Walking as a Way of Seeing
Join acclaimed Australian landscape artists and experienced tutors Debbie Mackinnon and Mike Staniford for an inspiring exploration of walking, drawing and painting in the Cornish landscape.
Building on their popular Conversations with Landscape course, Along the Coastal Path explores how moving through a landscape can transform the way we see, draw and paint. Working on location along the Cornish Coastal Path, Debbie and Mike will help you will discover how paths, gates, stiles, signposts, fences, hedgerows and ancient stone walls provide compelling dynamic lines, shapes and geometry from which to develop new work.
Walking becomes an active part of the creative process. You will make quick, exploratory drawings in charcoal, ink, pastel and collage, learning to respond to what you encounter rather than searching for a single ‘correct’ view. You will explore how movement, changing weather, light and memory can influence your decisions and help you work with greater freedom and confidence.
Back in the studio, these on-location sketches become springboards for acrylic paintings. Using a limited palette, you will learn to combine, crop, reinterpret and develop your drawings rather than simply copy them.
The course is designed to help you loosen your approach to landscape, trust your instincts and discover a more personal visual language—one rooted in observation, movement and response. The skills and ideas explored along the Cornish coast can readily be applied to landscapes and paths wherever you live.
Tutor:
Debbie Mackinnon and Mike Staniford
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.
Intended for:
Those wishing to explore walking, drawing and painting in the Cornish landscape
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:
All materials are provided by the school. 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.
