The Fresco Workshop

The Fresco Workshop: Fresco is one of the oldest painting techniques.

It was invented by the Egyptians who later taught it to the Greeks.

But it was only in the 14th century, thanks to the Italian painter Giotto, that the fresco technique gained more and more importance among the Fine Arts.

The most peculiar quality of fresco painting lies undoubtedly in its making: the pigment - a natural material - is laid on a fresh plaster several times in a short lapse of time, and through a cohesion process it fixes itself in the plaster, creating warm and subtle tones.

The artist can make no mistakes, as correcting them would imply destroying the whole work.

That is why the fresco technique is particularly difficult to learn and master.

Given this complexity the course is recommended to those students who have already acquired basic artistic skills or who have already attended the first 3 units of our Art courses.

The course lasts 4 weeks (56 hours) and is held in the afternoon, Monday through Friday.

Construction of a Lathwork The first step is the construction of a lathwork using a 14th century technique, which was also used in the past to repair ruined walls.

Students will also learn how to weave both fishbone-like and matting lathworks.

Arriccio The second step is the "arriccio", i.e. the laying of mortar (a mixture of lime and sharp sand) on the lathwork.

This operation has to be repeated twice and it is followed by the laying of plaster (a mixture of lime and fine sand).

Cardboard A drawing is sketched on cardboard.

The drawing is then perforated along its outlined and pounced over the plaster.

Sinopia As a result, a "sinopia" will appear on the plaster.

The sinopia has to be divided into two or more parts according to its size; every part will be later painted in individual sessions.

Plaster Finish The last step is the "plaster finish", i.e. the laying of a mixture made up of sieved sand and slaked lime, which has to be smoothed accurately with a trowel before finally starting to paint.

Tuition Fees Fresco Course 4 weeks, total 56 hrs. € 700,00

Enrolment fee = € 41,00

All Materials except brushes and colours