Famous for its pirate history, beautiful views over Mounts Bay, and the art deco Jubilee Sea Pool, Penzance is one of West Cornwall’s most impressive destinations. Its eye-catching shoreline and coastal lifestyle have also captured the imaginations of artists for over a century, with the town’s cobbled streets and narrow alleyways concealing a fantastic selection of art galleries.
Neighbouring Newlyn (just 1 mile away) is known for its large fishing fleet and Newlyn dressed crab, which is served in many of the area’s best restaurants. Tucked behind the white-washed fisherman’s cottages that climb the slopes from the harbour, you’ll also find some of the country’s best artists' workshops.
While many art lovers visit St Ives and the Tate Gallery during their trip to Cornwall, Penzance and Newlyn are not to be missed, with their world-class workshops, inspirational scenes, and internationally recognised artists.
Famous artists in Penzance and Newlyn
For over 200 years, artists have been flocking to West Cornwall to capture the beauty of its coastline and the unique way of life.
Penzance School of Art
One of Britain’s first provincial art schools, Penzance School of Art was founded in 1853 by young London artist Henry Malcolm Geoffroi. Initially offering classes in drawing to local working-class Cornishmen, it later expanded its offering and provided tuition for some of the region’s famous artists like Peter Lanyon and Jack Pender of the St Ives School.
Newlyn School
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the coastal communities of Newlyn, Mousehole, and Lamorna evolved into a thriving centre for painters later grouped as the Newlyn School. Celebrated for working outdoors in the open air, or “en plein air”, their paintings are now widely prized. At Penlee House Gallery & Museum in Penzance, visitors can view works by prominent figures of the movement, including Stanhope Forbes, Walter Langley, and Norman Garstin.
Kurt Jackson
In the contemporary art world, Kurt Jackson is one of West Cornwall’s most renowned artists, hailing from St Just-in-Penwith (just 7 miles from Penzance). Named Best Art Gallery in Cornwall for three years in a row, the Jackson Foundation displays Kurt Jackson’s paintings, poetry, sculptures, installations and films and explores the relationship between art and the natural world.
Artist workshops in Penzance and Newlyn
Feeling inspired? Visit one of these schools or galleries to develop your creative skills while in Penzance and Newlyn.
Newlyn School of Art
Best for: Short courses
Chywoone Hill, Newlyn, Penzance TR18 5AW
newlynartschool.co.uk
Offering some of the best art short courses in the UK, and hosted by leading artists from the region, Newlyn School of Art sits in the heart of Newlyn. Try your hand at plein air painting, contemporary textiles, a variety of landscape workshops or hone your skills in portraiture at a stunning studio on the West Cornwall coastline.
Sarah Bell Watercolour Workshops
Best for: Watercolour workshops
The Artist’s House, 29 Market Jew Street, Penzance TR18 2HR
watercolourworkshops.co.uk
Based at a beautiful art studio in Penzance, Sarah Bell Watercolour Workshops help budding artists and those looking to improve their watercolour skills to grow their creative confidence. Inspired by a lifetime of painting, her artistic father, and her experience as an illustration teacher, Sarah offers both group workshops and 1-2-1 tuition.
Kemeneth Print Studio
Best for: Print workshops
4 Wood Street, Penzance TR18 2EW
Near Penzance Harbour, Kemeneth Print Studio offers a wide range of etching and printing for everyone, whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro looking for some Cornish inspo. This is a great way to develop a new artistic skill, with themes including spring etching, experimental life printing, and a whole range of other workshops with local experts.
Redwing Oil Painting Workshops
Best for: Community drop-in classes
32 Alverton Street, Penzance TR18 2QN
redwinggallery.co.uk
Existing to showcase the art of socially excluded individuals, Redwing Gallery also hosts a number of inclusive art classes and workshops throughout the week. Drop into their free art classes or affordable oil painting workshops on a Monday afternoon for a relaxed and friendly group activity. On other days, they also host classes on Cornish Language and West African Drumming!
Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange
Best for: Family-friendly art events
New Road, Newlyn, Penzance, TR18 5PZ and Princes Street, Penzance TR18 2NL
newlynartgallery.co.uk
Alongside regularly rotating exhibitions on contemporary art, Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange (run by the same organisation but spread across two different sites in Penzance and Newlyn) also hosts workshops and family art activities. Check out their events page or sign up for their newsletter for the chance to join in on glassmaking, children’s workshops, and plenty more.
Tresabenn Pottery Studio
Best for: Pottery workshops
Lower Kenneggy Lane, Penzance TR20 9AP
tresabennstudio.squarespace.com
For those interested in tuition from an expert pottery studio, Tresabenn is located just a fifteen-minute drive from Penzance and helps potters of all skill levels to develop their skills at the wheel. Choose from Saturday taster sessions (held once a month), a five-day intensive throwing course (to make rapid progress) or a seven-day summer slipware school.
Creative calendar events in Penzance
Penzance has a fantastic calendar of events throughout the year, where creativity blends with festivity. Here are our highlights:
Golowan Festival (19th - 28th June 2026) – Incorporating street entertainment with arts, crafts, live music, film and dance, this celebration of midsummer also sees a range of exhibitions hosted throughout Penzance’s art galleries.
Penzance Literary Festival (7th - 11th July 2026) – Including a large programme of talks and events, this bookish weekend also hosts workshops to teach attendees about publishing and writing.
Montol Festival (21st December 2026) – Celebrating the winter solstice, Penzance’s midwinter festival is a true delight for costume designers and fans of fancy dress, where revellers wear traditional “Guise” style clothes (think top hats, vintage, and colourful ribbons) with animal-style masks.
Where to draw your inspiration
There are lots of things to do in and around Penzance and Newlyn that can provide artistic inspiration. Here are some of our suggestions…
Art galleries
A great starting point for any artist in Penzance and Newlyn is to explore the many art galleries and museums. Including exhibitions from the famous “plein air” Newlyn School artists, contemporary artworks, and boutique galleries, there are plenty of ideas to be found in the area’s existing artistry.
Coastal scenery and walks
The far west of Cornwall and South West Coast Path have provided a subject for artists for centuries. With long, sweeping vistas, a thousand-year-old island castle and pretty coves and beaches, you’ll find plenty of scenes for painting and drawing.
Quirky architecture
For those with an interest in urban sketching or architectural drawing, there are plenty of quirky buildings in Penzance. Head to Chapel Street to discover the 1830s Egyptian House, complete with its exuberant facade. Around the corner, you’ll find the Admiral Benbow pub (one of the best pubs in Penzance), known for its unique nautical paraphernalia and adornments, and near the harbour, you’ll find the beautiful art deco Jubilee Pool. In Newlyn, the fisherman’s cottages that line the water make for a timeless subject.
The town’s history
From the naval skirmishes of Mounts Bay and the pirate invaders of the 17th century to its role as a fishing and market town, Penzance overflows with history as much as it does natural beauty. Uncovering the town’s stories provides plenty of inspiration for creative pursuits and can be discovered through reading, visiting Penlee House Gallery & Museum or exploring the area’s ancient sites.
Go on a trip to St Michael’s Mount
One of Cornwall’s most photographed locations and a site with over a thousand years of history, St Michael’s Mount is both beautiful and fascinating – providing the perfect muse for camerawork, drawing, and painting. Walk the ancient causeway or catch a ferry to the island, where you’ll be greeted by an aristocratic home, curated gardens, and an island museum.
Explore the subtropical gardens
West Cornwall’s subtropical gardens are a paradise for botanical artists, boasting rare plant species from around the globe. Top picks in the area include Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens for abundant plantlife and amazing views over the bay, Morrab Gardens in the centre of Penzance, and Tregwainton or Tregwidden gardens for champion magnolia trees in the spring.
Visit the Isles of Scilly
If you really fancy pushing the boat out (pun intended), taking a ferry from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly guarantees to leave you speechless with its stunning archipelagos and plentiful wildlife. There’s also a sense of tranquillity throughout the Isles, which is hard to find anywhere else, providing the perfect setting for quiet contemplation, ideation, and allowing creative juices to flow.
Looking for the perfect base for your artistic seaside escape? Our range of self-catered holiday cottages in Penzance and Newlyn provides a peaceful sanctuary in between galleries, workshops, and activities.
Tags: Art | Newlyn | Penzance | West Cornwall |