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Enjoy creating works using thick paint and vigorous brushstrokes as you explore the work of David Park on this three-day course.
David Park’s experiments with shape, colour, texture and temperature in painting will lead the way in this session.
Park was a key figure in the Bay Area Movement of San Francisco. Developing a representational style in thick paint and vigorous brushstrokes, Park felt it was important to focus on the present. Using Park’s representational style, we will respond to the world around us as the starting point for experimentation.
You will have the opportunity to work from a clothed model on the first day and the next two days you will work from your studies. Artist Gary Long will share with you some of the key facets of Park’s approach that has nourished his own practice for an inspirational weekend of drawing and painting from the figure. Working in various mediums, you will learn to develop a drawing into a painting through Gary’s demonstrations and guidance.
Day to day plan
This is a rough indication of what to expect over the course.
Day 1
On the first day, Gary will share with you images of David Park’s work and talk a little about Park’s way of working and his involvement in the Bay area Figurative Movement in San Francisco. You will have a chance to draw from a clothed model. Use various mediums including pencil, charcoal, stick and ink.
Day 2
Gary will start the class by sharing with you some of his colour work. After this, Gary will demonstrate how to add colour to your own sketches in gouache. You will be working now from your sketches to encourage the move into a more expressive and abstracted approach.
Day 3
On the final day, you will work from the previous day’s gouache paintings and then proceed to develop your images to oil.
Taught by
Who would this course suit?
This course is suitable for anyone. If you are interested in freshening your approach to capturing the figure as well as new ways of working with a variety of materials, this course is for you.
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.
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.