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Whistler, Symphony in White Coinciding with the Royal Academy’s major exhibition, join artist Gary Long for this Whistler-inspired live broadcast. Draw and paint from a live model in our Porthmeor Studios.
Gary Long 
Gary Long 
Gary Long
Many of Whistler’s works feature the red-haired figure of Joanna Hiffernan. As friend, model, lover and collaborator, Hiffernan’s relationship with Whistler ran deeper than artist and muse. Often painted in a white dress, these series of Whistler paintings have come to be known as ‘Woman in White’. Working from a live model, Gary will demonstrate how to position the figure on the paper, how to use simple, bold outlines, and when to add subtle tones and shades to emulate how Whistler worked.
Starting with 5 and 10 minute poses, these will be followed by longer poses to develop your drawings. You will have the option to introduce colour using gouache, watercolour or pastel.
Broadcast from our studio overlooking Porthmeor Beach, you will draw alongside Gary, live from the model. You will get a unique insight into how to produce loose, fluid, figurative sketches inspired by Whistler’s style.
The screen will be split between the model and Gary’s canvas throughout the session so you can draw and paint along with Gary. Your view will be different due to how we position the cameras. You won’t be seen or heard in the session but you can ask questions using the webinar chat function. Share your work live with others on social media using the #SaturdayLifeLive and #schoolofpainting
How Does an online session work?
Once you have booked, we will send you a link an hour before the session starts so you can join in live, all you need to do is follow the link ten minutes before the start time. You can watch this on a PC, or tablet and maybe even cast to your Smart TV from your phone.
You can put questions to the tutor using the chat function during the session. The sessions are recorded and you will be able to watch again at your leisure as many times as you want for up to a month. You will also be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your discoveries with fellow students from around the world.
Taught by
What to Bring
In this session Gary will start off using charcoal and pencils, and inks with brushes. He will move on to using gouache in white and black and then use gouache to add blocks of colour. Watercolour or acrylic can be used instead of gouache when moving into colour. Work on cartridge paper with a drawing board or sketch book. Have with you a rubber and sharpener, your drawing and painting materials with lots of water on hand.
White, burnt sienna, red, blue, black, yellow ochre.
You will need access to the internet and ideally a PC or laptop or a tablet with audio. Phones are less suitable due to the small screen size but certainly possible.
Timings and Breaks
We will start at 10.30 am and work for 2 hours. We will pause for questions at different points during the session you can pose any questions to the artist using the chat function.
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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