The Curriculum - Florence
(Max. 10 Students)
FALL - WINTER WORKSHOP 2007  
September 17th to December 14th

September 17th to October 6th: Beginners ( U.S. $ 2.000 )

October 15th to Novembre 9th: Intermediate ( U.S. $ 2.250 )

November 19th to December 14th: Advanced ( U.S. $ 2.250 )

All three courses for U.S. $ 6.000

We supply basic materials. Plan on spending up to 100 Euro for extra materials per course

Class hours are 10 - 4 , 5 days per week ( no drop-ins; please call for an appt.)
Plus homework

It is the only Academy of its kind in Florence and one of a handful in the world. We are closely related to Charles Cecil Studios and The Florence Academy of Art. Our students often supplement their work at these two academies.

The three months Trompe l’oeil  workshop at the Academy is in the center of Florence within walking distance of all things beautiful, sacred and profane; ravishing cathedrals and palazzi as well as world class shopping. What other city can so well combine the Renaissance with the contemporary? One can still imagine Leonardo and Michelangelo sparring in the streets or the Medici outdoing the Strozzi with their extravagant spectacles and events.

The key monuments of fresco painting will be at your feet, and we will take supplementary excursions to other great cities including Rome, Venice ,and Naples.

         Our curriculum follows 4.5 hours a day plus optional homework. First month for beginners, second month intermediate and third month advanced, and will include an average of 4 hours per day hands on instruction. The panels and faux finish samples will be on canvas, so it can be rolled up and taken home. Ms.Vartan teaches the courses with the help of assistants and other instructors.

Phase I  will begin with basic faux finishes using water based methods. Several marbles will be interpreted, then wood grains, semiprecious stones, different glazing techniques and finally gilding effects for furniture, walls and objects. Preparation of surfaces will also be addressed here.

Phase II  is a continuation of Phase I with more in depth studies of unusual specialty finishes and ornamentation. We will apply all important skills of registration of design for friezes, wallpaper and textiles, trompe l'oeil moldings, and Renaissance patterns on gold leaf, faux marquetry and stone inlay. We will begin mural painting at easels with the study of perspective, light and shadow in grisaille.
(prerequisite: Phase I or equivalent experience)

Phase III  concentrates on mural painting using many of the techniques studied to date. Each student will paint at least one large panel using perspective, cast shadows, ornamental detail, and original color combinations. This is a very advanced phase.
(prerequisite: Phase II or equivalent experience)

Upon completion of the three phases, our students are competent to use their knowledge professionally and will have earned a certificate from the Academy.

We have moved to a new and enlarged studio space at Via Santo Spirito, 14, near the British Institute. In the Historic Center near the British Institute of Florence. It is a cultural center and library for English speaking people where films, lectures, Italian language and Art History courses are available to my students.

Click here for lodging.

E-mail: taniavartan@aol.com