Workshops, Classes & Events
HOW TO BOOK AN EVENT
EMAIL: [email protected]
ONLINE: Some events can be booked online via EVENTBRITE (see event description)
IN PERSON: Pop in to the gallery at Barnoon Arts, Westcotts Quay, St Ives TR26 2DY
TELEPHONE: Call or message 0790 0095203
PRIVATE PARTIES, School Visits, Large Groups, any of the subjects below can be booked for bespoke sessions. See additional details at bottom of page. Please contact us via email for inquiries.
GIFT EXPERIENCES: If you would you like to gift an of our our courses or private art lessons, head to the Shop page for a range of gift vouchers.
Monday Open Drawing Class
Mondays 10:00 am - 12:00pm (2 hours)
SUITABLE FOR: Adults & Accompanied Children, beginners & practiced artists
COST: £12 Per Session inc. materials and refreshments
VENUE : Upstairs at St Ives Arts Club
TO BOOK: email or msg us to reserve your place, payment can be made on the day
Would you like to Learn to draw? Or practise and develop your existing drawing skills? We offer a set theme each week, with materials provided. Held in the historic St Ives Arts Club, these stand alone sessions allow you to drop in to just one session, or attend on a regular basis. A social and creative way to start your week! There's help and guidance on hand, with approaches to techniques and chosen media, with Tutors Zoe Eaton, Pete Giles and occasional guest tutors.
St Ives in Watercolour
Tuesdays 10:30 - 12:30
£20 per person, including materials.
Suitable for adults and accompanied children.
Outdoor Painting Session.
Experience the charm of St Ives through the medium of water colour in an engaging outdoor class led by Zoe Eaton. Each stand alone session takes place within a short walk from the gallery. You’ll have the opportunity to create multiple artworks, drawing inspiration from the day’s theme and techniques, which may include landscapes, street scenes, harbour views, beaches, or botanical subjects. Guidance and support are available throughout the session and all materials are supplied. The event is entirely outdoors, in very bad weather, we may have to work indoors or cancel this event. Meet at Barnoon Arts, Westcotts Quay. Message us to save your space, pop into the gallery, or reserve your place here EVENTBRITE TICKET BOOKING
Draw St Ives!
Thursdays and Saturdays 10.30 - 12:00
£12 per person (includes all materials)
Suitable For Adults and Children of all Ages
Discover the joy of sketching in a relaxed and friendly outdoor session, led by Pete Giles. Capture the charm of St Ives through a series of sketches using fine liner pens and graphite on high-quality drawing paper. Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time or refining your existing skills, these sessions are perfect for all levels. With expert guidance and tips at every stage, you'll gain confidence in translating what you see into beautiful artwork. Join us and let your creativity flow! Reserve your place on Eventbrite and payment can be made on the day. ONLINE EVENTBRIGHT BOOKING HERE
Sketchbook Journalling
Price £20 per person
Wednesdays 10:30 - 12:30
Suitable for all ages and abilities
Discover your creative side in this immersive outdoor sketching experience in beautiful St Ives. We'll visit several picturesque locations, drawing inspiration from our surroundings. Experiment with a combination of sketching, collage, and mixed media, as you explore practical techniques for capturing what you see. Our session is filled with helpful tips to develop your artistic skills and try out a variety of materials including pens, pencils, graphite, coloured pencils, watercolours, and collage. We provide everything you need, including an A5 sketchbook to fill and keep.
This event takes place entirely outdoors and in the event of poor weather, we may need to relocate indoors or cancel. Booking required: Its free to reserve and payment can be made on the day. RESERVE YOUR PLACE ON EVENTBRITE HERE
Wild Sketching
£30 per person, including materials
Wed 13 August / 2 - 4.30 pm
Wed 27 August / 2 - 4.30 pm
Join us for an outdoor sketching session on the wild side of St Ives! We'll embark on a journey along the scenic coastal path, pausing to capture the landscape, sea, rocks, flora, expansive skies, or any wildlife we come across. Fill your sketchbook with a variety of drawing media and techniques, with plenty of guidance available, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist. All materials, including a sketchbook and the use of various tools, will be provided. This entirely outdoor session includes a moderate walk over sometimes uneven terrain. Dressing appropriately for the weather is crucial, with proper sun and rain protection, and sturdy footwear. The final destination and route, dependent on the season and weather, To book contact us, details above to reserve your place.
Draw: Buildings Of St Ives
Wed 30 July 2 - 4.30 pm
Wed 20 August 2 - 4.30 pm
Wed 17 Sept 2 - 4.30 pm
£30 pp
Discover the picturesque and iconic buildings of St Ives, Cornwall. Using pens, pencils, colour pencils, and other media, you’ll learn how to depict the charm and character of St Ives’ structures. With guided exercises and tips from tutor Peter Giles, Finish the session with a charming collection of your drawings in a sketchbook. No need to bring anything—materials are provided. The workshop takes place outdoors, so dress appropriately. In case of very bad weather, we may move indoors. Booking: Message us or email [email protected]
Abstract St Ives! Outdoor Painting Session
Adults £45 (Child Price aged 15 and under £20)
Mon 18 August,10.00 - 12.30
Mon 25 August 10 - 12.30
Capture the spirit of St Ives in a vibrant abstract landscape! Join artist Zoe Eaton for a relaxed, step-by-step painting workshop—outdoors if the weather’s kind, indoors if not (except 9 July) During the session there's help with how to:
Choose your view and make a quick study
Simplify shapes and patterns for bold compositions
Use acrylics with confidence—colour mixing and brushwork tips included
Leave with acrylic painting on a small canvas.
All levels welcome. Canvas and materials provided!
Book via EVENTBRITE
Intuitive Abstract Painting
Price £40
Monday 11 August / 10.00 - 12.30 / St Ives Arts Club upstairs
Monday 15 September 2025 / 2 - 4.30 pm /
The Crypt Gallery - St Ives Society of Artists
Have you wanted to try abstract painting? This workshop with Zoe Eaton looks at intuitive approaches to creating abstracts, using a series of playful and creative exercises, designed to tap into your inner sense of colour, form and composition. Get to experiment with mixed media including gouache, pastels and collage. Zoe shares her methods of finding inspirations, keeping a sketchbook and creating a variety of study pieces, to develop ideas. Leave with an A5 sketchbook with your studies and a finished piece on quality papers. Suitable for all levels of ability including beginners. All materials, tools, sketchbook and refreshments are provided. To book, message us to reserve your place or purchase your ticket via EVENTBRITE
September Festival Events
PICTURES OF YOU! DROP IN PORTRAIT STUDIO
Barnoon Arts, Westcotts Quay, St Ives
£20 per portrait
Sun 14th Sept / 12 - 8 pm
Sun 21st September /12 - 6 pm
The Drop-In Portrait Studio returns for this year’s September Festival, bringing a fresh twist to traditional street portraiture! Several artists, each with a unique style, will be creating live portraits in approximately 20 minutes. Drop by, select an artist, and strike a pose!
Now celebrating its Ninth year, after a brief pause —the studio has seen several locations and featured a diverse range of artistic styles and materials, from illustrators and printmakers to digital artists - representing classic portraiture to abstract and contemporary styes. This years portrait artists:
Zoe Eaton - creates colourful, semi abstract, expressive portraits.
Jenny Shaw Brown Is a landscape artist who enjoyes creating fast Pencil study portraits
Marie Keeling -
Creates illustrative style portraiture
EXHIBITION: AN OPEN SECRET
23 - 26 September 2025
Back this year - An open exhibition from Zoe Eaton, Peter Giles and guest artists TBA. Expect interventions, free giveaway, art drops, transient art pieces and sound instillation, displayed across multiple locations in St Ives. Watch this space! #stivesopensecret
Open Secret: Art Drop Giveaways!
23 - 26 September 2025
Keep your eyes peeled—free art is popping up across St Ives during the festival! Participating artists are secretly placing original works around town for anyone to discover and take home. You might stumble upon a miniature painting, a striking photograph, a pocket-sized sculpture, or a spontaneous sketch—each one a unique find.
Here's the line up so far, with new names being added in the lead up to the event. Click on name for link to website or social media
Peter Giles : Abstract Drawings / Leaving a miniature 'Exhibition in a Box'
Lauren Eames - Art drop on Sun 21 Sept
Zoe Eaton: abstract painter / A5 abstract canvas , from 'Small Components of Hope' series / Sat 13 Sept, Westcotts Quay
Jenny Shaw-Brown / website /artist and printmaker will be leaving mini landscape oil paintings on Wed 17 Sept, Porthmeor and Island / Wed 24 S
ept, Downalong and Harbour
Peter Jarman: photographer and multi media artist. / leaving small clay sculpture on mounts / Wed 17 & 24 Sept
Sharon McSwiney: Metal work sculpture, jewellery and paintings
Watch this space! #stivesopensecret
ABSTRACT DRAWING with Peter Giles
£40
Monday 22 September 2 - 4.40 pm
The Crypt Gallery St Ives Society of Artists
Delve into the world of patterns and abstraction, with artist Peter Giles. Suitable for all levels of drawing ability, from complete beginners, to those who wish to find a different way to draw and discover a new language. During the session we will be using a combination of exploration exercises and discussion and finish with a final piece on larger paper. First we will explore shapes and lines, as a basis for building pattern - then Introduce colour with coloured pencils, markers pens and more. An afternoon to dive into the abstract and explore. TO BOOK ; email, or messages us , details at top of page. or buy ticket EVENTBRITE
Colourful Language!
How to Apply Colour Theory
Date TBA
Price £40 per person
Suitable for all ages and abilities
Venue: Upstairs theatre room, St Ives Arts club, Westcotts Quay
Explore the vibrant world of colour theory in a fun, hands-on workshop designed for creatives and anyone keen on mastering colour application. Led by artist Zoe Eaton, this session delves into practical exercises and engaging discussions, providing valuable insights into colour mixing and its application in your creative practice.
Colour Theory : Understand principles of colour theory. and create a 12-part colour wheel. Identify the Components of Colour: Hue, Saturation and Bias. Learn how to mix any colour, without wasting time and pigments.
Application Of Colour: Investigate how colours interact with each other and explore concepts such as complementary, , harmonious and neutral colours. Explore colour application in design, and the work of artists..
Leave the workshop with a notebook full of colour exercises, a colour wheel and recipes for future reference.
PRIVATE & GROUP BOOKINGS
We offer customized sessions that cater to a variety of group sizes, from individual or small group tutoring in our studio, to larger gatherings such as schools, private parties, and clubs. Conducted either outdoors, or in locally rented spaces insdoors. Please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss your particular requirements, subject matter, or session times.
PRIVATE STUDIO SESSIONS (up to 2 persons)
Reserve a private lesson in our exquisite upstairs studio, boasting breath taking views of St Ives Harbour. Tailored for individuals or pairs, these sessions include all materials and refreshments. Select your preferred medium, subject, and time. Leave the session with a sketchbook with your notes and studies, and a completed artwork on quality surfaces.
Two hour sessions, 10:30 am or 2:00 pm
Pick your Subject or Ask: Landscape/ botanics / still life / abstract drawing / abstract painting .
Choose your media, Drawing, Watercolours, Gouache , Oil or acrylic paint
A flat fee of £150 - for a maximum of 2 people.
LARGE GROUPS : OUTDOORS
Enjoy the immediacy of working outdoors! Capture the stunning views of St Ives through sketching or painting. We offer comprehensive guidance throughout and can customize your session to fit your group's needs. A minimum price applies (subject to the chosen subject, and includes all materials), for your whole group, Please contact us with your preferred dates and subjects.
DRAW ST IVES: 90 min session/ minimum price £150 or £12 per head (whichever is greater) Guided outdoor sketching techniques with pen and pencil.
WATER COLOURS: Choose landscape/seascape scenes/ gardens and botanics/ approx 2 hours plus/ finish with paintings on quality papers. Minimum session price £200, or £20 per head (whichever is greater)
Sketchbook Journaling: 2 hour session/ Tips and techniques using mixed media - min price £200 or £20 per head (whichever is greater)
Landscape in Acrylic Paint : 3 hour session: You’ll receive assistance with composition, colour mixing, mastering paint and brush techniques, to create a finished painting on a small canvas or canvas board. Min Price £200 or £40 per head (whichever is greater).
LARGE GROUPS- INDOORS (3 + persons)
(3 - 15 persons) We use local spaces/rooms in St Ives for large groups. For schools or groups larger than15 people, please get in touch for an individual quote. All our indoor sessions include full tuition, materials, aprons, and tea/coffee.
Minimum price is £250 per indoor session or price per head - whichever is greater.
Maximinum price £400 (for up to 15 people)
Select from any of the subjects mentioned above, plus additional options below.
Watercolour or Gouache Painting: Local scenes or still life / £25 per head
Abstract Painting inspired by St Ives Modernist Artists (£40 per head)
Portrait Painting or Drawing ( £40 per head)
Abstract Drawing with Peter Giles (£40 per head )
Acrylic Painting on Canvas - Choose subject from local scenes, still life or abstract (£40 per head)
