ABSTRACT LANDSCAPE

The aim of this lively new four-day course, taught by artist Anita Reynolds, is to move away from a representational way of interpreting the landscape toward a looser approach. The course is divided between gathering information outside in the stunning coastal and moorland landscape of Cornwall and developing sketches and ideas back in the studio.

During the course, participants use a wide range of materials, tools and surfaces and are encouraged to work in a wide variety of sizes from small intimate studies to large-scale dynamic paintings. All the while, accomplished artist Anita Reynolds shows students how to manipulate basic principles of composition, colour, tone and form to achieve a very personal style of abstraction in their work.

Anita is a joy to be around and her courses combine a sharing of her deep knowledge of painting the landscape with a fun and energised approach to painting.

A reasonable level of fitness is required for this course, as you may be required to walk 1 mile on uneven coastal paths to get to the best painting locations, from the minibus drop-off points.

Tutor:
Anita Reynolds

Location:

Newlyn School of Art, The Old Board School, Chywoone Hill, Newlyn, Cornwall TR18 5AW.

Where to meet:

Please arrive at the Newlyn School of Art at 9.50 for a 10am start. This course ends at 4pm.

During the course, minibus transport is provided to visit various locations in West Cornwall.

Materials used on this course:

Water-based acrylic paints, soluble sketching pencils, pens, charcoal and chalks. With many brushes and utensils at your disposal. All materials are provided by the school.

Level:

All skill levels, from beginners to those with more experience. If you have any specific access or support requirements please give us a call at the time of booking to discuss your needs.

Age:

We would advise that this course is suitable for those of 16 years of age and upwards (16 & 17yr olds must be accompanied by an adult, who is a paying participant).

What to bring:

Please bring old clothes to paint in. Sturdy shoes such as walking boots or trainers for some walking on coast paths, a hat in case of particularly good weather, warm and waterproof clothes. Bringing something light to sit on while outside such as a small cushion, sit mat or rolled-up fleece is a good idea.

Lunch:

Please bring a packed lunch. A water bottle and a travel mug are always a good idea for out on location.

Accommodation:

If you are looking for a local place to stay, please browse our page for Accommodation in West Cornwall.

Additional info:

Once you have booked your place you will receive an email confirmation. Please contact us via our Contact Us page, if you need further support.

A reasonable level of fitness is required for this course, as you may be required to walk 1 mile on uneven coastal paths to get to the best painting locations, from the minibus drop-off points.

I really enjoyed working with Anita, she has so much experience to share. She planned the learning activities with great care but was flexible enough to alter her plans on the day/s in response to our levels of energy and the weather. She structured the days well and gave us time to talk as a group but also have some individual personal feedback and encouragement. There was also a good balance between working outdoors and having studio time. She is also very funny with lots of her own experiences to share, and it was a very enjoyable few days. Thanks Anita!

Chris - Abstract Landscape

It was absolutely outstanding. First rate, generous tuition and facilities. I loved every minute of it and have returned home inspired. Thank you!

Gaye - Abstract Landscape

It was amazing to learn from such a great artist. The coast was exceptional. The course materials were generous and everyone was so nice. I came away full of ideas, the course was like a springboard for future project inspirations.

Collette - Abstract Landscape

The structure, content, equipment and logistics of the course could not have been improved upon. Anita is a natural teacher. She created an atmosphere of trust, fun and creativity. Thus encouraging us all, at whatever level, to feel that we could try different approaches and that we could make a work of art. The challenges made were always gentle and informative.

Yvonne - Abstract Landscape

Anita is an excellent tutor who is very well organised. She had planned the days so that they ran smoothly and all the materials were on hand. She had also devised a way of ensuring each student had an outcome in the form of a book.

Louise - Abstract Landscape

Excellent balance of field and studio time. Great to have drinks and snacks provided. Lovely tutor with a great sense of humour, setting realistic expectations for what was possible in 4 days. Inspiring course which I will use as a springboard for working on my own.

Sarah - Abstract Landscape

The course was well designed, with plenty of opportunities to stretch my own skills and approach drawing and painting with a fresh approach taking on board the tutor’s suggestions and guidance - the opportunity to draw and paint in landscape really made a difference to my own practice over the 4 days and I am going away with new ideas and confidence to begin to bring abstraction into my own practice - thank you.

Sue - Abstract Landscape

I really loved the course and got so much from it. I have attended quite a few courses and this was the very best.

Kathryn - Abstract Landscape

The course was brilliantly resourced, I wasn't quite expecting just how many materials we would get through - and felt it was very good value for money! Loved the mix of studio work and being taken outside, and the tutor Anita was brilliant at linking the 2 - to help progression. Really liked the way she got us looking at other artists' work as well (and her own) which was very inspirational. This really helped me think about what 'abstract' might mean to me personally - in other words the course was not at all prescriptive!

Jo - Abstract Landscape

Well thought out and well run, Anita's tutoring encouraged us to explore new ways of seeing the landscape with practical demos and clear instructions to challenge how we used the materials available to us. She explained the importance of downtime and of reading and of mixing colours to our creative practice, how not to be too precious about the art we make and how that in itself opens up possibilities to us, whilst all the time injecting enthusiasm and excitement into our four days at the school. I would recommend the Newlyn School of Art to anyone wishing to learn from professional, encouraging and generous artists. Many thanks.

Tina - Abstract Landscape

Anita was a wonderful tutor for this course, her skills and help were with individual needs were excellent, and the pace and way she delivered the course were so well tailored to our group. She managed to work the course very well to fit around some challenging weather conditions and most importantly - I learned loads and had lots of fun! I'd love to do another course with Anita.

Clare - Abstract Landscape

Anita is a wonderful artist and teacher. She listens and responds sympathetically to everyone, giving useful feedback, always constructive and encouraging. The weather for our course was intermittently stormy, but we managed to get out to spectacular locations and sketch, imprinting marks and memories to take back to the studio where we developed layers of colour and texture, producing works on paper and board. One of the most interesting exercises involved mark making to order on large sheets of beautiful paper, rapidly covering the sheet with colour and forms reflecting our experiences of the coast. We made books from the final work, or selected sections to mount on board. Inspirational!

Judy - Abstract Landscape