Summer Workshops
get creative
Our short workshops are a perfect addition to your summer holiday itinerary, with half-day and one-day art classes to choose from, suitable for complete beginners, children, those looking to gain more experience and even practising artists.
Browse Workshops
Join our inspiring short art workshops in St Ives, Cornwall, running throughout the summer. Set in one of the UK’s most iconic artistic locations, our courses offer the perfect opportunity to explore a variety of mediums and subjects, whether you’re a beginner or looking to develop your skills.
Learn to paint still life in our light-filled studios overlooking the ocean, or explore the Cornish coastline with guided outdoor painting and sketching sessions. Our art workshops in Cornwall are designed to help you build confidence in a relaxed, supportive environment.
More information
We offer flexible half-day and one-day art workshops in St Ives, held every Wednesday and Thursday from July through September – ideal for visitors looking for short, creative experiences during their stay in Cornwall.
– Open to adults and young people aged 14+ (when accompanied by an adult)
– Weekly children’s art workshops in St Ives every Friday during the summer holidays
– Suitable for ages 7–16, with fun, engaging sessions tailored to younger artists
Whether you’re visiting Cornwall or based locally, our short art workshops in St Ives provide a memorable creative experience in a truly inspiring coastal setting.
A Coast of Colour
Art Courses – Acrylic – Abstract
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000nIWi0
Active Instance: a02Nz00000a1pYPIAY, 01-Aug-2026
Discover the joy of painting the coast with bold colour, expressive marks and an intuitive, impressionistic response to the landscape.
| 1 – 2 Aug – 2 days – £295 | Book |
Abstract Coastline
Short Art Workshops – Mixed Media – Abstract
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000o4734
Active Instance: a02Nz00000d5JtCIAU, 06-Aug-2026
Spend a full day immersed in creative exploration, using collage and watercolour to develop abstract and experimental compositions inspired by the Cornish coastline.
| 6 Aug – 1 day – £120 | Book |
Abstract Coastline
Short Art Workshops – Water-based – Abstract
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000BGrwW
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eZTJSIA4, 17-Sep-2026
Create abstract and experimental compositions in collage and watercolour inspired by the Cornish coastline.
| 17 Sep – 3 hour(s) 13:30 – £60 | Book |
Abstract Harbour – St Ives
Short Art Workshops – Mixed Media – Seascapes
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000p4qKT
Active Instance: a02Nz00000dvohaIAA, 22-Jul-2026
Explore the St Ives harbour through a more playful, abstract lens in this half-day workshop designed to loosen your approach and encourage experimentation.
| 22 Jul – 3 hour(s) – £60 | Book |
Abstraction on the Beach
Short Art Workshops – Mixed Media – Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000US5ei
Active Instance: a02Nz00000d5LLVIA2, 20-Aug-2026
Join Liz Hough for a one-day workshop in St Ives, starting out on the harbour, to capture its energy and unique atmosphere, with inspiration drawn from John Piper.
| 20 Aug – 1 day – £120 | Book |
Beyond the Brush: Experimental Abstraction
Short Art Workshops – Acrylic – Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000Va37I
Active Instance: a02Nz00000epWRpIAM, 22-Sep-2026
Amy Albright will lead this half-day workshop, helping you experiment with playful techniques and tools to create expressive abstract acrylic paintings.
| 22 Sep – 3 hour(s) 09:30 – £60 | Book |
Coastal Colour & Collage – Kids
Short Art Workshops
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000YKtph
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eRcwbIAC, 24-Jul-2026
This is a collage workshop for 7-13 year olds. Using a mixture of materials, have fun making art outside and capturing what you see.
Coastal Colour & Collage – Kids
Short Art Workshops
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000YKtph
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eRXorIAG, 24-Jul-2026
This is a collage workshop for 7-13 year olds. Using a mixture of materials, have fun making art outside and capturing what you see.
Coastal Colour & Collage – Kids
Short Art Workshops
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000YKtph
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eRdELIA0, 28-Aug-2026
This is a collage workshop for 7-13 year olds. Using a mixture of materials, have fun making art outside and capturing what you see.
Coastal Colour & Collage – Kids
Short Art Workshops
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000YKtph
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eRdSrIAK, 28-Aug-2026
This is a collage workshop for 7-13 year olds. Using a mixture of materials, have fun making art outside and capturing what you see.
Colour, Composition + Confidence in Acrylics
Short Art Workshops – Acrylic – Still Life
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000qL0iH
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eZSLmIAO, 18-Sep-2026
A fun afternoon workshop exploring bold colour, strong composition and expressive mark-making in acrylic paint.
| 18 Sep – 3 hour(s) 13:30 – £60 | Book |
Colour, Shape & Imagination – Kids
Short Art Workshops
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000pg4Uv
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eRUnlIAG, 14-Aug-2026
This fun painting workshop is for 7-13 year olds. Young artists will dive into a world of bold colour and playful shapes, inspired by Patrick Heron.
Colour, Shape & Imagination – Kids
Short Art Workshops
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000pg4Uv
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eRJynIAG, 14-Aug-2026
This fun painting workshop is for 7-13 year olds. Young artists will dive into a world of bold colour and playful shapes, inspired by Patrick Heron.
Discover Mixed Media
Short Art Workshops – Mixed Media – Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000DTh8f
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eZUdkIAG, 15-Sep-2026
Does your art practice need a shake up? Do you want to try out different materials and methods of making in a relaxing studio environment with no pressure?
| 15 Sep – 3 hour(s) 13:30 – £60 | Book |
Everyone Can Draw
Short Art Workshops – Drawing – Beginners
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000BXtvd
Active Instance: a02Nz00000d5KCXIA2, 05-Aug-2026
Is there something stopping you from drawing, maybe you are lacking the confidence to put pencil to paper and draw the things that you want to?
Everyone Can Draw
Short Art Workshops – Drawing – Beginners
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000BXtvd
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eZSthIAG, 15-Sep-2026
Is there something stopping you from drawing, maybe you are lacking the confidence to put pencil to paper and draw the things that you want to?
Experimental Landscape – St Ives
Short Art Workshops – Drawing – Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000p4uUU
Active Instance: a02Nz00000dvuDVIAY, 12-Aug-2026
Build confidence in your drawing in this half-day workshop, designed to encourage a more open and experimental approach to landscape.
| 12 Aug – 3 hour(s) – £60 | Book |
Expressive Landscape in Oils
Short Art Workshops – Oil – Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a001r00000xN2t2
Active Instance: a02Nz00000f5GcQIAU, 21-Sep-2026
Explore the colour, movement and atmosphere of St Ives through plein air studies and expressive studio oil painting.
| 21 Sep – 3 hour(s) 13:30 – £60 | Book |
Expressive Painting- Kids
Short Art Workshops
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000ph1WZ
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eRabSIAS, 31-Jul-2026
This fun painting workshop is for 7-13 year olds. Unleash your creativity and explore the vibrant world of abstract and expressive painting with Laura Kent.
Expressive Painting- Kids
Short Art Workshops
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000ph1WZ
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eRh0DIAS, 31-Jul-2026
This fun painting workshop is for 7-13 year olds. Unleash your creativity and explore the vibrant world of abstract and expressive painting with Laura Kent.
Ink, Paint, Paper – Kids
Short Art Workshops
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000YL0ZM
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eRRmiIAG, 21-Aug-2026
For 7 – 13 year olds. Learn how to create atmospheric artworks on paper, inspired by images of the wild landscape of Cornwall, using acrylic inks and paint.
Ink, Paint, Paper – Kids
Short Art Workshops
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000YL0ZM
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eRWHhIAO, 21-Aug-2026
For 7 – 13 year olds. Learn how to create atmospheric artworks on paper, inspired by images of the wild landscape of Cornwall, using acrylic inks and paint.
Instinct + Still Life
Short Art Workshops – Acrylic – Still Life
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000QpJ80
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eZRRrIAO, 16-Sep-2026
On this half day workshop Iona Sanders will help you to find new ways in to creating expressive and lively still life paintings in acrylics.
| 16 Sep – 3 hour(s) 09:30 – £60 | Book |
Introduction to Acrylic Painting
Short Art Workshops – Acrylic – Beginners
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000qL8Cj
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eZVzaIAG, 18-Sep-2026
Discover the possibilities of acrylic painting in this relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop. Build confidence with colour, mark-making, and simple techniques in a morning.
| 18 Sep – 3 hour(s) 09:30 – £60 | Book |
Introduction to Oil Painting
Short Art Workshops – Oil
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00w000000kJcEf
Active Instance: a02Nz00000f51ezIAA, 21-Sep-2026
Discover the possibilities of oil painting in this relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop. Build confidence with colour, mark-making, and painterly techniques in a morning.
| 21 Sep – 3 hour(s) 09:30 – £60 | Book |
Keeping it Simple
Short Art Workshops – Oil – Still Life
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000PJ8yY
Active Instance: a02Nz00000fCscvIAC, 25-Sep-2026
Simplify and refine your painting skills on this half day workshop. Let go of the detail and avoid distraction to create powerful responses in oil paint to interior studies and landscape.
| 25 Sep – 3 hour(s) 13:30 – £60 | Book |
Liberating Landscape
Short Art Workshops – Acrylic – Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000QpJ8P
Active Instance: a02Nz00000ckVpMIAU, 03-Sep-2026
In this workshop, Iona Sanders will help you to find new ways into creating expressive and lively acrylic landscape paintings.
Liberating Landscape
Short Art Workshops – Acrylic – Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000QpJ8P
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eZUAfIAO, 16-Sep-2026
In this workshop, Iona Sanders will help you to find new ways into creating expressive and lively acrylic landscape paintings.
Love Drawing Landscape
Short Art Workshops – Drawing – Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000Ph0eC
Active Instance: a02Nz00000fCrwzIAC, 25-Sep-2026
Fire up your drawing confidence with this half day workshop. Working in the coastal landscape and in the studio learn new ways of looking at the world and interpreting it through your drawings in a sketchbook.
| 25 Sep – 3 hour(s) 09:30 – £60 | Book |
Mindful Ways to Paint
Short Art Workshops – Acrylic – Abstract
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000DfMI4
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eZR3CIAW, 17-Sep-2026
Take a pause from day-to-day life and step into a more mindful way of painting, tuning into both your surroundings and your own creative rhythm.
| 17 Sep – 3 hour(s) 09:30 – £60 | Book |
Ocean Patterns- Kids
Short Art Workshops
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000ph3rk
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eRgYnIAK, 07-Aug-2026
This is a workshop for 7-13 year olds. Dive into a world of ocean patterns.
Ocean Patterns- Kids
Short Art Workshops
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000ph3rk
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eRgSLIA0, 07-Aug-2026
This is a workshop for 7-13 year olds. Dive into a world of ocean patterns.
Oil Painting Essentials
Short Art Workshops – Oil – Beginners
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000JO4Fh
Active Instance: a02Nz00000d5Jy1IAE, 30-Jul-2026
Have you always wanted to try painting with oils but not sure where to start, which materials to buy and what to paint? In this short course artist Steven Buckler will help you to de-mystify the art of oil painting.
Oil Painting Essentials
Short Art Workshops – Oil – Beginners
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000JO4Fh
Active Instance: a02Nz00000d5LdFIAU, 26-Aug-2026
Have you always wanted to try painting with oils but not sure where to start, which materials to buy and what to paint? In this short course artist Steven Buckler will help you to de-mystify the art of oil painting.
Painting Dramatic Landscapes
Short Art Workshops – Mixed Media – Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000D9BXy
Active Instance: a02Nz00000emyPTIAY, 23-Sep-2026
Using experimental materials and mark making, create dramatic responses to the St Ives landscape that evoke a sense of place.
| 23 Sep – 3 hour(s) 09:30 – £60 | Last 2 places | Book |
Painting Dramatic Seascapes
Short Art Workshops – Mixed Media – Seascapes
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000D9Gr5
Active Instance: a02Nz00000emssTIAQ, 23-Sep-2026
Using experimental materials and mark making, create dramatic responses to the seascape, inspired by the paintings of Joan Eardley.
| 23 Sep – 3 hour(s) 13:30 – £60 | Last 2 places | Book |
Painting Still Life in Oils
Short Art Workshops – Oil – Still Life
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000rJ1jY
Active Instance: a02Nz00000fcIqjIAE, 24-Sep-2026
Slow down and explore the timeless practice of still life oil painting and develop a deeper understanding of light, tone and atmosphere.
| 24 Sep – 3 hour(s) 13:30 – £60 | Book |
Painting with Acrylic Inks
Short Art Workshops – Ink – Still Life
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000p4yRd
Active Instance: a02Nz00000dvwYfIAI, 13-Aug-2026
Explore the fluid, vibrant world of acrylic inks and their expressive potential with professional artist Ella Carty.
| 13 Aug – 1 day – £120 | Book |
Sea, Sky + Lanyon
Short Art Workshops – Acrylic – Seascapes
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000qBwyt
Active Instance: a02Nz00000epWejIAE, 22-Sep-2026
Capture the atmosphere and energy of the Cornish coast in a loose, expressive way. With inspiration from Peter Lanyon, the focus is on interpretation rather than realism.
| 22 Sep – 3 hour(s) 13:30 – £60 | Book |
Seeing In Colour
Short Art Workshops – Acrylic – Still Life
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000nfmXW
Active Instance: a02Nz00000ckVuBIAU, 15-Jul-2026
A vibrant half-day workshop exploring colour, composition and expressive still-life painting, inspired by modern artists and focused on building confidence and creative freedom.
Seeing In Colour
Short Art Workshops – Acrylic – Still Life
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000nfmXW
Active Instance: a02Nz00000ckZjMIAU, 29-Jul-2026
A vibrant half-day workshop exploring colour, composition and expressive still-life painting, inspired by modern artists and focused on building confidence and creative freedom.
St Ives in Line + Wash
Short Art Workshops – Water-based – Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000BGo9C
Active Instance: a02Nz00000dBRRRIA4, 16-Jul-2026
Create beautiful postcard sized paintings, inspired by our town and beach surroundings, using simple pen and wash techniques. No experience necessary, just come along and have fun.
St Ives in Line + Wash
Short Art Workshops – Water-based – Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000BGo9C
Active Instance: a02Nz00000dBPJBIA4, 19-Aug-2026
Create beautiful postcard sized paintings, inspired by our town and beach surroundings, using simple pen and wash techniques. No experience necessary, just come along and have fun.
St Ives in Line + Wash
Short Art Workshops – Water-based – Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000BGo9C
Active Instance: a02Nz00000dBPz7IAG, 02-Sep-2026
Create beautiful postcard sized paintings, inspired by our town and beach surroundings, using simple pen and wash techniques. No experience necessary, just come along and have fun.
The Alchemy of Bookmaking
Art Courses – Mixed Media
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000joGNp
Active Instance: a02Nz00000XLkrLIAT, 10-Oct-2026
Explore bookmaking beyond the traditional. Using Gelli printing, collage, and stitch, this course focuses on playful experimentation and creative freedom, resulting in a unique, hand-made book.
| 10 – 11 Oct – 2 days – £295 | Book |
Tonal Drawing for Painters
Short Art Workshops – Drawing – Still Life
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000rJWor
Active Instance: a02Nz00000fcHrRIAU, 24-Sep-2026
Discover how tonal drawing can transform the way you paint in this focused drawing workshop designed to support and strengthen your painting practice.
| 24 Sep – 3 hour(s) 09:30 – £60 | Book |
Vibrant Florals
Short Art Workshops – Mixed Media – Still Life
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000USldw
Active Instance: a02Nz00000d4ttvIAA, 23-Jul-2026
A playful and process-led workshop exploring the possibilities of mixed media painting through drawing, composition and mark-making.
| 23 Jul – 1 day – £120 | Book |
Walking in Terry Frost’s Footsteps
Short Art Workshops – Mixed Media – Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000o41NP
Active Instance: a02Nz00000d5LmvIAE, 27-Aug-2026
Join Liz Hough for a creative day in St Ives, taking inspiration from the work of renowned artist Terry Frost, and exploring ideas through a mixed media process.
| 27 Aug – 1 day – £120 | Book |
Watercolour Postcards from St Ives
Short Art Workshops – Drawing – Seascapes
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000q1yiX
Active Instance: a02Nz00000eZOV3IAO, 14-Sep-2026
Create beautiful postcard-sized watercolour paintings, inspired by St. Ives and its surroundings. No experience necessary, just come along, have fun and discover the joy of watercolour.
Watercolour Postcards from St Ives
Short Art Workshops – Drawing – Seascapes
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000q1yiX
Active Instance: a02Nz00000ehv5dIAA, 14-Sep-2026
Create beautiful postcard-sized watercolour paintings, inspired by St. Ives and its surroundings. No experience necessary, just come along, have fun and discover the joy of watercolour.
More Information
During our St Ives art classes, you can expect:
- Contemporary tuition from local practising artists
- A small group so you will get plenty of tutor time
- Stunning, spacious studios overlooking the ocean
- All materials included
- Your own art to take away and be proud of!
Location:
All of our art classes in St Ives are held at our spacious studios in the historic Porthmeor Studios building, located on Back Road West, overlooking Porthmeor Beach.
Find more information here.
Your Visit to St Ives
Warmed by the Gulf Stream, St Ives’ mild subtropical climate attracts visitors all year round. Its historical charm and scenic setting combined with bustling restaurants and numerous art galleries make this an ideal choice for an art class in Cornwall.
Here are some helpful tips and advice when it comes to planning your trip.
Accommodation
Wondering where to stay in St Ives? From converted sail lofts to hotels overlooking the ocean, there is a huge range of accommodation in St Ives.
Things To Do
There are so many things to do in St Ives! Build your Cornish holiday itinerary by visiting St Ives’ galleries and tasting the local food and drink.
Travel & Parking
Plan ahead for your art holiday in Cornwall with our travel tips. Find the best car parks in St Ives and choose from a range of public transport.
Join our Art Community
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
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BECOME A MEMBER
Join as a member for an annual fee of £40 and receive half price life drawing every Thursday and Saturday.
MAKE A DONATION
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