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Get Involved
Stay up to date with the latest content on our Instagram page @stivespainting. Share your artwork and hashtag #stivesschoolofpainting for your chance to be featured.
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Inspirational tuition from the comfort of your own home š«
We have more than 80 online courses to choose from, with more than 30 different tutors, each sharing their unique skills and knowledge.
āFraming the Landscapeā with Maxine Hart is a 3-part webinar which looks at ways of creating effective compositions from photographs, and exploring how colour and texture can add atmosphere to your paintings.
š Find out more and discover all of our online courses through the link in our bio.
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#painting #contemporaryart #landscapepainting #onlineartclass #onlineartclasses #onlineartcourse #paint #artist #artists #cornwall
Last chance to work with artist Kerry Harding š«
Our upcoming courses with Kerry, which have a limited number of places available, will ensure that your creative energy is used in the most productive way, learning to put aside constricting expectations and be more open to where the process can take you.
Donāt miss your chance to book:
Poetry of Process
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17 ā 19 Mar, last place
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8 ā 10 Dec
š Link in our bio
Contemporary Landscape
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9 ā 11 Jun, last place
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6 ā 8 Oct, last 2 places
š Link in our bio
Featured artwork, Kerry Harding
Brand new bursary for emerging artists š©āšØ
In partnership with The Roy Ray Legacy Fund and the Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust, we are thrilled to launch a new bursary, which is available to emerging artists aged 19-25 who are living in Cornwall.
Aimed at young creatives taking their first steps into professional art practice, successful applicants will be able to choose an art course of their choice at St Ives School of Painting, and 80% of the fee will be covered by the bursary.
We couldnāt offer this incredible opportunity without the support of our funders and charitable donations from our wonderful students, so thank you.
š If you know an emerging artist or want to find out more about the bursary, follow the link in our bio
@barnsgraham
@porthmeor_youngartists
Capture the shades and tones of Autumn š
Enjoy one of the most tranquil times of year in St Ives, and discover how the rich palettes of Autumn can create a distinctive atmosphere, during our brand new course with landscape artist Andrew Barrowman.
š¹Autumn Seascapes in Oils
šļø 3-5 October
šSt Ives, Cornwall
š Visit the link in our bio
Artwork featured, Andrew Barrowman
Create mood, drama and atmosphere through the use of tone and colour š¼
Discover the work of artist @julianvilarrubi who will be running a brand new course, `Landscape & Composition`, in September.
Drawing underpins all of Julian`s work and he will be sharing a comprehensive learning experience, with drawing being a fundamental starting point of the creative journey.
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29 Sep - 1 Oct
š St Ives, Cornwall
š Read more via the link in our bio
Featured: To the Sea, Costa Brava II, Julian Vilarrubi
Last chance to book for half-term ā
We`re getting ready for the first half-term holiday of 2025, preparing our one day workshops!
There are a limited number of places remaining but you can still book the kids onto our 2 and a half hour workshop on Thursday 20 Feb! Perfect if you`re looking for a peaceful couple of hours...
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18 Feb, Discover Mixed Media (2 place)
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19 Feb, Oil Painting Essentials (1 place)
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20 Feb, Mindful Ways to Paint (Kids Class)
š Follow the link in our bio to book
Happy birthday to Borlase Smart, artist and founder of St Ives School of Painting in the 1930`s.
Borlase Smart to this day is regarded as a respected landscape marine painter. After the war he settled in St Ives, living for while in No 1 Porthmeor Studios. He was also on the committee of the @stivessociety of Artists from 1929 until the end of his life, organising regular shows throughout the country to help promote local artists. Smart studied as an artist himself, under Julius Olsson R.A. and in the 1930s he felt there was a need for a formal art school in the area, enlisting his old war colleague Leonard Fuller to the enterprise.
In 1938, Smart persuaded Fuller to open the St Ives School of Painting in No 11 Porthmeor Studios, which was an immediate success and, to this day, welcomes students locally, around the country and abroad.
šø 1) Borlase Smart in his studio @porthmeorstudios, Borlase Smart John Wells Trust
šø 2) Borlase Smart & Leonard Fuller outside the St Ives School of Painting
We have the final few places left on our Discover Painting courses for 2025 š«
Experience a fast track into painting from the heart, taking it all in from our spacious studios overlooking the ocean. Watch the full film on our YouTube page.
šļø 11 April (one place left)
šļø 17 October
š Follow the link in our bio
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#painting #contemporaryart #artcourses #artcourse #cornwall #stives
Looking for colour š
In any visual display, colour is arguably the first element we experience, and yet we often leave it till last when we plan a work of art. But what happens if we put it first?
In her brand new course, Camilla Dixon will take you on an inspiring journey to expand your skills and appreciation for the vibrant world of colour in the back streets, gardens and harbour of St Ives.
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14 - 16 July
š St Ives, Cornwall
š Find out more via the link in our bio
Featured: St Ives Memorial Gardens, @camilladixon1968 @looking_for_colour
āThings can go very wrong quickly and then you get something thatās surprising and can blow your mind.ā
We have two more opportunities to work with artist @kieranstiles in 2025, visit the link in our bio to browse his upcoming courses:
šļø Changing Tides (Currently sold out)
šļø Texture of Nature, 30 June-2 July
šļø Artist Retreat Weekend, 4-6 July
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#painting #contemporaryart #landscape #landscapepainting #art #contemporaryart #artcourses #artclass #cornwall #stives #stivescornwall
How your donations are helping š
Did you know that every penny of income we receive goes directly back into teaching art as well as giving local youngsters the opportunity to explore their creativity?
Thanks to donations from you, and investments from our incredible funders, 2024 saw a record-breaking year for our Young Artists Programme.
In total, more than 320 young people joined us through our inclusion projects, scholarship schemes and workshops.
š You can read all about the incredible partnerships we have with our youth partners and charities including @clearcornwall, Nine Maidens Academy and @salvationarmy_stives via the link in our bio.
šø Featured:
1) Cat Lee, Youth Programme Manager teaching in Porthmeor Studios
2) Young person on a visit to @tatestives as part of their Arts Awards project
3) Work by a young person during a visit to our studios with CLEAR - Trauma Specialists
4) Part of an exhibition viewed by 300 members of the public, exhibited by a group of young people at the end of their Arts Awards project with the School and CLEAR - Trauma Specialists
5) Young people upcycling and decorating skateboarding decks via the Deck Project with Salvation Army in St Ives
Countdown to Spring š±
This recent brighter weather might have got us slightly looking forward to Springā¦ we donāt want to wish away the days but as they start to get longer, we canāt wait to welcome you to the studios over the next few months!
š Visit the link in our bio to browse more upcoming courses
Capturing the figure āļø
Guided by Gary Long, dive into David Parkās experiments with shape, colour, texture and temperature during our upcoming Contemporary Figure Painting course.
šļø 28 Feb - 2 March
š St Ives, Cornwall
š Book now via the link in our bio
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#painting #contemporaryart #contemporary #art #artist #davidpark #cornwall #stivescornwall
Ithell Colquhoun at @tatestives š«
Launching today, the first exhibition from one of the most radical artists of her generation, Ithell Colquhoun.
Colquhoun charted her own course, investigating surrealist methods of unconscious picture-making and fearlessly delving into the realms of myth and magic.
Through this landmark exhibition of over 200 artworks, explore Colquhounās enthralling, multi-layered universe through writings, drawings, paintings, early theatre projects and mural designs, many of which have never been shown publicly before.
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1 February ā 5 May 2025
š Tate St Ives
Featured: La Cathedrale Engloutie, 1952, Ithell Colquhoun
š Inspired? Browse our courses which explore Ithell Colquhoun`s work:
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28 Apr-1 May, Magical Landscapes (Studio)
š» Calendrical Art (Online)
š» The Art of the Sun + The Moon (Online)
āThe programme was a big catalyst for change in my lifeā
We recently heard from Porthmeor Programme alumni, @maryscott_art on why she decided to take the opportunity to join our development course, and how it has changed her life.
This could be you! We have the final few places left on the Porthmeor Programme, beginning in March.
š Call us on 01736 797 180 to find out more
š Visit the link in our bio to book one of the final places
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#painting #contemporaryart #art #artistsupport #artistlife #artistdevelopment #artschool
Itās never too late to try something new š«
Our beginners courses are the perfect way to introduce you to art or to a new medium. Whether you are a complete beginner or would like to build your confidence, these courses will give you the boost you need to get started:
š¹ Beginners Watercolour
šļø 7-9 February
š¹ Everyone Can Draw
šļø 17 February
š¹ Getting Started with Mixed Media Landscapes
šļø 7-10 April
š¹ Beginners Oil Painting
šļø 21-23 July
š Follow Beginners Courses via the link in our bio
February half-term workshops š
Are you visiting St Ives in February half-term but feeling slightly sceptical about the weather?
Plan ahead and book onto our one-day workshops, or book a half-day workshop for the children!
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Mon 17 Feb: Everyone Can Draw
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Tues 18 Feb: Discover Mixed Media
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Wed 19 Feb: Oil Painting Essentials
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Thurs 20 Feb, 10.00 -12.30: Mindful Ways to Paint (Kids)
š Follow half-term workshops via the link in our bio
Dynamic landscapes of St Ives š
Guided by artist Jill Eisele, paint en plein air on the cliffs and beaches around St Ives, and create intuitive expressions of landscape using oil paints and bars.
An ideal course for those who are open to experimentation and interested in generating ideas!
šØ Dynamic Landscapes in Oil
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25-27 Aug
š St Ives, Cornwall
@eiselejill
š Link in bio for more details
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#painting #enpleinair #paint #outdoors #paintenpleinair #stives #cornwall #stivesartists
Lessons from the 17th Century š©š»āš«
Did you know that the term `still life` derives from the Dutch word āstillevenā, which came into use around 1650?
It allowed artists to showcase their skills in painting textures and realistic lighting, presenting challenges with foods, cutlery, and intricate details of tablecloths and flowers.
In our new still life course with artist Emily Roberts, craft a striking layered oil painting that evokes depth and volume through the masterful use of texture, colour, and chiaroscuro. Draw and paint from three still lifes, within shadow boxes, each with a different colour palette and a variety of textures.
šØ Still Life in Oils: Lessons from the 17th Century
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1-3 Aug & 1-3 Dec
š Link to book is in our bio
š¼ Featured: @erobertsarts
Itās all so quiet... until! š¤«
Final few days of an empty studio before @ionasanders joins us on Monday for the first course of 2025, āBanish Fear of Failureā.
The last two places are still available, join us if you can!
šļø20 -22 January
šSt Ives, Cornwall
š link to book is in our bio
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#artstudio #artstudios #artschool #artschoollife #cornwall #paintingschool #contempoaryart #contemporary
Take your art practice to the next level š
We are counting down to the beginning of our tenth yearlong developmental course, the Porthmeor Programme, which begins in March!
Our first cohort is now sold out, but we have the final few places available for this unique opportunity, which will help you to find and develop your own creative voice. The programme will give you the time to create, reflect, discuss and critique without pressure. Benefit from professional guidance and support, 1-1 tutorials with a lead artist, and practical making workshops led by guest artists.
Maybe this is what you need to take your practice to the next stage...
š Find out more via the link in bio or call us on 01736 797 180 to speak to a member of the team
February in the studio has it all š
From brand new courses to half-term workshops for adults and children, there`s something for everyone next month. Head to the link in our bio and follow `February Studio Courses`.
š¹ Not So Still Life (New)
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Roger Towndrow, 1-2 February
š¹ Beginners Watercolour
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Hilary Jean Gibson, 7-9 February
š¹ Abstract Colour in St Ives
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Liz Luckwell, 14-16 February
š¹ One-day courses (drawing, oil + mixed media)
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Steven Buckler, 17, 18 + 19 February
š¹ Mindful Ways to Paint (Kids)
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Kitty Hillier, 20 February
š¹ Japanese Woodblock Printing
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Adrian Holmes, 21-23 February
š¹ Contemporary Figure Painting
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Gary Long, 24-26 February
š Follow the link in our bio and click `February Art Courses`
āThe element of chance is super importantā š
Join Amy Albright for her course āExpressive Painting in the Elementsā, where you will venture into the dramatic landscapes of St Ives to explore various mark-making techniques. Learn how to sketch and paint with playfulness and emotion.
šļø 22 - 24 Apr
šSt Ives, Cornwall
š Book now via the link in our bio
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#contemporaryartist #contemporary #contemporaryart #abstract #abstractlandscape #abstractartist #abstractpainting #cornwall #cornwallstives #stives
Born #onthisday in 1903, Dame Barbara Hepworth.
Following the outbreak of war, Barbara Hepworth moved to St Ives with her partner, the artist Ben Nicholson, and family in 1939. Ten years later, she moved into Trewyn Studios ā the place where she would continue to live and work.
Now known as Barbara Hepworthās sculpture garden, and managed by Tate, the studios provided a sanctuary for Hepworth to live and work, writing of them: āFinding Trewyn Studio was a sort of magicā. š«
š Read more about Hepworth`s incredible legacy via the link in our bio
šø Barbara Hepworth with Figure (Archaean) 1959. Ā© Bowness. Photograph by Rosemary Mathews
*Competition closed*
Kicking off the New Year with a competition š
St Ives School of Painting and Sail LoftsāSt Ives have teamed up to offer one lucky art enthusiast and a friend the chance to win a creative escape in Cornwall, which combines four nights luxury accommodation at Sail LoftsāSt Ives, with a 3-day art course at St Ives School of Painting.
For your stay, the beautiful āLighthouseā apartment provides a four-night retreat for up to two guests. Ideally located a short stroll from the renowned St Ives School of Painting, this stunning property combines luxury interiors with modern, contemporary living in the heart of St Ives.
Spend your days developing your skills on a 3-day art course āDiscover Paintingā, which takes place 28 Feb-2 March. Taught by a professional artist at the iconic Porthmeor Studios, join a small group for a fast track into painting, with all materials provided.
ā¶ļø TO ENTER:
-Follow @stivespainting and @saillofts_stives
-Like this post
-Tag who you would bring with you
-Share this post on your stories if you can
-Check your diaries, are you available 27 Feb-2 March 2025?
š Read more about Sail Lofts-St Ives and St Ives School of Painting via the link in our bio.
Competition ends Monday 27 January 2025. Winner will be selected at random no later than Thursday 30 January. You must be available 27 Feb-2 March 2025. Further T&Cs apply, visit the link in our bio for all the details.
Disclaimer: This competition is not affiliated with Instagram. Please be aware of scams, we would never contact you and ask for your personal details. We will contact the winner directly via Instagram direct message and then ask the winner to contact us.
#win #competitiontime #competition #competitions #prizegiveaway #giveaway #giveaways
New year, blank canvas šš¼
Thereās still chance to join our upcoming January courses, including Banish Fear of Failure with @ionasanders
Leave feeling energised and enthusiastic for the year ahead!
š Follow the links in our bio
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#artcourses #artcoursesonline #contemporaryart #contemporary #art #artist #artistsoninstagram #cornwall #stives