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Learn to Paint | Art Courses

Learn to Paint | Art Courses

Discover creative experiences with our artists, both at the St Ives School of Painting and online.

"Art is more than something we create, it is something we share. Last Chance to Paint allows us to inspire over 60,000 children each year through free educational resources, while our workshops offer inspiring opportunities for adults and children to explore their own creativity.”

Discover creative experiences with our artists, both at the St Ives School of Painting and online.

"Art is more than something we create, it is something we share. Last Chance to Paint allows us to inspire over 60,000 children each year through free educational resources, while our workshops offer inspiring opportunities for adults and children to explore their own creativity.”

St Ives School of Painting

UPCOMING COURSES

JOHN DYER | PAINTING THE SPIRIT OF ST IVES

JOHN DYER | PAINTING THE SPIRIT OF ST IVES

Learn to create vibrant, expressive acrylic paintings that blend observation with imagination and emotion, inspired by the unique light and character of St Ives.

This course encourages a playful, intuitive approach to colour and mark-making within a supportive and welcoming studio environment. Guided by contemporary Cornish artist John Dyer, celebrated for his vibrant paintings of Cornwall, students are invited to move beyond simple representation and explore more expressive responses to the St Ives landscape.

Combining outdoor exploration with focused studio practice, participants develop observational studies while experimenting with colour, form, and expressive techniques. Emphasis is placed on atmosphere, movement, and personal interpretation, allowing memory, instinct, and curiosity to shape each painting.

The course encourages confidence, creative freedom, and the development of a more individual visual language.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be developing an acrylic painting or series of works reflecting their own creative response to St Ives.

Learn to create vibrant, expressive acrylic paintings that blend observation with imagination and emotion, inspired by the unique light and character of St Ives.

This course encourages a playful, intuitive approach to colour and mark-making within a supportive and welcoming studio environment. Guided by contemporary Cornish artist John Dyer, celebrated for his vibrant paintings of Cornwall, students are invited to move beyond simple representation and explore more expressive responses to the St Ives landscape.

Combining outdoor exploration with focused studio practice, participants develop observational studies while experimenting with colour, form, and expressive techniques. Emphasis is placed on atmosphere, movement, and personal interpretation, allowing memory, instinct, and curiosity to shape each painting.

The course encourages confidence, creative freedom, and the development of a more individual visual language.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be developing an acrylic painting or series of works reflecting their own creative response to St Ives.

What Makes us Special?

We are proud to share exceptional art, inspiring creative learning, and free educational resources from Cornwall’s leading artists.

Leading Artists

Learn with practising, exhibiting British artists John Dyer and Joanne Short. Workshops are shaped by real studio practice, colour expertise, and a distinctive artistic philosophy.

Free for Schools

Through Last Chance to Paint, we proudly provide free creative resources, films, and workshops, inspiring over 60,000 children and students each year worldwide.

binoculars

Student Focused

Workshops are designed to build confidence, creative freedom, and genuine artistic skills. Our supportive teaching style nurtures personal expression rather than perfection.

Online & In Person

Inspiring creative experiences at the St Ives School of Painting and through Last Chance to Paint, with new online courses currently in development.

Our Artists

Our Artists

Our workshops are led by acclaimed British artists Joanne Short and John Dyer, both widely recognised for their distinctive, colour-rich paintings and established exhibiting careers. With decades of professional studio practice between them, their teaching draws directly from real artistic experience rather than formulaic instruction. Joanne Short is celebrated for her confident compositions and masterful use of colour in still life, coastal, and interior paintings, while John Dyer is known for his vibrant, expressive works inspired by Cornwall, travel, and the natural world. Together, they offer a rare combination of artistic insight, encouragement, and practical guidance, creating workshops that nurture confidence, creative freedom, and the development of each student’s individual visual language.

Our workshops are led by acclaimed British artists Joanne Short and John Dyer, both widely recognised for their distinctive, colour-rich paintings and established exhibiting careers. With decades of professional studio practice between them, their teaching draws directly from real artistic experience rather than formulaic instruction. Joanne Short is celebrated for her confident compositions and masterful use of colour in still life, coastal, and interior paintings, while John Dyer is known for his vibrant, expressive works inspired by Cornwall, travel, and the natural world. Together, they offer a rare combination of artistic insight, encouragement, and practical guidance, creating workshops that nurture confidence, creative freedom, and the development of each student’s individual visual language.

Why you should get involved

Why you should get involved

Art Workshop

Inspiring Art Workshops with Practising Artists

Our art workshops bring together creativity, artistic skills, and the teaching expertise of celebrated British artists John Dyer and Joanne Short. Designed for adults, beginners, developing painters, and young artists, each art workshopoffers a welcoming and supportive environment where confidence, creativity, and new skills can flourish.

Delivered in partnership with the St Ives School of Painting, these workshops provide structured, engaging, hands-on art classes rooted in fine art practice. Whether attending your first art class or refining established techniques, every creative workshop is designed to inspire, encourage, and build lasting artistic confidence.

Alongside adult courses, we also offer children’s art workshops in collaboration with the St Ives School of Painting’s education team. These occasional paid workshops provide younger students with inspiring opportunities to explore painting, colour, and creative expression within a highly supportive learning environment.

Beyond the studio, our globally recognised Last Chance to Paint programme extends creative learning worldwide. Through lastchancetopaint.com, we proudly provide free workshops, films, and educational resources that inspire over 60,000 children and students each year.

We are also developing a new programme of structured online courses, which will be offered directly through johndyergallery.com, expanding opportunities to learn painting and develop artistic skills from anywhere.

Why Choose Our Art Workshops

Choosing the right art workshop is about more than materials or techniques. It is about teaching approach, creative growth, and genuine artistic development.

Our workshops offer:

  • Artist-led guidance from famous and highly successful practising, exhibiting artists
  • A supportive, confidence-building teaching style
  • Strong focus on painting, drawing, colour, and observation
  • Workshops designed for beginners, adults, and young artists
  • Learning experiences shaped by Cornwall’s rich artistic heritage

Each art workshop prioritises real artistic skills, helping students develop practical techniques, creative confidence, and a deeper enjoyment of painting.

Learn with John Dyer and Joanne Short

John Dyer

John Dyer is one of Cornwall’s most celebrated contemporary painters, widely recognised for his vibrant use of colour, expressive style, and internationally renowned work. As a practising British artist, his paintings capture light, movement, and life with distinctive energy.

Through carefully structured art workshops, John teaches acrylic painting with an encouraging and accessible approach. His sessions focus on colour, composition, visual storytelling, and helping students paint with confidence and creative freedom.

John is also the founder of Last Chance to Paint, a pioneering global education initiative connecting creativity, wildlife, culture, and conservation through free films and workshops.

Joanne Short

Joanne Short is an acclaimed British painter known for her distinctive still life, coastal, floral, and interior paintings. Celebrated for her confident compositions and colour harmonies, Joanne brings clarity, warmth, and insight to every creative workshop.

Her workshops help students simplify observation, strengthen painting techniques, and develop confidence through colour and design awareness

Art Workshops at the St Ives School of Painting

Our in-person art workshops are delivered in collaboration with the St Ives School of Painting, one of the UK’s most respected centres for creative learning. These workshops provide immersive, inspiring art classes set within Cornwall’s legendary artistic landscape.

Participants benefit from:

  • Dedicated studio environment in the famous Porthmeor Studios in St Ives
  • Small, focused workshop groups
  • Structured demonstrations and guided practice
  • Workshops designed for all abilities
  • A creative setting shaped by Cornwall’s extraordinary light and landscape

Alongside adult courses, occasional children’s art workshops are offered in partnership with the School of Painting’s education team, providing inspiring creative experiences for younger artists.

Workshops vary throughout the year, exploring painting, drawing, colour, mixed media, and expressive techniques.

Last Chance to Paint – Free Online Workshops

Through lastchancetopaint.com, Last Chance to Paint provides free creative workshops, films, and resources for schools, teachers, families, and young artists worldwide.

These structured online workshops connect creativity with:

  • Wildlife and conservation
  • Global cultures and communities
  • Geography and nature
  • Artistic skills and visual storytelling
  • Confidence, wellbeing, and curiosity

Future Online Courses

Alongside our studio-based art workshops, we are developing a new programme of structured online courses to be offered directly through johndyergallery.com.

These forthcoming courses will expand opportunities to learn painting, strengthen artistic skills, and engage with creative practice from anywhere.

Digital Creativity & Procreate Webinars

Alongside our studio-based art workshops, we also explore digital creativity through a series of webinars and demonstrations using Procreate. These sessions introduce students to contemporary creative techniques, colour exploration, and visual experimentation within a flexible digital environment.

Procreate workshops are designed to complement traditional painting practice, supporting observational skills, composition, and creative confidence. Participants often use digital sketching as part of their wider artistic development.

Future online courses offered through johndyergallery.com will expand these learning opportunities, integrating both painting and digital creative approaches.

What to Expect from an Art Workshop

Whether attending your first art class or refining established skills, workshops are designed to feel welcoming, encouraging, and creatively energising.

Participants often gain:

  • Greater creative confidence
  • Stronger understanding of colour and composition
  • Practical painting techniques
  • Renewed creative motivation
  • A meaningful sense of artistic progress

Art Workshops, Creativity, and Wellbeing

Creative practice is widely recognised for its positive impact on confidence, focus, and wellbeing. Engaging in painting, drawing, and creative workshops allows students to slow down, observe more deeply, and reconnect with the joy of making art.

Booking Your Art Workshop

Studio workshops are available through the St Ives School of Painting, with new courses and dates updated throughout the year.

Free online workshops and resources are always accessible via:

lastchancetopaint.com

Future structured online courses will be available directly through:

johndyergallery.com

Please sign up to our email newsletter to be kept informed.

Art Workshop

Inspiring Art Workshops with Practising Artists

Our art workshops bring together creativity, artistic skills, and the teaching expertise of celebrated British artists John Dyer and Joanne Short. Designed for adults, beginners, developing painters, and young artists, each art workshopoffers a welcoming and supportive environment where confidence, creativity, and new skills can flourish.

Delivered in partnership with the St Ives School of Painting, these workshops provide structured, engaging, hands-on art classes rooted in fine art practice. Whether attending your first art class or refining established techniques, every creative workshop is designed to inspire, encourage, and build lasting artistic confidence.

Alongside adult courses, we also offer children’s art workshops in collaboration with the St Ives School of Painting’s education team. These occasional paid workshops provide younger students with inspiring opportunities to explore painting, colour, and creative expression within a highly supportive learning environment.

Beyond the studio, our globally recognised Last Chance to Paint programme extends creative learning worldwide. Through lastchancetopaint.com, we proudly provide free workshops, films, and educational resources that inspire over 60,000 children and students each year.

We are also developing a new programme of structured online courses, which will be offered directly through johndyergallery.com, expanding opportunities to learn painting and develop artistic skills from anywhere.

Why Choose Our Art Workshops

Choosing the right art workshop is about more than materials or techniques. It is about teaching approach, creative growth, and genuine artistic development.

Our workshops offer:

  • Artist-led guidance from famous and highly successful practising, exhibiting artists
  • A supportive, confidence-building teaching style
  • Strong focus on painting, drawing, colour, and observation
  • Workshops designed for beginners, adults, and young artists
  • Learning experiences shaped by Cornwall’s rich artistic heritage

Each art workshop prioritises real artistic skills, helping students develop practical techniques, creative confidence, and a deeper enjoyment of painting.

Learn with John Dyer and Joanne Short

John Dyer

John Dyer is one of Cornwall’s most celebrated contemporary painters, widely recognised for his vibrant use of colour, expressive style, and internationally renowned work. As a practising British artist, his paintings capture light, movement, and life with distinctive energy.

Through carefully structured art workshops, John teaches acrylic painting with an encouraging and accessible approach. His sessions focus on colour, composition, visual storytelling, and helping students paint with confidence and creative freedom.

John is also the founder of Last Chance to Paint, a pioneering global education initiative connecting creativity, wildlife, culture, and conservation through free films and workshops.

Joanne Short

Joanne Short is an acclaimed British painter known for her distinctive still life, coastal, floral, and interior paintings. Celebrated for her confident compositions and colour harmonies, Joanne brings clarity, warmth, and insight to every creative workshop.

Her workshops help students simplify observation, strengthen painting techniques, and develop confidence through colour and design awareness

Art Workshops at the St Ives School of Painting

Our in-person art workshops are delivered in collaboration with the St Ives School of Painting, one of the UK’s most respected centres for creative learning. These workshops provide immersive, inspiring art classes set within Cornwall’s legendary artistic landscape.

Participants benefit from:

  • Dedicated studio environment in the famous Porthmeor Studios in St Ives
  • Small, focused workshop groups
  • Structured demonstrations and guided practice
  • Workshops designed for all abilities
  • A creative setting shaped by Cornwall’s extraordinary light and landscape

Alongside adult courses, occasional children’s art workshops are offered in partnership with the School of Painting’s education team, providing inspiring creative experiences for younger artists.

Workshops vary throughout the year, exploring painting, drawing, colour, mixed media, and expressive techniques.

Last Chance to Paint – Free Online Workshops

Through lastchancetopaint.com, Last Chance to Paint provides free creative workshops, films, and resources for schools, teachers, families, and young artists worldwide.

These structured online workshops connect creativity with:

  • Wildlife and conservation
  • Global cultures and communities
  • Geography and nature
  • Artistic skills and visual storytelling
  • Confidence, wellbeing, and curiosity

Future Online Courses

Alongside our studio-based art workshops, we are developing a new programme of structured online courses to be offered directly through johndyergallery.com.

These forthcoming courses will expand opportunities to learn painting, strengthen artistic skills, and engage with creative practice from anywhere.

Digital Creativity & Procreate Webinars

Alongside our studio-based art workshops, we also explore digital creativity through a series of webinars and demonstrations using Procreate. These sessions introduce students to contemporary creative techniques, colour exploration, and visual experimentation within a flexible digital environment.

Procreate workshops are designed to complement traditional painting practice, supporting observational skills, composition, and creative confidence. Participants often use digital sketching as part of their wider artistic development.

Future online courses offered through johndyergallery.com will expand these learning opportunities, integrating both painting and digital creative approaches.

What to Expect from an Art Workshop

Whether attending your first art class or refining established skills, workshops are designed to feel welcoming, encouraging, and creatively energising.

Participants often gain:

  • Greater creative confidence
  • Stronger understanding of colour and composition
  • Practical painting techniques
  • Renewed creative motivation
  • A meaningful sense of artistic progress

Art Workshops, Creativity, and Wellbeing

Creative practice is widely recognised for its positive impact on confidence, focus, and wellbeing. Engaging in painting, drawing, and creative workshops allows students to slow down, observe more deeply, and reconnect with the joy of making art.

Booking Your Art Workshop

Studio workshops are available through the St Ives School of Painting, with new courses and dates updated throughout the year.

Free online workshops and resources are always accessible via:

lastchancetopaint.com

Future structured online courses will be available directly through:

johndyergallery.com

Please sign up to our email newsletter to be kept informed.

“Last Chance to Paint was created from a simple belief: that creativity can help young people see the world differently. Through painting, children do more than make pictures, they build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection with nature, cultures, and their own imagination. Watching young artists realise that their ideas matter is at the very heart of why we run the project.”

John Dyer FRGS

Founder of Last Chance to Paint, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Artist in Residence for Eden Project and an Artist for the Earth with Earth Day.

“Last Chance to Paint was created from a simple belief: that creativity can help young people see the world differently. Through painting, children do more than make pictures, they build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection with nature, cultures, and their own imagination. Watching young artists realise that their ideas matter is at the very heart of why we run the project.”

John Dyer FRGS

Founder of Last Chance to Paint, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Artist in Residence for Eden Project and an Artist for the Earth with Earth Day.

Get in touch today

We would be delighted to hear from you. We are happy to answer any questions about our art courses, or to register your interest in future online art courses for adults.

Bring the colour and spirit of Cornwall into your home today.

Explore our paintings online or book your private appointment in Falmouth.