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General Description

At The Florence Academy of Art painting directly from life is the culmination of various skills. The course begins with an in depth explanation of the Florence Academy method, a technical demonstration on mixing colors, organizing the palette, preparing mediums, and producing a painting from life. Students work 6 hours daily, painting the figure in the morning and the portrait in the afternoon.

The daily session begins with a three hour Figure Painting class designed to strengthen the student’s visual relationship with three-dimensional form. Students use a limited palette, with its phenomenally broad range of color effects, to focus on color harmony and unity of light. Projects range from a three-hour color study to a long pose lasting three hours per day for several days to obtain a finished, accurate painting.

In the afternoon, students return for Portrait Painting. In an atmospheric, north light environment, students learn the essential qualities of classical painting: accuracy, rhythm, light effect and the illusion of form and space. The class is designed to increase the level of accuracy, and fine tune the approach to painting from life in any student’s work, whether experienced or beginner. The gained knowledge and sensitivity is applicable to every form of artistic expression.

As a basis for observation and accurate measurement of the figure or portrait, students will be taught to use the sight-size method of measurement.

This two-week course is with 30 hours per week full instruction in English. Students work from the live model six hours per day. Instruction is on an individual basis, so students of all levels are welcome.

Maximum enrollment 12 students.

Additional Info

WORKSHOP CREDITS: 3 per session

Please note: The Florence Academy of Art expresses workshop coursework in credits to the equivalent of 1 credit for 20 hours of completed study. Academic grades are not awarded and there are no exams. Please see each course for total hours of study. Any final acceptance or recognition of hours of study or credits for workshop (external activity) is at the discretion of the Home University or institution in question and in accordance with each institution’s transfer policy.

Medium & Materials

Oil paint

Students receive a list of materials required for the workshop in their acceptance email. Unless indicated, materials are not included in the tuition fee and may be purchased in advance and at a discounted rate directly from the Florentine art supply store, Zecchi. Students will find their supplies waiting for them in their studio upon arrival in Florence.

Estimated cost of materials: EUR 200

What’s Included

  • Instruction in English
  • Individual critiques
  • 30 hours per week with the figure/portrait model
  • Two primed canvases
  • Discounted art supplies
  • Technical demonstrations on mixing colors, organizing the palette, and preparing mediums
  • Extended access to the studios and school facilities after class until 9 pm
  • Access to the on-campus FAA Cafe where students may purchase breakfast, lunch and enjoy an afternoon aperitivo
  • List of housing recommendations

Faculty

Marco Franco is an Italian painter born in Florence in 1989. Fascinated by the surrounding culture and artistic traditions of his home city, Marco has always possessed a deep interest for art. He studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in Milan from 2012 to 2015, completing a degree in art conservation with a specialization in wood, as well as in paintings on panel and canvas. After working for two years in Milan as a restorer, Marco realized that his true desire was to fully dedicate himself to learning traditional painting techniques and eventually becoming a fine arts painter. He began his art education at The Florence Academy of Art in 2016 and graduated from the Painting Program in 2019. He is currently a Principal Instructor in the Intensive Drawing Program.

See more of Marco’s work on Instagram: @marcofranco_art

Vitaliy Shtanko was born in 1979 in the Ukraine. He studied at Drogobych Art School from 1990-1994, then attended Lvov Academy where he studied classical drawing and painting until 1999. In 2000, Vitaliy moved to Florence with his family where he continued to study classical painting techniques with Daniel Graves at The Florence Academy of Art. After graduating from the Painting Program in 2010, Vitaliy was offered a position of Principal Instructor in the drawing and painting programs. Since 2001, Vitaliy has participated in numerous group exhibitions and solo shows in Italy and abroad. The main subject of his artwork is portraiture, however, he also enjoys still life and genre painting. 

See more of Marco’s work on Instagram: @vitaliyshtankoart

Location

ADDRESS: Via Aretina 293, Florence, Italy

* If the workshop or session is fully booked you may apply to be placed on our waitlist. Should we have a cancellation or a place becomes available, we will contact you.