Introductory decorative painting course

Course description:
Participants learn the basics of Italian style decorative painting. Students are introduced to the processes involved in producing the traditional Florentine painted furniture. Starting with the preparation of grounds with traditional gesso and a special secret mixture of 'crackle' gesso, your instructor leads you through the creation of a small monochromatic sample panel, then on to two full colour painted panels.The process involves much more than just the application of paint, as you will see. The 'antiquing' is the most fun!

The courses take place in our school-laboratory in San Bartolo area, the restoration studio in Santo Spirito area in the artisan district of the old center of Florence and at the Villa of Maiano overlooking Florence, where students can observe and learn from their surroundings as well as from the teaching. See our work spaces. Students explore the historical aspects of Italian arts and crafts and gain an understanding of the high quality materials and craftsmanship involved in the production of them. The courses are meant to be inspirational as well as educational. All levels are welcome. The group size is limited to a maximum of 10 participants per course.


Projects per student:
1 painted monochromatic panel
1 panel with simple two tone decoration
1 painted panel with 'grottesche' painted ornament
extra sample panels can be produced according to speed and desire of individual students to explore new techniques under the guidance of the teacher.


Course Schedule:
Day 1 Monday (4 hours):
Introduction to the workshop, distribution of materials, preparation of the project pieces. Three projects will be presented for the participants to work on. Depending on the level of skill and experience of the participant, he or she may choose to do one, two or all three projects. Projects involve the preparation, painting, and antiquing of wooden articles. (frames, trays, panels, or small boxes).

Day 2 Tuesday (4 hours):
We cover the making of gesso with rabbit skin glue and whiting, or alternatively egg gesso, and a CD-ROM presentation on Historical Styles of Decoration.

Day 3 Wednesday (4 hours):
Workshop session, painting techniques with casein paints, demonstrations.

Day 4 Thursday (4 hours):
Workshop session, painting techniques, demonstrations.

Day 5 Friday (4 hours):
We cover various techniques of finishing and antiquing with shellac and wax finishes.

Please note that proposed projects may vary.

Student Comments:

"...The course has been complete, professional, intense, interesting and fulfilling. I cannot compliment you enough and I hope to return again and again- thank you all....." Anna Mocini, Rome and Washington, artist and book designer.	" ...I believe I could have never learned everything you have taught me just by reading a book or manual - and to be able to do this in an authentic Florentine bottega has been a real priviledge..." Rossana Pinero Weksler, Miami Beach, children's art instructor and painter.
" ...A great experience, more than I could have imagined. Excellent attention, everything I wanted to learn...." Barbara Bleeker, Aspen Colorado, merchandising consultant and furniture refinisher.	" ...I can't express how much I enjoyed my days learning in your studio. It turned out to be the richest part of my trip in Tuscany..." Marcia DiLiberto, New York City, designer and fashion design instructor.

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