Hello,
Life can force you to take time out in unexpected ways. I took a tumble in March, a simple fall on my patio, broke my leg and needed an operation to fix it. I’m doing so much better now, but it’s given me some valuable time to reflect whilst I adapted to a slower pace of life. Being an artist isn’t always about the act of creating; it’s a way of looking and interpreting the world. It’s knowing that the beauty of the everyday – the corner of your garden, the treasured objects on shelves, and art that captures a favourite view. My sketchbook became a haven for me, with no pressure to create completed artworks, just a chance to explore ideas.
One of the things I love about my art practice is inspiring others. Seeing my students’ work during my recovery has brought me joy and inspired me to get back to creating. While we can often find fault with social media, it’s a great way of sharing your artworks and gaining feedback and support from your fellow creatives. Those who have done my workshops will know, I love to draw a view I’d like to be in. Cornwall often features in my artworks.
Whilst I recovered, I had to adapt my schedule. One of the dates in my diary I didn’t want to miss was the chance to tutor at the St Ives School of Painting in August. I trained in Cornwall, it’s been a constant source of inspiration, especially St Ives. Nestled on the stunning coast of Cornwall, St Ives has long been a haven for artists, and it’s easy to see why. The town is steeped in artistic tradition, with views across the sea and landscape in ways that are truly mesmerising. It’s a place where creativity flows and I’ve recently had the privilege to teach at St Ives School of Painting.
I taught a three-day pastel painting workshop in St Ives early this year, just before I broke my leg, the feedback was so inspiring. Students loved exploring soft pastels in depth, using the inspirational coastline and studio light. They loved the variety of ways they could be used and the versatility they allow. We took them to the beach to sketch, painted with sea water and created artworks in the studio.
The three day workshop in August is designed for both beginners and experienced artists. Soft pastels is a brilliant media to gain confidence or explore techniques as an established artist. We will take inspiration from only a few steps away, on Porthmeor Beach, it’s a stunning piece of coastline. The setting will inspire you but it’s also the camaraderie of fellow artists, and the history of the school of painting that makes this experience magical.
From the moment I stepped into Porthmeor Studios as a student over 30 years ago, I felt a sense of belonging. The studio, with its rich history and creative energy, provides the perfect environment to explore and develop artistic skills. As a tutor, working with a small group in person allows me to encourage and support you to experiment and push the boundaries of your creativity. My passion for pastels and guidance will help you discover new techniques and approaches.
Being in St Ives, surrounded by the same landscapes that inspired artists like Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson, is moving. There’s something unique about the light there – it changes throughout the day, casting a glow on the rugged coastline and tranquil sea. This ever-changing light has become a central theme in my work, challenging me to capture its essence and the emotions it evoked.
The town of St Ives itself adds to the charm of the experience. Wandering through its narrow streets, exploring the art galleries, and sampling a true Cornish pasty, the salty breeze on my face made me feel connected to a long lineage of artists who have found inspiration here. Each moment spent outside the studio was an opportunity to absorb the unique atmosphere of this artistic enclave. Many of my students said that the chance to wander the streets after the session, allowed them to bank photos and sketches for further artworks.
One of the most memorable parts of the workshop was the sense of community. Sharing this journey with fellow artists, exchanging ideas, and providing mutual support created a nurturing environment that was incredibly motivating. Expect to make creative friends for life. We celebrated each other’s successes and learned from each other’s challenges, forming bonds that I’m sure will last beyond the workshop.
If you’ve ever dreamed of immersing yourself in the world of pastel painting, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and a supportive community, do consider joining us. It’s an opportunity to escape, to reconnect with nature and your creativity, and to explore the possibilities of soft pastels.
St Ives School of Painting offers a blend of inspiration, tradition, and innovation. It’s one of my favourite places to gain a creative tonic, I hope that I can share it with others through this workshop. If you’re looking for an artistic adventure, this is the place to be. Don’t expect bracing walks, we will be taking a slow pace to full immerse ourselves in the views.
If you can’t make the visit to Cornwall, you can enjoy my own selection of Cornish colours…
unisoncolour.com/sp/nina-squire-st-ives
The 16 set has been curated especially for the course and is included for those that are joining me on the 3 day course. The larger set gives you a truly versatile set that will tackle landscapes from Cornwall to Dorset and beyond.
Visit the St Ives School of Painting website for more details and to reserve your spot.
www.schoolofpainting.co.uk/courses/pastel-painting-porthmeor-seascapes-cw
If you needed an extra incentive, here’s some photos to show you my seascapes and inspiration to take your pastels to the coast.
Happy pastelling!
Nina Squire
