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Course details
How do we portray the essence of our subject matter? Working from a still life arrangement discover a fresh approach to the way we observe the world around us, simplifying forms on a path to abstraction.
Throughout the course you will be drawing inspiration from artists such as William Scott and David Hockney, who both use spatial tension between objects in their paintings to create drama. William Scott, a prominent artist, was known for his portrayal of ordinary objects such as pots, pans, and fruits in his still-life paintings. Through his skilful use of colour, form, and composition, Scott breathed life into these mundane objects, elevating them to subjects of artistic contemplation. His works became highly regarded for their simplicity and refined beauty, effectively capturing the essence of daily domestic life.
Experienced teacher and artist, Ilker Cinarel, will encourage you to be bold as you observe your still life and interpret it through line, shape and form. Consider different angles, repetition of line and variations in composition and learn to consider tone, perspective and drama. Using a pared-back colour palette, discover the colours that inspire you and have fun experimenting with them.
Cultivate the ability to discern what elements to incorporate and what to omit. Create space for the viewer’s imagination to fill in the gaps, allowing for a more engaging and interactive experience with the artwork.
You will work on several pieces and iterations, to finish with a large-scale acrylic painting that reflects ‘the essence of form’.
Playful but structured, this course is ideal for beginners and a refreshing boost for those with more experience.
Day 1
On the first day, work from a still life arrangement to explore a range of compositions. After making short studies, scale up your images and paint with acrylics.
Day 2
On the second day, expand a chosen composition into a larger scale piece, looking closely at colour balance and impact.
Day 3
On the final day, experiment with abstracting your images and translate a chosen image into a painting.
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.
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.