This four-day course explores how story, history and myth can deepen your approach to landscape painting. Working between studio and site, you’ll move beyond what is immediately visible and develop a more personal, layered response to place.
Jethro begins with an introduction to his practice, alongside a discussion of artists including Peter Lanyon, Frank Auerbach and Sam Bassett. These references help frame ideas around memory, movement and emotional connection in landscape painting. Practical studio exercises will focus on loosening observation, experimenting with mark-making, and working from memory as well as direct study.
The group will visit an historic mine, where local historian Ben from Cornwall Underground Adventures will share insights into the industry's past and what it was like for miners to work underground. A guided visit into the opening of an ancient mine offers a powerful sensory experience — shifting how you think about space, time and human presence within the landscape.
Back in the studio, you’ll develop studies and experimental paintings that respond to these experiences. The emphasis is on process rather than finished outcomes, helping you build new methods that can feed directly into your ongoing practice.
During this course, participants will:
- Understand how history and narrative can inform landscape painting
- Explore abstraction and memory as tools for deeper expression
- Build confidence in personal interpretation
- Develop approaches they can apply to any landscape
This course is about expanding how you see, think and respond — bringing greater depth and edge to your work.
This course includes visits to underground mine entrances in West Cornwall, which may make it unsuitable for those with claustrophobia. Participants must be reasonably fit, and able at times, to walk on relatively uneven ground. If you have any questions regarding mobility or access for this course do please get in touch with us via our Contact Us page.
Tutor:
Jethro Jackson
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.
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, 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.
