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General Description

Painting a realistic portrait in which the personality, psychology, expression, and ultimately the likeness of the sitter are successfully expressed, begins with the study of the anatomy and structure of the model. In an atmospheric, north light environment, students will compose and paint two portraits in oil, using the sight-size method to view the subject accurately and reproduce it successfully. Technical discussions on the materials of oil painting will be introduced, as students learn the essential qualities of realistic painting: accuracy, rhythm, composition, light effect and the illusion of form in space. The initial days will begin with a class painting demonstration by the instructor. Students will receive daily individual critiques to guide them towards a fully resolved and accurate painting. This workshop is designed to fine-tune the approach to painting from life in any student’s work, whether experienced or beginner. The gained knowledge and sensitivity are applicable to every form of artistic expression. 

Beginning – Intermediate – Advanced levels 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 the total hours of study. Any final acceptance or recognition of hours of study or credits for a 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

Charcoal

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 250-370

What’s Included

  • 60 hours of instruction in English
  • Individual critiques
  • Two primed canvases
  • Welcome Party in the gardens of the Budini Gattai Palace in Florence on the first Thursday of the workshop, to meet fellow students and faculty
  • Guided museum visit to the Bargello Museum with the Academy’s resident Art Historian to view major works by Renaissance sculptors
  • Summer Faculty Exhibition to view the latest work by FAA faculty
  • Access to the on-campus FAA Cafe, where students may purchase breakfast, lunch, and enjoy an afternoon aperitivo
  • Extended access to the studios and school facilities after class until 9 pm
  • Discounted art supplies
  • List of housing recommendations

Faculty

Francesco Bianchini, born in Milan, Italy, attended the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, graduating with 110 cum laude with a thesis in Art History. In 2018, he moved to Florence, Italy, to study at the Florence Academy of Art, where he successfully graduated and became a teaching assistant. In 2019, he was selected as one of the finalists at the American Portrait Society competition. The following year, he won the ARC scholarship, and in 2022, his painting was awarded in the “Fully from Life” category of the Art Renewal Center Salon. As well as a professional painter, Francesco is also a principal instructor at The Florence Academy of Art.

See more of Francesco’s work at @francescobianchini.art

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 in 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 become 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 Intermediate Painting Program.

See more of Marco’s work in the Alumni Gallery and at @marcofranco_art

The Florence Academy of Art reserves the right to assign or reassign faculty as needed, based on scheduling and availability. While we strive to maintain consistency in our instructional team, specific instructors may change at any time. You will be contacted by the FAA Office should a change occur.

Location

ADDRESS: Via Aretina 293, Florence, Italy