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Course details
Transform everyday objects into still life paintings on this new three-day course with artist Eleanor Crow.
How do you find inspiration from your everyday surroundings? How do you work out interesting compositions when drawing or painting things you find in your house? On this three-day course, artist Eleanor Crow teaches you the subtle art of capturing the beauty of vases, bowls, bottles, fruit and flowers. Introducing you to how masters including Morandi, William Scott, Diebenkorn and Gwen John used the domestic setting as a place for inspiration, learn to capture the subtle tones in apparently simple subjects. Create captivating still-life compositions that capture subtle shifts of light and mood.
Working from your own still-life set-up, start by exploring tone and composition then create a tonal palette in limited colours. See how altering the combination of objects and the changing light – natural or artificial – can add rhythm and texture to your still-life set-ups. Eleanor will demonstrate how to transform your smaller studies into larger compositions, and how to add depth, tone and luminosity to your oil paintings. Ideal if you are new to oil painting, or are simply looking for new sources of inspiration, or ways to freshen up your approach.
Day to day plan
This is a rough indication of what to expect over the course. However sometimes the structure of the days may alter depending on the nature of the group and weather.
Day 1
Starting with an introduction to the idea of ‘groupings’, look to artists including Morandi, William Scott and Gwen John. Focus on tone and composition in charcoal and graphite in the morning, and then move to colour mixing in oils in the afternoon.
Day 2
Add to the colour mixing started on day one and then work on small studies. By the afternoon, begin a more involved, longer work.
Day 3
Working towards a finished, larger piece, you will have the opportunity to see your fellow students work in the afternoon.
What will I learn?
- Gain inspiration from your everyday surroundings. See how simple domestic objects you find in your home can inspire your work.
- Build confidence in working with oil paints.
- A greater understanding of other artists who have been inspired by still-life painting.
- Adding tone, depth and luminosity to your paintings.
- Gain confidence in building a composition.
Who would this course suit?
This course is suitable for anyone. If you are interested in finding new ways of capturing the environment around you, this course is for you. Most importantly, this will be a chance to explore and experiment without judgement.
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
Eleanor is a brilliant teacher, she managed to spend plenty of time with us individually as well as in a group and was encouraging and inspired us to make the most of our own individual styles.
Fantastic course. Eleanor was very generous with her advice and knowledge, and I certainly went away with a lot of information on how to approach tone, palette, and composition.
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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