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Liz Luckwell
Liz Luckwell’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in the act of drawing, which underpins her method of working with materials, allowing images to emerge from the process itself. Starting from realistic beginnings—often sketching her immediate environment—Luckwell’s work evolves through a gradual process of simplification, distilling forms into more abstracted, emotive expressions. Her creative journey is infused with early memories of helping her mother craft wreaths and bouquets on the kitchen table, a tactile experience that still informs her approach. Working from her home, the Gardener’s Cottage, she often reflects on her family’s deep connection to gardening, a theme that permeates pieces like her oil pastel on board Summer Weeds, where natural forms are transformed through a nuanced, intimate exploration of colour and texture.
Overlooking Hayle Estuary, with its industrial working history and old harbour walls, I often use these textures and structures for inspiration. Drawing underpins my method of working. I let images emerge from the process,
pushing the materials to their limits, sometimes using 3D and malleable metals where I score, stamp and stress with wax, thus producing Verdigris effects.
What our students say
The course adverts really don’t get across the inspirational elements of the experience. It reawakens the artist in everyone.
Very inspirational course. Learnt a lot of new techniques. Liz was a great tutor for building confidence and ideas. Thank you.
Just the course I needed to give me confidence to start drawing. Taught enthusiastically with interesting references to the St Ives artists and their legacy.
A big thank you to Hilary and Liz – a fantastic course! I look forward to continuing at home all I have learnt and will certainly be back for future courses.
I really enjoyed the course, I learnt a lot – feel inspired to carry on. The tutors were lovely and very knowledgeable and friendly. The organisation of the course was very good and the facilities and location great. Thank you.
Amazing! Thank you, you have open up my love of art and given me the confidence to start! Liz and Marion were inspirational and motivational. P.s. All staff very friendly and helpful.
Really enjoyable – learned loads and found the workshops most informative. Liz and Mary were encouraging and generous in their tutoring. Thank you both.
It was just what I needed – from working on large pieces over along time at home – this has been valuable to focus on colour/balance, composition In a free but structured way – thank you Liz you’ve been great.
A dynamic 4 day course led by two very experienced teachers. I felt pushed to the edges of my creativity at times but both teachers influenced me forward to complete pieces of work I would have never thought I was capable of.
The course adverts really don’t get across the inspirational elements of the experience. It reawakens the artist in everyone.
I loved my tutors! The range they showed – between accurate drawing and having fun with different materials – was superb!
I love the supportive and creative atmosphere at the school. It was well equipped and a joy to work in. Both Ilker and Liz were excellent tutors in their own individual ways and complimented each other very well.
More than fulfilled my expectations. A wonderful friendly atmosphere putting you at your ease. Could have been intimidating but it certainly wasn’t!
Multiple drawing exercises in a short time frame was just what I hoped for and will provide the foundations for further practice and tuition.
Had a thoroughly enjoyable 3 days learning to work in a totally new way. it was lovely to work amongst so many other talented people and very inspiring.
Lovely to walk into a light filled studio, sea in the background and a riot of flowers. Liz was excellent in demonstrating techniques and most encouraging in helping to develop both close observation and more free expression.
I found the course inspiring and immensely enjoyable!! Liz was so supportive and encouraging, calming nerves and nurturing our creativity.
Thank you profoundly for your fantastic, encouraging, gentle, brilliant, lively, intelligent, deeply informed from so
many sources and resources and creative teaching.
Liz is a marvellous teacher and over the last few days she’s supported and encouraged me to see things differently, whilst nudging when required. I’m feeling so much more confident in letting go and playing with colours and textures.
Very well structured with excellent tuition and overall a wide, diverse, and interesting course.
Explored a range of techniques in a safe creative environment nurtured by the school itself and Liz’s deft personal guidance.
I thought I knew how to draw but during the three-day course I discovered new approaches to the use of pencil and charcoal!
Excellent and engaging tutor. Very good equipment and facilities and atmospheric building. I learned so much about the artists and my own interests and skills.
Tutors put you at ease and were enthusiastic and encouraging. Technicians made the day flow smoothly supporting the tutors in a very organised and friendly manner. The building and environment are inspirational in themselves. Thank you for a great experience on my first visit of many I hope.
Liz is a great teacher. We explored lots of different mediums and were encouraged to develop our own style. A fabulous 3 days.
Everything I wanted and more!
Courses with Liz Luckwell
Abstract Colour in St Ives
Studio Art Courses - Mixed Media - Abstract
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000G1qli
Active Instance: a02Nz000009Ba38IAC, 14-Feb-2025
Learn to create striking, bold and contemporary work though structured and guided tuition. Unlock the secret to balancing tone, composition and colour inspired by the colourful world of St Ives abstraction.
Abstract Colour in St Ives
Studio Art Courses - Mixed Media - Abstract
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000G1qli
Active Instance: a02Nz000009BpoRIAS, 01-Sep-2025
Learn to create striking, bold and contemporary work though structured and guided tuition. Unlock the secret to balancing tone, composition and colour inspired by the colourful world of St Ives abstraction.
Developing Drawing Skills
Art Courses - Drawing - Beginners
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00w000000bCVj2
Active Instance: a02Nz000009BviXIAS, 17-Nov-2025
Learn to master the power of the simple line. Working from subjects in and around the studios, create compelling observational drawings and equip yourself with an entirely new creative toolbox.
| 17 - 20 Nov 2025 - 4 days - £495 | Book |
Dynamic Botanical
Art Courses - Mixed Media - Still Life
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000IT62x
Active Instance: a02Nz000009BmTxIAK, 09-May-2025
Exploring the dynamic floral paintings of David Hockney, freshen up your approach to botanical drawing and painting.
| 9 - 11 May 2025 - 3 days - £395 | Book |
Getting Started with Mixed Media Landscape
Art Courses - Mixed Media - Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a001r00000nKFSF
Active Instance: a02Nz000009BktZIAS, 07-Apr-2025
This inspiring course offers exciting new ways to creatively absorb your spectacular St Ives surroundings. With an encouraging and experimental approach, establish a solid foundation in mixed media painting.
Getting Started with Mixed Media Landscape
Art Courses - Mixed Media - Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a001r00000nKFSF
Active Instance: a02Nz000009BuhdIAC, 27-Oct-2025
This inspiring course offers exciting new ways to creatively absorb your spectacular St Ives surroundings. With an encouraging and experimental approach, establish a solid foundation in mixed media painting.
Life Drawing
VariousHilary Jean GibsonSteve Dove
Life Drawing - Drawing - Figure
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J000002gGIZ
Active Instance: a02Nz00000ElXgVIAV, 25-Jan-2025
Drawing from the figure is a classic, traditional skill and these tutored life drawing classes are ideal for those wanting to learn and improve, build a portfolio or for beginners who would like to just have a go.
| 25 Jan 2025 - 2.5 hour(s) 10:30 - £28 | Book |