About
this course
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, with the day divided between figure painting and portrait painting.
The daily session is divided into two three-hour classes. In Figure Painting, students work from a long pose designed to strengthen the visual relationship with three-dimensional form. Using a limited palette, with its phenomenally broad range of color effects, they focus on color harmony and the unity of light. The pose continues for several days, allowing students to develop a finished and accurate painting.
In Portrait Painting, held in an atmospheric north-light environment, students study the essential qualities of classical painting: accuracy, rhythm, the effect of light, and the illusion of form and space. The class is designed to increase accuracy and refine each student’s approach to painting from life, whether experienced or beginner. The gained knowledge and sensitivity are applicable to every form of artistic expression.
As a basis for observing and accurately measuring figures or portraits, students will be taught to use the sight-size method.
This two-week course is with 30 hours per week of 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.
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.
Maximum enrollment: 12 students.
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 300-430
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
Giuseppe de Palma was born in Molfetta, Italy, in 2001 and has been passionate about painting and drawing since early childhood. While studying Architecture in high school, he also trained with local painters, developing a strong foundation in classical techniques. After visiting Florence for the first time, he was captivated by the city’s cultural vitality. Two years later, he chose to leave Puglia and make Florence his permanent home. He enrolled at The Florence Academy of Art, where he studied under master painters and refined his skills in painting from life and in the principles of composition. His exposure to historical works deepened his fascination with narrative painting—a genre that continues to inspire him. His art seeks to tell stories, using painting as a communicative language with social resonance. After completing the Academy’s three-year program, he was awarded the Fourth-Year Prize as a Graduate-in-Residence and later served as a Principal Instructor. Over the years, Giuseppe has exhibited in numerous national and international exhibitions and competitions. Most recently, he was named a finalist—one of only fourteen painters selected worldwide—in a prestigious competition held by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome to create a new “Via Crucis” for the Basilica.
See more of Giuseppe’s work on Instagram: @giusdepalma
Born in 2001, Elizabeth Ralph-Smith grew up in New Zealand, where she was introduced to the arts through the New Zealand Suzuki Institute. She performed piano at various locations throughout the country and was awarded scholarships for her photography and English. In 2018, her visual arts portfolio was selected by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority for a national tour. In 2019, Elizabeth moved to Florence to pursue formal education in the traditional methods of figurative drawing and painting at The Florence Academy of Art. She graduated in 2022 from the painting program and was awarded a Graduate in Residence position. She now lives and works as a Principal Instructor in Florence, painting from life and exploring the rich figurative tradition.
See more of Elizabeth’s work on Instagram: @elizabeth_ralphsmith_art
Vitaliy Shtanko was born in 1979 in Ukraine. He studied at Drogobych Art School from 1990 to 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 as 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 Vitaliy’s work on Instagram: @vitaliyshtankoart
Location
WINTER-SPRING WORSKHOP ADDRESS: Via Aretina 293, Florence, Italy
FALL WORKSHOP ADDRESS: Via Fratelli Bandiera 7r (red), Florence, Italy
This course will be conducted in our studio located on Via Fratelli Bandiera, 7r (“r” indicates a red number – our building is towards the end of the street, next to the building at number 35).
