Frequently Asked Questions
Attendance
Q: What happens if I am unable to attend a course?
A: Please see point 3 of our Terms and Conditions.
Q: What type of locations do your landscape courses go to?
A: This can depend on the tutor's preferences, however, we always aim to go to locations with facilities for our students. Primarily, we visit coastal locations across West Cornwall. The minibus and driver are with you for the duration of the course, so will stay nearby in the carparks.
Q: How much of the day is spent on landscape location and in the studio?
A: This can vary between tutor, course and weather conditions. We aim to get the groups out each day they are here, sometimes the tutor and students will decide to stay in the studio and develop sketches and photographs that were taken the days before. This can be a really interesting time when development in your work happens.
Q: I suffer from Vertigo, would I be okay on the coast paths?
A: There are certain landscape courses and tutors that stay nearer the coast paths and coastal car parks, so please contact the office and we can help guide you further. Otherwise, we have a fantastic number of courses which are based in our studios, focussing on the figure, still life and practice development.
Q: Can I stay on separately in the studio and not go out with the group?
A: No, you must stay with the group and the tutor the start time is 09:50 and the end time is 16:00.
Q: Can I travel in my own car when travelling to painting location?
A: No, we provide a 17 seater mini-bus and can change location at anytime, the drivers know the area and the parking.
Q: Can I explore and paint the coastline on my own?
A: No, you must stay with the group and the tutor the start time is 09:50 and the end time is 16:00. By all means when not in this time you are welcome to explore.
Q: Do I need to bring lunch?
A: Yes please, there is a small kitchen off Studio 1, with our microwave and both studios have fridges and tea urns, which are all here for you to feel at home. There is a collection of bowls, plates and cutlery too.
Q: How do I get to the school?
A: Please check out our 'How to get to us' page, there are busses, and taxis and also we have a car park for you to use during your course.
Q: Is there parking on site?
A: There is ample parking for patrons in our car park on-site. Vehicles are left at the owner's risk.
Q: What times do your courses run?
A: All our courses run from 10 am until 4 pm. You are welcome to arrive from 9:45 am for coffee and to get settled for the day ahead.
Q: Can I bring my dog on a course?
A: As much as we would love to meet your animals, we do ask you to leave your pets at home or with a loved one, as this can sometimes take away from the experience of the course and other customers may have allergies.
Q: Where is Newlyn School of Art?
A: For all directions and a location map, please see the How to get to us page on the website.
Q: Once I've started the course can I change to a different course?
A: No, once the course has started this is the course you are on.
Payments
Q: Do I need holiday insurance to cover any course cancellations?
A: We would recommend that you take out holiday insurance however, we cannot legally advise you as to with whom. Please see section 6 of our Terms and Conditions which refers to Liability and sections 3 and 4 pertaining to our cancellation and refunds policy.
Q: Do you take payments with both credit cards or debit cards?
A: Yes, most people pay for courses in one go via debit card or credit card.
Q: Can I pay for a course in instalments?
A: Yes we now offer an option of three interest free instalments via PayPal for our in-person short courses and online courses.
Q: I have been declined for PayPal Pay in 3. Why?
A: PayPal's decision-making process is automated. They assess your financial position using a combination of the information you provided within your application and information about your usage and history with PayPal to decide whether PayPal Pay in 3 is suitable for you at this time.
They may also run a credit check when you apply if they need more information to be able to make a decision. This search will only be visible to you.
If you apply during checkout and are declined for PayPal Pay in 3, you can still use PayPal to check out securely with your debit or credit card. If you wish to re-apply, you will be able to do so 35 days after your last application. FAQ | Spend Smarter Hub | PayPal UK
Vouchers
Q: How long are the gift vouchers valid for?
A: All gift vouchers are valid for a year from the date of purchase.
Q: My voucher codes do not work?
A: If you have any problems using your voucher code at the checkout please email us via our Contact Us page.
Accessibility
Q: I have access to learning needs, how should I let the tutor know?
A: We are open to helping our students feel welcome, so please contact the office and our team will be happy to help. We ask that you fill in our Health and Safety form on the first morning of your course, at this stage the tutors will be informed of any needs they need to know about.
Q: I am a carer/support worker; is there an additional charge for me to attend?
A: There is no additional charge for carers/support workers to attend a course; however we will need to be advised of your attendance on the course. Please note that your attendance is not charged based on the understanding that you will not be involved in any of the activities of the course. Please bring lunch for yourself. Tea and coffee is available at the school.
Q: I have a disability and require my carer/support worker to join me on the course. Do I need to pay for him/her to attend?
A: We do not make charges for carers/support workers to attend however, if your carer wishes to take an active role in the courses he/she will need to pay to do this.
Q: I wish to declare a learning difficulty/disability; who do I contact to let the School and my tutor know about this?
A: We ask that any student who has additional support needs must contact the school before enrolling. Please see point 2.5 of our Terms and Conditions.
Q: Is the school accessible to wheelchair users?
A: Newlyn School of Art is situated in an old Victorian school. We have ensured where it is reasonably practicable to provide access for wheelchair users. The entrance for wheelchair users is via the back door to Studio 1, which takes you through the studio kitchen. The disabled toilet can be found along the corridor. Disabled parking is allocated close to the side of the school building to provide easy access to the disabled access. Please contact us to ensure that suitable provision is in place before you book your course.
History
Q: Was Newlyn School of Art set up by Stanhope Alexander Forbes?
A: Stanhope Alexander Forbes lived and worked in Newlyn and was the figurehead of a group of artists collectively known as ‘The Newlyn School Painters’. Forbes and his wife Elizabeth ran art classes from his studio. Their famous school ran from 1899 to 1941 and was called ‘The Forbes School of Painting’.
Q: How do I access these?
A: When you have decided which course to buy, add it to the basket and you will be prompted to create an account (we ask for minimal information and time taken). After purchase, you can view the course in your Dashboard.
Q: Is there any opportunity to get feedback on work done?
A: No. The course is fully pre-recorded and does not come with feedback and this is a conscious decision on the part of the art school to keep the price of the course affordable for many more people. We have a structure to our courses and fees whereby for online courses, although they are jam packed with information (and we aim to really over-deliver on the level of content we provide), our online courses are therefore more economical to buy but do not contain feedback. Whereas in-person short courses and Year-long in-person courses are a little more expensive but come with opportunities to have one-to-one time with the tutors whilst you are here in the building.
Q: My purchase is not showing up?
A: All purchases are saved to your Dashboard. For any technical support, please call the office, where our team are well briefed on how to support you and take you step by through viewing your course.
Q: Do you take payments with both credit cards or debit cards?
A: Yes, most people pay for courses in one go via debit card or credit card.
Q: Can I pay for a course in instalments?
A: Yes we now offer an option of three interest free instalments via PayPal for our in-person short courses and online courses.
Q: How long are the gift vouchers valid for?
A: All gift vouchers are valid for a year from the date of purchase. If you wish to purchase an online course as a gift, you can purchase the Online Course Gift, as each online purchase is attached to an account and must be their account to view the course.
Q: My voucher codes do not work?
A: If you have any problems using your voucher code at the checkout please email us via our Contact Us page.
Q: I have been declined for PayPal Pay in 3. Why?
A: PayPal's decision-making process is automated. They assess your financial position using a combination of the information you provided within your application and information about your usage and history with PayPal to decide whether PayPal Pay in 3 is suitable for you at this time.
They may also run a credit check when you apply if they need more information to be able to make a decision. This search will only be visible to you.
If you apply during checkout and are declined for PayPal Pay in 3, you can still use PayPal to check out securely with your debit or credit card. If you wish to re-apply, you will be able to do so 35 days after your last application. FAQ | Spend Smarter Hub | PayPal UK
Q: Where can I find full terms and conditions?
A: Please see the Terms and Conditions in the About Us section of the website. Section 11 covers your Digital Purchases. These are also available to view at the Checkout.
Q: Was Newlyn School of Art set up by Stanhope Alexander Forbes?
A: Stanhope Alexander Forbes lived and worked in Newlyn and was the figurehead of a group of artists collectively known as ‘The Newlyn School Painters’. Forbes and his wife Elizabeth ran art classes from his studio. Their famous school ran from 1899 to 1941 and was called ‘The Forbes School of Painting’.
Attendance
Q: What times do your courses run?
A: All our course sessions run from 10 am until 4 pm. You are welcome to arrive from 9:45 am for coffee and to get settled for the day ahead. You may be asked to arrive from 9 am for an arranged tutorial but this is not essential.
Supper is arranged for the group on the first evening of each session, to help establish bonds as a group. This is usually around 5:30-6 pm, this is not compulsory.
A: Firstly, you will receive the digital magazine, which accompanies the session and will arrange a Zoom call for you and the tutor, so you can still get your 1 hour 1-2-1. In addition, if any of the presentations for the tutors are recorded we will send these out.
Q: Do you take payments with both credit card for longer courses?
A: No. For our longer courses, we have payments through a payment provider called which is an easy process which we initiate once you are ready to pay. You can either pay in one lump sum, which many people choose to do, or over three staged payments if you are more than three months before the course start date.
A: There is ample parking for patrons in our car park on-site. Vehicles are left at the owner's risk.
A: As much as we would love to meet your animals, we do ask you to leave your pets at home or with a loved one, as this can sometimes take away from the experience of the course and other customers may have allergies.
A: For all directions and a location map, please see the How to get to us page on the website.
A: No, as of 2025 Mentoring ON TOUR, will be held over 4 sessions. Meeting on Friday evenings for social events and during the days of the weekends.
Q: Can I pay for a course in instalments?
A: All purchases must be paid in full on booking. If time allows we can split the payment into 3 installments. After accepting a place, you will be sent the Terms & Conditions to read and sign, then an invoice will be raised by the finance team and the first payment is due 14 days from this date. All payments must be completed 1 month before the course start date.
Q: What about gift vouchers?
A: All gift vouchers are valid for a year from the date of purchase and can be put against the cost of our year-long courses.
Accessibility
Q: I wish to declare a learning difficulty/disability; who do I contact to let the School and my tutor know about this?
A: We ask that any student who has additional support needs must contact the school before enrolling. Please see point 2.5 of our Terms and Conditions.
Q: I have a disability and require my carer/support worker to join me on the course. Do I need to pay for him/her to attend?
A: We do not make charges for carers/support workers to attend however, if your carer wishes to take an active role in the courses he/she will need to pay to do this.
Q: I am a carer/support worker; is there an additional charge for me to attend?
A: There is no additional charge for carers/support workers to attend a course; however we will need to be advised of your attendance on the course. Please note that your attendance is not charged based on the understanding that you will not be involved in any of the activities of the course. Please bring lunch for yourself. Tea and coffee is available at the school.
Q: Is the school accessible to wheelchair users?
A: Newlyn School of Art is situated in an old Victorian school. We have ensured where it is reasonably practicable to provide access for wheelchair users. The entrance for wheelchair users is via the back door to Studio 1, which takes you through the studio kitchen. The disabled toilet can be found along the corridor. Disabled parking is allocated close to the side of the school building to provide easy access to the disabled access. Please contact us to ensure that suitable provision is in place before you book your course.
History
Q: Was Newlyn School of Art set up by Stanhope Alexander Forbes?
A: Stanhope Alexander Forbes lived and worked in Newlyn and was the figurehead of a group of artists collectively known as ‘The Newlyn School Painters’. Forbes and his wife Elizabeth ran art classes from his studio. Their famous school ran from 1899 to 1941 and was called ‘The Forbes School of Painting’.
Q: How do I access a Year-long Online Course?
A: When you have decided which course to buy, add it to the basket and you will be prompted to create an account (we ask for minimal information and it only takes a minute or two). After purchase, you can view the course in your Dashboard.
Q: Do I need to start on a particular day of the year?
A: No. This course is pre-recorded and can be started on any day of the year. You can work through the sessions at your own pace, safe in the knowledge that you have an additional 6 months of access on top of the advised 12 months. 18 months of access in total.
Q: Is there any opportunity to get feedback on work done?
A: No. The course is fully pre-recorded and does not come with feedback and this is a conscious decision on the part of the art school to keep the price of the course affordable for many more people. We have a structure to our courses and fees whereby for online courses, although they are jam packed with information (and we aim to really over-deliver on the level of content we provide), our online courses are therefore more economical to buy but do not contain feedback. Whereas in-person short courses and Year-long in-person courses are a little more expensive but come with opportunities to have one-to-one time with the tutors whilst you are here in the building. This Year-long Online Landscape Course enables participants to enjoy and experience the course at their own pace over up to 18 months of access. There is a very large amount of advice, exercises and professional development in the course and it is great value for the fee.
Q: How much time a week/month would you expect I need to take to do justice to the content of the course?
A: The time taken by participants has been designed to be flexible as people work at different paces and you have 18 months access in which to enjoy the course but we would advise expecting to spend a day per week at minimum or up to two or three days per week depending on your other life commitments. Ideally, as with all of our online courses, we strongly advise participants to do many different variations on the studies outlined in the exercises, to fully make the most of the learning. Certainly, the more you put in - the more you will get out.
Q: How long in terms of footage is each Session?
A: On average the sessions have five hours of content per each of the six sessions. Around 30 hours in total. Each of those sessions are designed to take around eight weeks to complete. These hours of film are dense with demonstrations and advice which are followed by exercises outlined in text for you to then complete beyond the hours of footage. Each of the 84 exercises over the course can take anything from a few hours up to several days per exercise to complete. So you might think of those five hours of footage per session as like the time over which a teacher on an in-person course might be delivering demonstrations and giving exercises verbally prior to the participants making their own work in response. Five hours of explaining and showing you what you need to go off and do makes for a huge amount of direction and inspiration for you to respond to. For this reason we have enabled participants to have an additional six months of access, so 18 months in total, within which to really absorb the wealth of information and exercises from these 15-16 different artists.
Q: Do I need to complete sessions at a specific schedule?
A: We strongly advise spending around 8 weeks on each of the 6 Sessions. From each Session page, you can tick off the tasks as you complete them. Once you have completed and ticked all of the tasks for a session you can unlock the next Session. You have the freedom to complete each session entirely at your own pace. You have the ability to work at any time of the day, that suits you..
Q: Can you rewatch the videos several times or do you watch just once and then move on?
A: Yes, you can rewatch all of the Session films and loops as much as you like. You have full access to the content for the 18 months.
Q: How can I ask a question about, for example, the materials used?
If you have any technical questions such as about materials used we would be happy to help where we can with enquiries to the art school office via our Contact page.
Q: I have previously bought an online course with one of the artists in this course, is there an overlap of topics covered?
A: All of the footage is completely new for this course. The artists discuss and show you particular elements of landscape painting in this course (many of which will not have been touched on in their online short courses) in quite different places and with several different materials and processes. The odd material used or phrasing may be similar as all artists do have a core practice they work out from but it is very much entirely new content you will be getting. Not to mention that there are so many other artists contributing content too. We are genuinely very proud of what has been achieved in the making of this course over the past two years.
Q: Does the course suit particular styles of art more than others?
A: Each artist teaching has a different approach, although some of the artists are much more abstract in their approach the discussion of how to arrive at and respond to a place, history, materials, tone, composition etc will be useful for any artist if you can approach it with an open mind and filter what is most useful for where you want your practice to be.
Q: Where is this course filmed?
A: There are demonstrations and exercises filmed in a host of different locations and in studios across Cornwall and Devon, at different points in the year.
Q: Do I need the internet to view this course or can I download the film?
A: Yes. All our website videos are hosted by Vimeo, so you will need an internet connection to watch them. There is no download option.
Q: Do I have to start with Session 1?
A: Yes. This course has been designed to be watched in order. The exercises, materials and processes build up gradually. Sometimes the work you made in one of the films, may be used in subsequent ones.
Q: How much contact will I get with the tutor?
A: This course, like all of our online material is pre-recorded to enable participants to take their time fully making the most of all the exercises, instruction and advice. So there will be no communication with the tutors. The office staff are happy to answer any questions about the course, materials and access. However, if you wish to participate in classes with our tutors, please see our short courses and year-long courses, where you will have group and 1-2-1 time with the artists here at Newlyn School of Art. Many of our students take part in both online courses and in person courses at the art school.
Q: Can I try before I buy?
A: No. There is currently no option for trying before purchase. We hope the in-depth 4 minute trailer on the course page, along with the detailed description and information given here is enough to give you a constructive sense of the structure of the course. If you have questions, please contact the office.
Q: I have been declined for PayPal Pay in 3. Why?
A: PayPal's decision-making process is automated. They assess your financial position using a combination of the information you provided within your application and information about your usage and history with PayPal to decide whether PayPal Pay in 3 is suitable for you at this time.
They may also run a credit check when you apply if they need more information to be able to make a decision. This search will only be visible to you.
If you apply during checkout and are declined for PayPal Pay in 3, you can still use PayPal to check out securely with your debit or credit card. If you wish to re-apply, you will be able to do so 35 days after your last application. FAQ | Spend Smarter Hub | PayPal UK
Q: What materials do I need to purchase?
A: On the course page, we have stated a large selection of materials that the tutors used throughout the films. Many of these can be substituted for what you have to hand. Once the course is purchased, a full detailed list is provided under each Session page (with recommended purchasing links).
Q: How long will I have access to the course?
A: In total, 18 months. Each Session should take you about 8 weeks to complete and is designed to give you 12 months worth of exercises to complete over the year. As it is such a long course, we have added an extra 6 months of access, totalling 18 months.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: When you place an order for digital content, you will be asked to tick a box to confirm that you consent to our terms and conditions and understand that access to digital content starts immediately after you place your order by clicking the “pay” button and that you acknowledge that this means you lose your right to cancel or gain a refund as you have received the full product.
Q: My purchase is not showing up?
A: All purchases are saved to your Dashboard. For any technical support, please call the office, where our team are well briefed on how to support you and take you step by step through using your course.
Q: How long are the gift vouchers valid for?
A: All gift vouchers are valid for a year from the date of purchase. If you wish to gift this course, please purchase our gift vouchers for the sum of the course. To view online courses, customers must have an account.
Q: My voucher codes do not work?
A: If you have any problems using your voucher code at the checkout please email us via our Contact Us page.
Q: Where can I find full terms and conditions?
A: Please see the Terms and Conditions in the About Us section of the website. Section 11 covers your Digital Purchases. These are also available to view at the Checkout.
Q: How do I purchase artwork?
A: Simply click on the 'Full Details' grey box below each lot image and click ‘Add to basket’. At checkout, add your full UK address, as this will be used for your delivery.
Q: Can I pay with vouchers from your website?
A: It is not possible to use vouchers to purchase artwork from the Fundraiser Exhibition.
Q: My address for delivery is not recognised by your website
A: Tick the box at checkout, saying you agree this is your delivery address and the team will contact you before shipping to confirm this.
Q: How do I make payment for the work I have asked to buy?
A: Payment is made online. You will have 15 minutes from ‘Add to basket’ to complete your purchase.
Q: Can I pay by phone?
A: Yes, if you wish to speak to one of our team, we would be happy to take your payment over the phone and secure the artwork for you.
Q: What is the Wishlist for?
A: The wishlist is there for you to save the artworks that you are interested in. This way you can scroll through the full fundraiser and quickly indentify up to 20 of your favourite artworks. Don't hesitate too long though, as there is only one of each artwork, so someone may purchase your wishlist items. You will need an account (free to create) to use the Wishlist feature.
Q: Can I collect my purchased artworks?
A: Yes, at checkout, please tick the box stating you wish to collect your artwork, this will remove the shipping fee.
Q: Can I have my purchase sent to another address?
A: Yes, at checkout please enter a valid UK postal address. All purchases must be signed for on delivery, as we use Royal Mail and Parcel Force signed for delivery service.
Q: Can I collect my artwork after the 13th of December?
A: We cannot store your purchase over the Christmas break. If you have further questions on this matter, please contact the office.
Q: Why does the artwork say ‘Reserved’?
A: This is because the artwork has been selected by a customer and is in their basket. If they do not complete their purchase in 15 minutes, that piece of artwork will be released and will be selectable again.
Q: How many artworks can I purchase?
A: You may buy as many as you like, although you can only purchase 3 artworks at a time. Complete your first purchase and then select more to make another purchase.
Q: Is the delivery a cost to be paid on top of the sum of the artwork?
A: Yes, we have a £15 shipping fee which covers packaging, administration, delivery and tracking your artwork, which makes sure it arrives to you safely with a signature.
Q: Anything else you want to ask us?
A: If you have any other questions please call us on 01736365557 and one of the team will be happy to answer anything about buying an artwork from the Online Fundraising Exhibition.