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Course details
In this two-part webinar series, Dorset based artist, Nina Squire, shows you different ways of working with soft pastels to create painterly dynamic seascapes.
This webinar series focuses on the techniques possible with pastel painting (using soft pastels with liquid), you can expect a mix of traditional techniques and contemporary approaches. Follow Nina’s hands-on process, creating a seascape from blank paper to finished artwork. Allowing you to explore the unique properties of soft pastel and take a glimpse at what is possible.
Nina will be referencing artists such as Edgar Degas and Paula Rego, research shows how Degas used crushed pastel and water for added texture and details in soft pastel. Paula Rego experimented with pastels and described working in pastels, ‘like painting with your fingers’.
The online webinar series spans over two parts, giving you the chance to fully understand and get to grips with the materials in the first recording and then be inspired to explore this medium in your own time. Nina will be going in to more depth in the final recorded session, showing you how to create texture in your pastel paintings, how to layer and mix colours and guidance on perspective and composition. We will be using images of the local seascape around St. Ives as our reference.
Under Nina’s guidance, you will not only enhance your technical skills but also nurture your creativity and individual expression.
artwork and photo credits © Nina Squire 2023
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for individuals seeking to nurture their artistic identity, discover fresh techniques within a warm and encouraging environment, and overcome creative obstacles. Whether you are a novice or an accomplished artist, the skills and methodologies covered will enhance your understanding and inspire exploration of soft pastels and artistic approaches.
What will I learn?
1. Soft pastel techniques
2. How to create texture and expression in your pastel painting
3. Colour mixing with soft pastels – layering and using liquid (alcohol)
4. Basic understanding of tone, perspective and composition
5. How to scale up your compositions.
How does an online session work?
We record the sessions so you can watch on demand, as often as you like, for up to 60 days after purchase. This way you can pause a scene, rewind and finish your painting.
You will be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your discoveries with fellow students from around the world. You can also share your work live with others on social media using the #schoolofpainting and tagging us @stivespainting
You can watch on a PC, laptop or tablet and if you have chromecast or miracast you could even cast to your SmartTV from your phone.
Taught by
What to Bring
A list of materials will be available to see in your account on booking the course. If there are any pre-course tasks to complete before watching the sessions they can be found here too.
You will need access to the internet and ideally a PC, laptop or a tablet with audio.
You can revisit the recordings as often as you like for up to 60 days after the start of the course via the same links as the live events.
What our students say
I absolutely loved this course, I have learnt so much. I feel that I will be more free in my work, not worried about doing things wrong – that pastels can be worked back into – this course has left my mind buzzing with ideas and inspiration. Nina is a lovely tutor, informative, knowledgeable and fun, it was like spending time with a friend.
Seascapes are totally out of my comfort zone!! I usually paint animals, so I really appreciate Nina’s encouraging presentation which gives me confidence to try a subject matter I love but have always been scared of.
FAQs
Online Art Courses – All
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
Do I need a webcam/any equipment?
For our webinar sessions which are broadcast on the internet and no webcam or microphone is needed as you just need to be able to see/hear hosts and you can communicate using the chat function. You can watch using a PC, Smart TV or tablet. A phone isn’t ideal as you will struggle to see enough unless you can miracast to a screen or smart TV.
For the longer online courses on Zoom you will need a laptop or tablet with audio and camera enabled so you can have a screen near where you are working. If you have a PC without camera or speakers, you can purchase a plug and play webcam for approx £25 which connects to a usb port. You will also need reasonable broadband connection and speed.
All the art materials and equipment needed to participate in the course will be listed in full on the online learning platform, for live webinars this will be a minimum of two weeks before the session starts.
I have registered for the webinar but I can't find my joining link
You can access all the resources and joining link for your webinar via our online learning platform. You will need to have set up an account on our online learning platform in advance. You can do this during the checkout process when purchasing your webinar. If you are having trouble accessing your online account, please contact [email protected]. You can use a PC or tablet or even cast from your phone to watch on your Smart TV.
I paid for the session but missed it, how can I watch?
Currently all our online sessions are recorded and you can access the recording on our online learning platform until it expires. Usually 60 days for a webinar, 90 – 180 days for multipart webinars or online courses.
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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