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Course details
This transformational course gives you space to explore your personal approach to making art. Structured creative exercises will help silence those doubting gremlins, generate new ideas and reignite the artist in you.
This is an ideal course if you are feeling a bit stuck and looking to unleash your creativity. At the end of it you will have a better understanding as to what kind of artist you would like to be and what kind of art you would like to make. This is relevant whether you are an experienced artist or just starting out.
The tutor will lead a series of exercises, including automatic drawing and dream boxes, that will give you the framework to ‘play’ giving you tools to generate ideas and develop imagery. You will be encouraged to be creative and brave, with a wide range of materials. Individual support and mentoring will help you develop your work in the direction that best suits you, using the materials that work for you.
You will create interesting work that explores a very personal approach to the world around you and your own creativity.
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
Understand your practice. Explore your motivations for making work through structured exercises.
Day 2
Discover your authentic artist. Work to create a three dimensional piece to explore memories, relationships, observations. Exercises and discussions will help you explore what kind of artist you are and want to be. Collaborate to unlock your creativity, understanding collective making.
Day 3
With 1-1 tutorials based on your creative journal you will start to consider what material best suits your approach – painting, installation, drawing, collage. Choose your colour palette and medium. Challenge yourself to scale up or approach the use of materials differently. The tutor will spend time with you individually during the day as you continue to develop your piece. Spend time considering each other’s work and share progress and next steps.
What will I learn?
- A better understanding of what kind of artist you want to be and what kind of work you want to make
- Skills and methods to generate ideas and develop imagery
- Energy and motivation to get creative and make new work
- Time and space to reflect
Who would this course suit?
This is an ideal course for those who feel a bit stuck and need to reenergise their creativity. You might feel that the process of making art is what you need help with rather than instruction on the skills of painting and drawing.
This could also suit you if you have a creative background and want to find a way of harnessing this to make art. You might not have an art background but you enjoy being challenged, discussions with others and the chance to be playful.
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
Ilker is inspirational teacher. His insight and knowledge of art enables each student to benefit in the most constructive way.
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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