Artist Simon Bayliss is leading a free painting expedition to Trencrom Hill near St Ives for would-be observational painters artists to indulge in the leisurely pursuit within a dramatic west Cornwall landscape, without needing previous painting and drawing experience.

The day, part of the Groundwork programme developed by Helston-based arts organisation CAST, will involve a longish walk, stopping for outdoor painting sessions. The group will walk from Trenwith car park in St Ives to Steeple Woods and stop to paint under the beech trees. From there they will pick up St Michael’s Way, an ancient pilgrimage route, passing Bowl Rock and continuing to Trencrom Hill. The fort and granite outcrops at the top of the hill offer an ideal place to paint, with panoramic views over both coasts, north over Hayle Estuary and south towards St Michael’s Mount.

Simon Bayliss is based in St Ives, at Porthmeor Studios, and works in several mediums and forms, with landscape painting an essential part of his life as an artist. In 2014 he experienced an artist’s block and started painting out of doors as a way of freeing himself from the block. He enjoys the freedom from anxiety and inhibition it brings.

Simon said: "I didn’t realise that it would be so seductive: working like this is bliss."

The event takes place on Sunday, September 10, from 10am to 4.30pm. The walk is approximately nine miles and the terrain is varied, so participants should wear suitable clothes and footwear, and a £5 lunch will be provided at Trencrom Hill.

For information and booking email irsimonbayliss@hotmail.com

In the event of extremely poor weather, the field trip will be postponed until the following Sunday.