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Course details
Learn to translate your creative impulse into meaningful composition by working in series rather than on individual pieces. Emphasis is on the freedom to progress, integrating observation with imagination.
Many artists feel compelled to make sketches of what they see in day-to-day life. However, back in the studio, developing these can be a challenge. This course will help you identify your unique vision of the world by integrating your observation of the material world with the personal topography of your memory and imagination. Learn to translate your creative impulse into meaningful work by working in series rather than on individual pieces. This course’s emphasis is on the freedom to progress, allowing more consolidated artwork to emerge.
The tutor will encourage you to recognise themes and narrative emerging from your work. This will empower you to identify your creative voice and develop it in new and unexpected ways. In contemplating other artists’ techniques for collecting and using source material, you will deepen your own conversation with your surroundings and your drawing.
The course’s series-based approach will reinvigorate your practice. It will build your confidence to decide what to respond to and how, and in using selective processes to develop your imagery and build narrative.
It presents a rare opportunity to learn from Peter Skerrett, drawing on his many years of experience as an architect, artist and now Senior Lecturer in Drawing at Falmouth University.
Using a range of media to create alternate versions of your work offers you a freer way to evolve sketches and source material. Peter will offer one-to-one support and you will also spend time with your peers sharing ideas and suggestions for progress, giving you a fresh take on your work that puts your progress at the centre. A wonderful chance to expand the potential of your imagery
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
Begin with an introduction and group discussion in the studio on how artists collect and record visual information from the environment. With your group and tutor, explore various locations around St Ives making drawings, notes, and photographs that will form the basis of your work. Then back in the studio, Peter will lead a series of exercises that will start to expand the potential of your sketches and begin to work towards a series of drawings.
Day 2
Develop your drawings further using the principles of selection, variation, scale, composition and emphasis. Make a series of work using a mix of materials including paint, collage and drawing to explore the essence of your creative voice.
Day 3
Using the tools and techniques developed over the previous two days, continue to work on your series. Peter will spend time with you individually and with the group – a chance to step back and determine how to move forward. On the last afternoon the group will review the progression of each individual series of works.
What will I learn?
- How to find and record the information you need when out sketching.
- How to select and make decisions about what to develop in your work.
- How to find ways to evolve work back in the studio.
- How to identify your own distinctive approach to a subject.
- How to critically review your work.
Who would this course suit?
If you draw or paint regularly but wish to invigorate and develop your work further, this course is for you. It will be useful for harnessing the potential of your source material into more resolved artworks. If you are less experienced but enjoy challenging yourself and experimenting with innovative approaches to making images, you would also benefit. Although a guided course, you should enjoy working independently.
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
Just loved being there. A painting holiday to remember always and so worth travelling from Australia to attend.
Informative course, emphasising the need to work through the journey of subject to achieve a valid response and believable outcome.
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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