I booked an art course in St Ives in August to enjoy a Cornish summer and learn from an artist whose work I love
I will always cherish August 2021. I had decided not to work that month and enjoy my summer just existing. A perfect version of life for me is good weather and something to make. But I thought, I’ll take a perfect summer for now.
Art by Tom Rickman
St Ives is one of my favourite places in Cornwall
If you’re an artist or creative, you need to go! Cornwall feels like a different country (I think the Cornish actually did try and make it one) with crystal blue waters, cute houses and stunning beaches. Local art is dotted everywhere in small independent galleries, with a common theme being the skies and seas of this stunning county of course!
The St Ives School of Painting is based right in the centre of the sea-side town, right by Porthmeor beach. It was perfect for landscape painting.
I chose to do a colour theory oil painting course, because colour theory is the most important aspect of an artists’ work. The course was taught by Tom Rickman, an artist based in Cornwall having graduated from Art School in 1982. I love the way he captures light and colour, almost effortlessly.
“The clarity and freshness of the light sometimes astounds me, there are always new moments to experience.
It is a place that reinvents itself constantly to oneself.”
Being in such an established art space with an artist of such renown felt special, almost perfect. Cornwall during the summer felt like a dream, and as we were mainly in an airy studio with so much light coming in, I forgot about the busy beaches outside and just painted alongside my new art friends.
The group was small which made the course feel more relaxed and that we had more time for feedback on our work. For all of us, painting was a past time, and it was fun bonding over the whole process and not take it too seriously.
Cornwall Tips:
Whilst the summer is the busiest time of year for tourism in Cornwall, you can opt to go towards the end of summer all the way to September/October and still get good weather. However there is more going on in the summer (in terms of bigger exhibits for tourists), so it’s a give and take.
Be sure to book a place to stay early! Airbnbs and hotels get full fast once it starts to get slightly sunny. Plan in advance because everyone else will be.
If you’re thinking of travelling around Cornwall, it is worth having a car. If you’re just staying in the centre of St Ives, you’ll be fine. Uber isn’t a thing, and there is a limited taxi service. Also, parking is crazy. All I can say is good luck and check out if you can book in advance!
I have noticed on the St Ives Art School website that they also do art programs for children and teenagers.. I would have LOVED that growing up. If you have an artsy child, please do check it out here.
My favourite Cornish Artists:
St Ives School of Painting website: https://www.schoolofpainting.co.uk/art-courses
Tom Rickman’s website: http://www.tomrickman.co.uk
Below is a vlog I made of my time at the Art School, enjoy!
About Shaimaa
Hello! Salaam! I’m Shaimaa, a Dutch-born Sudanese-Egyptian creative and traveler based in London. I left medical training in 2022 and gone have down the tech route. Here, I share my artwork and creative travel adventures, for the artsy wanderlust out there. Enjoy :)
