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Iona Sanders
My approach to teaching is to give students the confidence to be free and intuitive in their practice, to lose themselves in their creativity, and to find their inner voice. Focusing on their own journey, banishing doubt and building positivity will be key to their enjoyment and fulfilment on the course.





Iona was born in the far west of Cornwall and has spent most of her life there. Coming from an artistic background, Iona has developed her style organically; teaching herself and initially working her practice around her young family and career, before immersing herself in painting full time in her late 30s.
She is highly responsive to her surroundings, selecting objects from her everyday environment, and imbuing them with a quietly observed dignity and grace of form. The objects chosen speak about the artist’s life as much as she conveys their reality to the viewer.
What our students say
Great course, I feel like there’s a lot of exercises to continue using that will help in future work. Iona is very encouraging and I enjoyed it.
Really enjoyed the tutor – found myself chuckling quite a bit at the genuine nature and relatability of her comments and experiences. If I ever make it to St. Ives in person, I would definitely take her class(es).
I went on a journey over 3 days from feeling that I was someone with all the gear and no idea to being someone who felt like an artist. Miraculous!
Iona is positive and pushes comfort zones in a supportive and caring manner.
Iona was professional, fun, positive and encouraging.
Courses with Iona Sanders

Banish Fear of Failure
Art Courses - Mixed Media - Abstract
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000NUxYG
Active Instance: a02Nz000009Bhu9IAC, 06-Oct-2025
An introduction to finding ways into creating lively, expressive paintings through intuitive and instinctual responses to the world around you.
6 - 8 Oct - 3 days - £445 | Book |

Banish Fear of Failure
Online Pre-recorded - Acrylic - Still Life
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000Qq4k0
Active Instance: a024J00000DzBGHQA3, 01-Sep-2026
Banish fear of failure and find your inner voice on this two part online course with tutor Iona Sanders.
£55 | Book |

Exploring Acrylics
Online Pre-recorded - Acrylic - Still Life
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000NXojn
Active Instance: a024J00000DOfmmQAD, 01-Sep-2026
Explore working wet on wet in acrylics and loosen up your approach with this fun and intuitive course discovering your inner voice.
£30 | Book |