her enabling me to do it so confidently.

Eleanor

The weekend was well organised with plenty for us to get our teeth into. Great explanations and demonstrations from Liz, lots of food for thought from Ilker

Sal

Actually exceeded my expectations. While looking forward to attending, I was concerned that I only have a years experience of painting and that i might be out of my depth. Liz’s teaching made me feel at home. 

George Dow

Liz Hough is not only a brilliant artist but she’s also a fabulous teacher – a rare combination. The course was extremely well structured and clearly explained. Liz has furnished me with a solid working process which I can now use to take my work forward. She is also a generous, gentle, and encouraging teacher and made the whole week a real pleasure.

Petra

…the course fulfilled all its promises – providing lots of excellent teaching, new methods to try and lots of ideas and individual advice for taking work further during lockdown.

Michele Millard

Such a fascinating process and challenging!

Judith M

I just wanted to say how brilliant Liz is – she is a great teacher – so calm, kind and inspiring – and I can’t wait now to get out there with my camera!

Jennifer Powell

Courses with Liz Hough

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Abstraction - A Closer Look

Liz Hough

Online Pre-recorded - Mixed Media - Landscape

Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000NYNaF
Active Instance: a024J00000DPmySQAT, 01-Jan-2025

Over 3 sessions, Liz takes you through common questions asked on her previous courses: finding your own, unique content; form versus line; and scaling up.

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£120 Book

Abstraction - Developing

Liz Hough

Online Pre-recorded - Mixed Media - Landscape

Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000FFGfL
Active Instance: a024J000008PxZkQAK, 01-Jan-2025

Over 4 recordings, explore Liz's processes of painting, collage and print. Emerge confident in experimentation with a cohesive collection of new works and ideas.

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£120 Book

Artist Retreat Weekend - Autumn

Ilker CinarelLiz Hough

Weekend Art Courses - Mixed Media

Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000G2ceX
Active Instance: a024J00000DzNmTQAV, 22-Nov-2024

A developmental weekend working with two professional artists, combining 1-1 tutorials with a fun practical weekend of painting. Aimed at those developing an art practice.

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22 - 24 Nov - 3 days - £525 Book

Artists' Retreat Week

Ilker CinarelLiz HoughCamilla Dixon

Art Courses - Mixed Media

Active sort order:
Course ID: a00w000000i3cv9
Active Instance: a024J00000DzNWvQAN, 09-Dec-2024

Remember and revive your reasons for making art and reboot your practice. As part of a small group, benefit from directed exercises, peer feedback and 1-1 mentoring from two professional artists.

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9 - 13 Dec - 5 days - £625 Book

Ways of Abstracting

Liz Hough

Online Pre-recorded - Mixed Media - Abstract

Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000AAlon
Active Instance: a024J00000BeEcZQAV, 31-Jan-2025

Join artist Liz Hough in our studio to demystify abstract painting and explore alternative ways of seeing the world around you. Fire up your creativity with this one hour live online session designed to inspire and get you making and investigating at home.

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£27 Book