About
this course
General Description
To paint a realistic portrait where the personality, psychology, expression, and, ultimately, the likeness of the sitter are successfully expressed, begins with a study of the anatomy and structure of the model from various points of view. Students will study the anatomical construction of individual features (ear, eye, nose and mouth), the design of light and dark shapes, and the balance of positive and negative spaces. Eventually, the study of expression will be undertaken to convey mood and personality.
Two students will work around one model from a variety of viewpoints: profile, full front, and three-quarter, reconstructing both the anatomy and the psychology of the sitter. Students may choose to work in charcoal or oil. Technical discussions on materials and techniques will be introduced while daily individual critiques will help guide them towards a fully resolved and accurate painting or drawing. By the end of the workshop, students will have experienced the process of painting or drawing a portrait from start to finish.
Beginning – Intermediate – Advanced levels welcome.
Maximum enrollment 14 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
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 200
What’s Included
- 60 hours 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 month, 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 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
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 in the Alumni Gallery and at @marcofranco_art
Francesco Bianchini, born 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 professional painter, Francesco is also a principal instructor at the Florence Academy of Art.
See more of Francesco’s work at @francescobianchini.art
The specific instructor for the course is allocated according to the session and class available once the applicant’s place has been confirmed.
Location
ADDRESS: Via Aretina 293, Florence, Italy
