Inspiration and Ideas

Why painting might be the antidote to our distracted world. We spend much of our day looking – but rarely noticing. Painting asks something very different of us. To create art, you have to slow down. You have to look carefully. The subtle colours inside a shadow, the way light shifts across a surface, the…

Somewhere along the way, making art can start to feel complicated. Life gets busy. Energy gets stretched. Expectations creep in. And the thing that once felt freeing slowly turns into something we keep meaning to get back to. “I’ll make time when things calm down.”“I’ll start again when I feel inspired.”“I don’t want to make…

In recent years, Gelli Printing has surged in popularity across the creative world. From professional artists and illustrators to hobbyists, teachers, and journalers, more people than ever are discovering the joy of this accessible and experimental form of printmaking. Scroll through social media or wander into a modern art studio, and chances are you’ll spot…

5 reasons why staying creative is good for your wellbeing Creativity is often seen as something reserved for artists or professionals, but in reality it’s a vital part of being human. Whether you paint, write, cook, make music, or simply enjoy learning something new, staying creative has powerful benefits for your emotional and physical wellbeing….

Wondering where to go on holiday this year? If you are looking for a slower pace, space to disconnect and reset – St Ives could be an ideal location. St Ives has long been celebrated as one of the UK’s most inspiring coastal towns. With its unique light, artistic heritage, and slower pace of life,…

January doesn’t need to be about becoming a new creative. For many, this time of year is quieter, slower, and a little disorienting. You might feel creatively flat after the Christmas break – or you might be standing at the beginning, unsure where to start. This guide isn’t about fixing yourself or setting ambitious resolutions….

At St Ives School of Painting, we’ve been welcoming artists of all levels since 1938 – from those who’ve studied for years to those discovering the joy of making art for the first time. That’s why Kate Bryan’s brilliant new book, How to Art, feels like such a kindred spirit to what we do. It’s…

The Cornish coast has a way of staying with you. It’s not just the dramatic cliffs or the expanse of sea, but the constant change – the weather, the light, the tide. For abstract artists, it’s less about painting a literal view and more about capturing the patterns, shapes, and moods that emerge in this…

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news: a new collaboration between three charitable trusts is helping us open our studio doors even wider to young artists across Cornwall. Thanks to the combined generosity of the Roy Ray Legacy Fund, the Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust, and – newly joining us this summer – the Little Parc Owles…

We caught up with Porthmeor Programme alumnus Sue Watt to get an insight into life before, during and after the programme. Sue lets us in on her daily routine, her artistic inspiration and her upcoming show (at the time) at Penwith Gallery.

We caught up with Porthmeor Programme alumnus Sue Watt to get an insight into life before, during and after the programme. Sue lets us in on her daily routine, her artistic inspiration and her upcoming show (at the time) at Penwith Gallery.

We caught up with Porthmeor Programme alumnus Sue Watt to get an insight into life before, during and after the programme. Sue lets us in on her daily routine, her artistic inspiration and her upcoming show (at the time) at Penwith Gallery.

With the rise of online learning, we now have access to a wealth of oil painting courses at our fingertips. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, choosing the right course can make all the difference. But with so many options available, how do you know which is best suited for…

There’s no doubt that artist’s have long been drawn to the challenge of painting coastal landscapes. Evoking a range of emotions, from the tranquillity of a calm beach at sunset, to the power of the waves crashing against the cliffs or rocks; there is something inherently mesmerising about the meeting of land and sea. Here…

In November 2024, we were joined by author and journalist, Wyl Meinmuir on our Discover Painting course led by Ilker Cinarel. From a novice painter’s perspective, he followed the course with a write up for readers of The Guardian, you can read more below! Written by Wyl Meinmuir A novice painter finds the artistic heritage…

Did you know that every penny of income we receive goes directly back into teaching art and giving local youngsters the opportunity to explore their creativity? Thanks to our donations from you, and investments from our incredible funders, 2024 saw a record-breaking year for our Young Artists Programme. 2024 saw the Young Artist’s programme expand,…

At times, we can all feel isolated and stuck within our creative boundaries, or within our art practices. Artists spend so much time alone, in their homes or studios, trying to create fresh work, but without the motivation or critical eye of supportive peers. Read more on how to develop your unique artistic style. One…

We are fairly experienced when it comes to life drawing, in fact our weekly regular life drawing classes can be dated back to the early 1970s!

Discover the origins of the abstract art movement and learn about the leading pioneers of this enticing subject.

As seen in… A Fresh Start JMW Turner expert Hilary Gibson reveals how ‘colour beginnings’ formed the basis of the artist’s greatest oil paintings and shows you how to create one at home. During my career as an illustrator and art tutor, JMW Turner’s draughtsmanship and ‘colour beginnings’ have been a constant joy and inspiration….

As seen in… Artists and two of tutors Liz Luckwell and Marion Taylor share their insights to achieving modernist minimalism in a modern time frame. Harness the powerful abstract potential of the still life, inspired by modernist icons William Scott and Ben Nicholson. Though still resolutely abstract, these 1940s paintings had a domestic quality to…

As seen in… Is it a bird, is it a plane? Our budding Rothko, Sean Newsom, signs up for an abstract art class in St Ives. Can I remind you that this jumble of fisherman cottages and harbour walls was also – for a time – the forcing house of British abstract art? – When…

As seen in… Anne-Marie Conway visits St Ives and joins us at the School of Painting to experience art lessons in Cornwall, in our stunning location above the beach during the quieter months. “Tape the paper down on your clipboard, you don’t want it blowing away,” advised our tutor, Liz Luckwell, as she led us out…

As seen in… Words by Jonathan Lorie As a major exhibition of the British sculptor opened, Jonathan Lorie travelled to St Ives, the town that inspired Barbara Hepworth, to feel its draw for himself. “Are you OK to get a bit mucky?” asks the drawing teacher as he hands me a stick of charcoal on…

As seen in… Landscape painting from artists’ perspective Words by Katie Avis-Riordan Three landscape artists, who also teach at St Ives School of Painting, reveal their top tips on how to paint a landscape painting for beginners. Find out how to paint landscapes using the recommended materials and techniques; and discover how to get inspired by…