About
This five-day course explores the transformative possibilities of painting through the teachings and spirit of Cecil Collins RA Rather than copying the visible world, we will explore how form, colour and imagination can become vehicles for something more inward and symbolic.
As Cecil Collins said, ‘We are here to interpret form not to copy it.’
The course will begin with drawing from the imagination, exploring mark-making, tonality, and rhythm. Using the traditional drawing instruments – reed and quill pens, Chinese brushes and ink, charcoal, Conte red crayon and pencils – participants will discover how harmonious marks can suggest movements, atmosphere, weight and form without describing a particular object.
Form is not something to be copied, but something to be discovered and transformed, then colour harmony can grow naturally out of the tonal drawings – moving from black, white, and grey into colour, from mark and tone towards the imaginative paintings.
Alongside the drawing, we will make colour harmony studies, exploring relationships between colours, creating atmosphere, light and seeing with an emotional response. These studies will become a foundation for the paintings developed throughout the week.
Each day will centre upon a different theme:
The Head – exploring the human form beyond portrait likeness, allowing the head to become a vessel for character, spirit and imagination.
The Sky and the Sea – responding to elemental movement, atmosphere and the infinite
relationship between earth, water and sky.
Landscape – moving from the observed landscape towards the imaginative landscape,
where hill, valley, tree, river and horizons may become symbolic forms.
Flowers – exploring organic form, rhythm, colour and transformation, allowing flowers to
move beyond botanical description into something poetic and symbolic.
Temenos – from the Greek meaning a sacred enclosure; an enclosed or set-apart space.
The final painting will bring together the week’s explorations, creating an imagined place of stillness, mystery and contemplation.
Key Information
Who is this course for?
All levels of ability and experience are welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
What should I bring to class?
- An artist’s sketchbook (A4 or A5) for notes and harmony studies.
- A selection of pointed round watercolour brushes: sizes 2, 3, and 5 if possible. Bring an assortment of other watercolour brushes if you have them. Sable or synthetic is fine.
- Gouache: yellow ochre, cadmium yellow lemon, cadmium red, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, zinc white, vine black (best) or ivory black.
What days/times do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 8 – 12 February 2027, 10:00 – 16:30
How many students can attend?
14
Where will this course take place?
This course will take place at our studios at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Course up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date of the Course. This course requires a minimum number of enrollments to run.
The School may take and use images of you and/or your work for course advertisement and social media purposes.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Tutor Biography
Lily Corbett Gale is a painter who studied drawing and painting with the visionary artist Cecil Collins from 1976 until 1989 and continues to teach his methods in life drawing. She also worked as a picture restorer and conservator for many years. She completed her MA at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in 2002.
