On Thursday 4 April, Year 10 Art students arrived in St Ives, Cornwall on an overcast Thursday, accompanied by Mr Willatt, Ms Heraghty and Ms Franklin. After unpacking, they set out on a late afternoon stroll through the beautiful Cornish town. The students took many photographs, Will T taking a particular interest in rust. Once back at the hostel, they chose the best of the images to draw from, techniques varied from student to student, and ranged from fine liner pen and water to vibrant acrylic paints.
After our first day, students walked down to the harbour to meet with a land artist named Greg Humphries who taught them about how he made his art during the summer seasons and collected materials during the winter as was a park ranger. He introduced us to many Cornish artists and demonstrated their techniques. He brought along with him some of his homemade charcoal sticks, made from the wood near his house; he explained charcoal was boiled wood not burned. They spent that morning practising charcoal techniques on the beach. The afternoon was spent in the harbour where the tides were slowly creeping in, and a drizzle coated the sand.
Day 3 started with a visit to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden where they came across some interesting pieces; sketches were made of the sculptures within the outside garden. There was a particular interest in the resident cat. After one too many Cornish pasties, we all headed to Tate St Ives where the boys appreciated the sketches, painting and installations that were within. Some sketches were made of the ‘shipwreck installation’ in particular.
Our final day ended with a well-deserved dinner at the Surf Shack, where the food ranged from super spicy big dog to chocolate crepes. A special thanks to Mrs Franklin for organising this trip and to Mr Willatt and Mrs Heraghty for giving up their spare time to look after us.
Written by: Fergus Bidwell, Year 10
