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Course details
Have you ever noticed that being in some landscapes can feel as though you are in a painting by Turner or Rothko? How did it come about that a landscape reminds you of a painting and not the other way around? Discover how to evoke the engulfing experience of being in the landscape.
Renowned for his use of light and colour, Tom Rickman shows you that concentrating on this rather than perfecting form or outline allows a more expressive, emotional painting to emerge.
Work outside in the landscape – Tom shows you techniques for responding to landscape subjectively and expressively. St Ives’ magnificent landscapes can make for an overwhelming subject when it comes to painting. With uninterrupted views and darting light, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Tom Rickman teaches you the art of looking subjectively at landscape: how to look through the eyes of a painter.
Work en plein air focussing on the sky. Tom encourages notetaking alongside your sketching, showing you how to take down visual information and ideas in a way that is invaluable back in the studio or at home. In our studios, he’ll arm you with the necessary colour theory for developing your sketches in pastel and paint. You’ll gain practical advice on using gouache and oils and how to make the paint work for you. Tom shares tricks of the light used by Monet and Turner to bring a sublime quality to your paintings.
As much a course in looking as it is in painting, the three days teach you to paint with intelligence and resonance, creating work that’s unforgettable.
Day to day plan
Day 1
We’ll start with an introduction to the course and talk about some artists that have particular mastery over light and colour in their landscape work. We’ll then make sketches looking at the sky outside the studios and in the local area (weather permitting). In the afternoon we’ll develop our sketches back in the studio and do some exercises in colour theory.
Day 2
We’ll head back out to gather more source material, using notes from the previous day. In the afternoon we’ll explore more landscape work by other artists and theory, looking at how we can apply techniques to our own painting.
Day 3
Working inside or outside, we’ll develop pieces from previous days and look at how to bring a painting together.
What will I learn?
- An enhanced awareness of light and colour in landscape.
- A practical application of colour theory.
- An understanding of how to take subject matter back to the studio and develop it through visual and writing practice.
- How to look at and record light and landscape in an expressive and subjective way.
- Techniques for ‘looking’ at landscape.
Who would this course suit?
This course is ideal if you have some painting experience but are looking to discover more in your painting. If you’re a complete novice you are most welcome to join – all that is required is the patience to look and see things a little differently. There will be some walking and painting en plein air, so please be prepared to do some walking and sit on rough ground or rocks to observe and sketch.
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
The course exceeded my expectations. Tom was an excellent tutor; he was very well informed and shared his artistic experiences and knowledge in an accessible way. He was encouraging in a very subtle way and supported each individual according to our strengths. A thoroughly enjoyable three days in a fantastic, well-resourced studio in beautiful St. Ives.
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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