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.

Our Art CommunityTips + TechniquesSSP.TV WatchIn the NewsGet Involved

Gallery

It’s all so quiet... until! 🀫

Final few days of an empty studio before @ionasanders joins us on Monday for the first course of 2025, β€˜Banish Fear of Failure’.

The last two places are still available, join us if you can!

πŸ—“οΈ20 -22 January
πŸ“St Ives, Cornwall
πŸ”— link to book is in our bio

β€’
β€’
β€’

#artstudio #artstudios #artschool #artschoollife #cornwall #paintingschool #contempoaryart #contemporary
...

252 6

Take your art practice to the next level πŸ“ˆ

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...

πŸ”— Find out more via the link in bio or call us on 01736 797 180 to speak to a member of the team
...

62 0

Explore the work of Sandra Blow 🟒βšͺ️

Blow (b.1925) was an English abstract painter and a prominent artist of the modernist movement in St Ives. Her recognisable large scale, colourful abstract collages are made from discarded materials as well as paint.

In our course `Abstract Colour in St Ives`, your tutor Liz Luckwell, who was a friend of Blow`s, will give you a personal insight into her extensive work and how her life influenced her making. Inspired by Blow, and the colourful world of St Ives, learn to create striking, bold and contemporary work.

πŸ“… 14-16 Feb
πŸ“ St Ives Cornwall
πŸ”— Link in bio
Featured: Green and White, 1969. Sandra Blow. Β© The Estate of Sandra Blow.
...

17 0

February in the studio has it all πŸ‘‡

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`.

πŸ”Ή Not So Still Life (New)
πŸ“… Roger Towndrow, 1-2 February

πŸ”Ή Beginners Watercolour
πŸ“… Hilary Jean Gibson, 7-9 February

πŸ”Ή Abstract Colour in St Ives
πŸ“… Liz Luckwell, 14-16 February

πŸ”Ή One-day courses (drawing, oil + mixed media)
πŸ“… Steven Buckler, 17, 18 + 19 February

πŸ”Ή Mindful Ways to Paint (Kids)
πŸ“… Kitty Hillier, 20 February

πŸ”Ή Japanese Woodblock Printing
πŸ“… Adrian Holmes, 21-23 February

πŸ”Ή Contemporary Figure Painting
πŸ“… Gary Long, 24-26 February

πŸ”— Follow the link in our bio and click `February Art Courses`
...

134 1

β€œThe element of chance is super important” πŸ’­

Join Amy Albright for her course β€˜Expressive Painting in the Elements’, 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.

πŸ—“οΈ 22 - 24 Apr
πŸ“St Ives, Cornwall
πŸ”— Book now via the link in our bio

β€’
β€’
β€’

#contemporaryartist #contemporary #contemporaryart #abstract #abstractlandscape #abstractartist #abstractpainting #cornwall #cornwallstives #stives
...

101 2

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 – the place where she would continue to live and work.

Now known as Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture garden, and managed by Tate, the studios provided a sanctuary for Hepworth to live and work, writing of them: β€˜Finding Trewyn Studio was a sort of magic’. πŸ’«

πŸ”— Read more about Hepworth`s incredible legacy via the link in our bio
πŸ“Έ Barbara Hepworth with Figure (Archaean) 1959. Β© Bowness. Photograph by Rosemary Mathews
...

131 0

New year, blank canvas πŸ™ŒπŸΌ

There’s still chance to join our upcoming January courses, including Banish Fear of Failure with @ionasanders

Leave feeling energised and enthusiastic for the year ahead!

πŸ”— Follow the links in our bio

β€’
β€’
β€’

#artcourses #artcoursesonline #contemporaryart #contemporary #art #artist #artistsoninstagram #cornwall #stives
...

107 0

"It’s the dream artists’ studio: high ceilings, walls stacked with paints and palettes, and large, angled Atlantic-facing windows flooding the place with light." πŸ’«

The wonderful @wylmenmuir from @guardian joined us before Christmas, to `Discover Painting` with Ilker Cinarel. Read all about his experience in St Ives via the link in our bio.

There`s still chance to join @ilkercinarel`s Discover Painting course, coming up this year:

πŸ“… 28 Feb - 2 Mar
πŸ“… 11 - 13 April
πŸ“… 17 - 19 Oct
πŸ”— Link to book in our bio
...

83 1

There is no time like the present ⏰

Book a course with one of our professional artist tutors, in the studio or online, and take the next steps on your creative journey.

β€’
β€’
β€’

#artcourses #artcoursesonline #arttuition #art #artstudio #cornwall #stives #stivescornwall
...

112 0

Iconic locations πŸ’«

As well as broadcasting live from our studio in St Ives, we have been lucky enough to film in some of the most inspirational locations around West Cornwall this year, from the cliffs of Zennor to the expansive dunes of Hayle.

Be transported to these captivating destinations through our online courses!

πŸ”— Link in our bio to find out more

β€’
β€’
β€’

#cornwallcoast #cornwall #westcornwall #destination #stives #zennor #hayle #pendeen
...

37 0

Happy Winter Solstice πŸ’«

As our astronomical winter begins, we can take this time to find stillness and reflect on the past year.

Calendrical Art, led by Kate Southworth is designed to sensitise your approach to creative work in line with these key seasonal changes.

You can still purchase this eleven part online series, which includes two live Q&As with Kate Southworth.

πŸ”— Follow the link in our bio
...

32 0

A talk and panel discussion with Janet Axten and local artists | In association with @stivessociety

β€˜Images of Downlong - 1880s-to the present day’
πŸ“… Wed 18 December, 15.00 (free entry)
πŸ“ @porthmeorstudios

We are always proud to share stories of our rich history, which officially dates back to 1938 when our founders Borlase Smart & Leonard Fuller opened the doors. We can venture back even further, to 1895, when Julius Olsson RA and Louis Grier established a School of Painting at Porthmeor Studios. The School as it is today has experienced changes, but remains in its same location, Back Road West (pictured) in an area of St Ives, called Downlong.

This Wednesday, if you are in St Ives, join Janet Axten and a panel of local artists, some of whom teach at St Ives School of Painting, as they discuss why comparatively few artists have chosen to paint Downlong, one of the most historic parts of St Ives.

@stivesdownlonghistory_
πŸŽ₯ Can’t attend? We will be filming and sharing the talk in the following weeks
πŸ“Έ Back Road West, leading to Porthmeor Studios & St Ives School of Painting
...

94 4

Inscape Outscape | Opening night πŸ’«

Congratulations to all 18 artists on a successful opening night. The group, all of whom teach at St Ives School of Painting, have come together to present a collection of their work, an exhibition called Inscape Outscape.

πŸ—“οΈ Now open daily, 10.00-17.00 at @porthmeorstudios

Pop in and meet the artists throughout the week!

Featured artists:
@alicemumford
@amyalbrightartist
@camilladixon1968
@erobertsarts
@garylongartist
@greghumphriesart
@hilaryjeangibson.illustrator
@ilkercinarel
@ionasanders
@eiselejill
@kate_southworth
@kieranstiles
@kittyhillier
@houghliz
@lizzyluckwellart
@marionelizabethtaylor
@tomrickmanartist
@victoriagillowart

#artexhibition #artgallery #artcollector #artlover #artist #exhibition #stivescornwall #stivesart
...

50 1

Welcome to the team, John Dyer πŸ‘‹

We are proud to welcome new tutor and one of Cornwall`s most celebrated contemporary painters, John Dyer, to our diverse team of artist tutors.

John is renowned for his vibrant, expressive, and joyful style - vividly capturing the essence of Cornwall’s landscapes, communities, and wildlife, often with a strong focus on environmental themes.

As the long-standing Artist in Residence for the Eden Project and an Artist for the Earth with Earth Day, John’s contributions to art and environmental awareness are internationally recognised.

πŸ”— John will be teaching a brand new course in 2025, for the full details, visit the link in our bio.
@johndyergallery
...

51 0

Launching tomorrow | Inscape Outscape πŸ’«

Final preparations are taking place ahead of tomorrow’s new exhibition, from a group of contemporary artists who teach at St Ives School of Painting.

If you are in St Ives this week, call in to meet the artists and take in their inspirational work!

πŸ“… 10-17 December, 10am-5pm
πŸ–Ό Private View, tomorrow, 5-7pm
πŸ“ Porthmeor Studios

@alicemumford
@amyalbrightartist
@camilladixon1968
@erobertsarts
@garylongartist
@greghumphriesart
@hilaryjeangibson.illustrator
@ilkercinarel
@ionasanders
@eiselejill
@kate_southworth
@kieranstiles
@kittyhillier
@houghliz
@lizzyluckwellart
@marionelizabethtaylor
@tomrickmanartist
@victoriagillowart
...

69 3

Not So Still Life ✏️

Our brand new 2-day course, with local artist Roger Towndrow gives you the opportunity to experience still life in a new way, with this exploratory drawing course.

Produce drawings in series, quick studies and sustained works, and explore various artists such as Paul Klee and Julie Mehretu, discussing how movement and imagination relate to working from observation.

πŸ“… 1-2 February
πŸ“ St Ives, Cornwall
πŸ”— Find out more through the link in our bio
...

14 0

Upcoming Exhibition πŸ“…

We are pleased to share the details of Inscape Outscape, an exhibition by a group of 18 contemporary artists who teach at St Ives School of Painting.

Visit the exhibition, held at the historic Porthmeor Studios, from 10-17 December. Meet the artists, view the full collection of works and if you are inspired by a particular artist, there will be an opportunity to book onto one of their 2025 courses!

πŸ”Ή Inscape Outscape
πŸ“… 10-17 December, 10am-5pm
πŸ–Ό Private View: Tues 10 Dec, 5pm-7pm (open to the public)
πŸ“ Borlase Smart Room at Porthmeor Studios

Featured:
@alicemumford
@amyalbrightartist
@camilladixon1968
@erobertsarts
@garylongartist
@greghumphriesart
@hilaryjeangibson.illustrator
@ilkercinarel
@ionasanders
@eiselejill
@kate_southworth
@kieranstiles
@kittyhillier
@houghliz
@lizzyluckwellart
@marionelizabethtaylor
@tomrickmanartist
@victoriagillowart
...

55 1

Live Q&A this Thursday πŸŽ™

If you are thinking about joining our developmental course, the Porthmeor Programme, join us online this Thursday evening for a Q&A with course tutors Kate Southworth & Greg Humphries.

Ask any burning questions you might have and hear from alumni who have previously taken the programme.

πŸ“… Thursday 28 November, 18.00
πŸ”— Sign up via the link in our bio
@kate_southworth @greghumphriesart
...

30 0