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Course details
Use the simple yet powerful technique of line and wash to study St Ives’ buildings, cottages and cobbled streets and bring them to life in the studio.
Capture the unforgettable essence of St Ives harbour and town, its buildings, cottages and cobbled streets that have changed little over the centuries.
Join artist Hilary Jean Gibson on this three-day course exploring the picturesque town of St Ives. Let Hilary show you more familiar sites of the town alongside hidden gems. Learn about St Ives’s fascinating history as a hub for artists and visit some of the famous locations where artists lived and worked.
Over the three-days, you will learn how to use the deceptively simple approach of line and wash to capture these locations in situ. You will create annotated studies to return to the studio to develop into larger pieces using pen, ink and wash.
This course is ideal if you want to learn to realistically capture buildings and streets from simple and straightforward techniques. Using minimal materials, you will build confidence in capturing a sense of place wherever you go!
Day to day plan
Day 1
After an introduction to the course, we’ll explore mark making techniques in pen and pencil. Then, we’ll go out to the harbour and capture some of St Ives’ most iconic views, considering composition and perspective. Back in the studio, Hilary will demonstrate using ink washes in both monochrome and a limited palette, including some colour theory and mixing. We’ll then go back outside and put these techniques into practice.
Day 2
Today we’ll focus on line, to capture some of St Ives’ architecture. We’ll work on simplifying and paring back images to get at the essence of place.
Day 3
We’ll work into colour beginnings, enjoying the freedom of ink. We’ll then look back at work from the three days and select stronger pieces to develop using your preferred media and scale.
Who would the course suit?
Suitable for any level of experience as tuition will be provided. Ideal for anyone with an interest in the buildings and history of St Ives.
There will be some walking involved around the town, when we are outdoor sketching, which will probably involve some hills/slopes. We will be working outside most days for a few hours so come prepared with warm and waterproof clothing.
Taught by
What to Bring
Our studios are fully equipped and we provide you with all the materials you need for your course. However, if you have a favourite set of brushes or any specialist materials that you would prefer to use, please bring them with you.
Timings and Breaks
The first day starts at 10am and finishes at 4.30pm, please aim to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start time.
All course days after that start at 9.30am and finish at 4pm and there will be an hour for lunch. There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.
What our students say
I enjoyed the drawing and painting activities indoors and outside very much I learnt a lot and already started to practice at home. Inspiring teacher. Lovely people on the course.
I really enjoyed the drawing and painting activities indoors and outside. I learnt a lot and have already started to practice at home. Inspiring teacher, and lovely people on the course.
FAQs
Studio Courses
How can I get help in choosing a course?
Our friendly expert staff are always happy to discuss your needs and our courses in more detail to help you with your decision. Please call us on 01736 797180
How do I get my work home?
Tutors have special techniques for transporting oil paintings and the school has plastic folders available in our shop for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.
For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home.
What do I need to bring?
Absolutely nothing! All materials and aprons are provided although some people do like to bring their own set of brushes.
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.
Weekend Courses run 10am – 4pm on the first day but the final day starts at 9.30 and ends at 3.30 with a short lunch break to enable people to get home that evening.
Do you have to be experienced to come to the School?
The School is a very friendly and welcoming place for all ages and experience. Our drop-in life classes and August half-day workshops are ideal for those wanting to have a go for the first time. Most of our longer courses are also fine for novices.
If any of the courses do need a bit of experience we flag this up in the brochure and on the website.
Booking a Course
How can I reserve a place?
We will hold a provisional reservation for 24 hours if you give us a call whilst you find accommodation. Otherwise please book online or by telephone 01736 797180.
You can reserve a place with a £100 deposit; balance is due 12 weeks before course start date.
About St Ives
Where do I park?
The nearest long stay public car parks are the Island and Barnoon Long Stay Car Park, both a 5 minute walk away. In the peak summer months it may be easier to park at Trenwith Car Park by the leisure centre and walk down into town. If you don’t fancy the walk up the hill at the end of the day there is a shuttle bus which runs from outside the cinema.
How do I get there?
Public Transport: If you are coming from further afield the main train line runs into St Erth which is a 15 min taxi ride away or you can take the St Ives Bay Line which runs approx. every 30 minutes. The School is a 10 minute walk from St Ives station.
Driving: M5 will take you to Exeter where we recommend that you take the A30 across Bodmin Moor and into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, leave the A30 at St Erth roundabout for St Ives. Turn right at the second roundabout. This road will take you through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives.
Where can I stay?
St Ives has a huge selection of hotels, guest houses and self catering accommodation to choose from. Please browse the art holidays St Ives section on our website and give us a call if you would like any help.
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