At our Fresco Workshop you will learn:

Step by step tutorial on preparation for Fresco. We will guide You through development of the concept and design, building composition based on giornatas, calculating the time and steps, ordering material.
Developing of the Cartoon and making tracings. From concept sketch and color rendering to full scale Cartoon and color study. Finalizing giornatas layout and making tracings.  
Wall preparation. Plaster selection and application. Sand and lime mixtures. Humidity control and moisture. Tools and equipment. Tips from master-plasterer Ian Hardwick.
Pigment selection and color preparation. Pigment grinding and storing ground base colors. Use of white and monitoring mixed colors during painting. Tools and equipment.
Painting and joining giornatas. Steps in painting. Morning, midday, evening differences. "Golden Hour" and drying challenge. Plaster behaviors and planning of the painting day.
Materials for Fresco. Where and how to find and buy fresco supplies. Lime, pigments, brushes, etc. On-line ordering.
Ways to apply new skills. How to introduce your new skills to your clients, designers, architects, community.

Workshop Extras

• The Fresco School has perfected a style in which all who are interested can learn. The head instructor at the school, iLia Anossov, understands that people need to be introduced to a complicated medium such as fresco in a form that they know and understand. He begins by allowing each student to work with images they chose, in a style they are comfortable with. iLia believes that the more freedom students have, the more willing they are to attempt new and different techniques. His teaching style also relies heavily on individual attention with each of the students. Both the freedom that iLia encourages and the one-on-one instruction help to make the class accessible to artists and non-artists alike.
   

• The students who attend these classes become acquainted with all the steps of buon fresco painting: preparation of the cartoon, mixing colors, grinding pigments, building plaster coats, laying intonaco, and climate/moisture control. They will practice building color and working with values and shadows. Through the use of verdaccio under-painting, iLia will show the students how to achieve richness of color using transparent fresco paints. In addition to learning the classical methods, the student will also be instructed in modern and experimental fresco techniques.
   

• The Fresco School’s master plasterer, Ian Hardwick, will instruct the students in the aspects of applying layers of plaster needed to create a fine painting surface. Ian will demonstrate the methods for mixing and applying plaster. Each student will get a chance to personally apply and trowel each layer of plaster. In addition, the students will learn and practice the methods of joining giornatas. Ian prefers a hands-on style of teaching. Ian feels that a foundation structured around hands-on experiences makes it easier for students to continue their studies independently.
   

• In addition to learning how to plaster their own boards, the Fresco School will supply the students with a number of previously prepared surfaces to practice their fresco technique. Students will have the opportunity to work on tiles, boards, and panels of various sizes. The Fresco School has also prepared 2 ½ foot square boards with fine wooden frames for the student’s more refined work. When the class is completed, not only will each student take home up to four frescos, the student will have accumulated extensive knowledge of every step involved in fresco painting.

Below is the general class details

FRESCO PAINTING WORKSHOP

Daily Schedule

Classes run from 10AM to 5PM

Students arrive at 9:30AM

1st day - Intro Painting

Fresco Painting Technique General Overview: students will learn about specifics of painting on wet plaster (buon fresco), pigments, preparation of fresco paints, cartoon, transfers and historical overview. Each student will paint a 16X16 inch boun fresco on ceramic tile.

 

2nd day - Intro Painting

Fresco Painting Technique Professional Methods Overview: students will learn about advanced methods used for painting of large decorative frescoes, colors, preparation of fresco paints, cartoon, transfers, marketing and promotional tips. Each student will paint a 16X16 inch boun fresco on ceramic tile.

 

 

3rd day – Plaster (professional)

 

Before lunch

Fresco Plastering Technique (Theory and hands-on practice, tools and materials): students will learn about specifics of professional fresco plastering.. Students will learn about traditional 5-layer plastering system and materials. Students will practice mixing and application of each layer of “fresco wall” as well as “light” methods for small fresco panel preparation using several fresco panels (provided by the studio).

 

After lunch

Traditional Fresco Pigments: students will learn about traditional fresco pigments, alkaline action of lime plaster. Grinding and storing of fresco pigments.

Techniques for Multiple Giornata (large) Frescoes – methods for wall preparation and application of plaster as well as creating of the composition (cartoon) and maintaining color consistency throughout painting of multiple giornata fresco will be discussed and demonstrated.

 

4th day – Painting(professional)

Buon Fresco Painting Technique: students will be working on 22X22 inch fresco panels (provided) from their own cartoons.

1.      Application of the “intonaco” layer

2.      Selecting and conditioning of brushes

3.      Mixing paints – each student will mix colors/paints for their frescoes

4.      Techniques of cartoon transfer (making tracings, pouncing, incision, etc.)

5.      Painting and it’s stages (beginning, mid-day, golden hour, “locking”)

 

Note: Day 3 and Day 4 are the action packed professional level classes that are conducted similar to the conditions of the “real-life”, on-site fresco production. Be prepared!

 

5th day Plaster/Paint (professional)

This is the last day of the Fresco Workshop; student will have an opportunity to review/revisit any aspect/topic from the previous days. Trip to the studio of renown Fresco restorer Nathan Zakheim during the restoration of 400 sq. foot fresco, lecture on fresco restoration, relocation and preservation by Mr. Zakheim.

 

 

Additional details

 

Teaching personnel in attendance (professional level):

·         Fresco Painting - ILia Anossov

·         Plasterer - Ian Hardwick

·         Pigments - Glenn Fischer

·         Program director & video - Elena Anossov

We bring the following materials for each person (professional level):

·         fresco boards

·         putty lime and plaster

·         pigments 

·         trowels, plastering knives

·         tracing paper, pounce wheels

Each student must have (professional level):

·         Enthusiasm

·         Cartoon or developed drawing (24"/24") from which the student will complete a fresco during the workshop.  We suggest large detail of the students favorite painting from own design. (if someone wants to try copying the old master - it's OK)

·         Brushes (soft long bristles (filberts) and small ox or badger brushes for fine detail)

·         plastic "Dixie" cups for color tones (optional; just in case we run out)

·         towels or rags

·         notebook

Need more details or explanations?
Post questions in the Cafe al Fresco - Fresco Workshop Program Forum