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Kieran Stiles
As a practising artist, I hope that the excitement of learning through the physical experience of drawing and painting is conveyed in my teaching. I like to place different artistic subjects and painting methods in their historical context to illuminate ideas and inspire. Confidence is key when being creative, especially when starting, and feeling in control of the materials is crucial.
Kieran’s evocative paintings explore the landscape through the limits of representation. Layers of oil are superimposed with fractured marks, dashes and splatters that capture the spirit of a continually changing landscape. Kieran’s paintings begin outside and are then developed and refined in his Oxford studio. Having studied Fine Art at Falmouth College of Art, he has a long-held interest for the beauty and drama of the Cornish coast, and the sub-tropical coasts of the Isles of Scilly. Kieran now lives in the Cotswolds but returns to Cornwall regularly.
His richly worked paintings have been exhibited widely including Saatchi Gallery, London, Merton College, Oxford University and Browse and Darby, Cork Street, London. His work is held in national and international collections. Most recently, he has been awarded a Visiting Research Fellowship in the Creative Arts at Merton College, University of Oxford. Kieran lectures at The Ashmolean Museum Oxford and at Merton College, Oxford. Kieran’s work has also been sold through Sotheby’s Auction house in London.
See More at http://www.kieranstiles.com and on Instagram
What our students say
Kieran was very generous and open in answering all our questions about his practice and processes. He was very approachable and had a good way of explaining things clearly.
It was lovely to be back at the school, wonderful to meet more Porthmeor Alumni and Kieran was a brilliant and very knowledgeable tutor. It was also lovely to see Greg again and have the 1-1 session with him.
I have done other courses at the school… and each time have enjoyed myself immensely! I will definitely be booking another course and highly recommend it to others, no matter what stage they are at.
Kieran was patient, knowledgeable and encouraging. He praised your strengths and helped to develop skills that you weren’t so confident with.
It was a joy from beginning to end. Loved the course.
Thoroughly enjoyed whole experience Kieran was an excellent teacher and I learnt so much – thank you
Courses with Kieran Stiles
Artist Retreat Weekend - Summer
Art Courses - Mixed Media
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000K5JoU
Active Instance: a02Nz000009BqvlIAC, 04-Jul-2025
A developmental weekend working with two professional artists, combining 1-1 tutorials with a fun practical weekend of painting. Designed for artists seeking to advance their practice, this course provides a supportive environment and dedicated time to push your creative boundaries.
| 4 - 6 Jul 2025 - 3 days - £475 | Book |
Changing Tides
Art Courses - Mixed Media - Seascapes
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000IKvfk
Active Instance: a02Nz00000AK5vUIAT, 24-Mar-2025
Explore the ever-changing ebbing and flowing of the ocean and learn how to create the effect of light shimmering on water with the use of cold wax and oils.
| 24 - 26 Mar 2025 - 3 days - £455 | Book |
Seeing the Light with Kieran Stiles
Online Pre-recorded - Oil - Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000G1Hbu
Active Instance: a024J00000BFjEtQAL, 01-Sep-2026
When artists talk about light, what do they mean? How does it work, and what does it say? Explore different concepts and methods of representing light in this 2 and a half hour recorded online course led by artist Kieran Stiles.
| £30 | Book |
The Texture of Nature
Art Courses - Mixed Media - Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000QqBvn
Active Instance: a02Nz000009BdNUIA0, 30-Jun-2025
As artists, how do we turn our direct experiences of the landscape into a visual vocabulary? And how can we incorporate physical elements into rich textures?
| 30 Jun - 2 Jul 2025 - 3 days - £455 | Book |