True Fresco Painting in Tuscany

Dates: August 1 to 15, 2008

Instructor: Dionisio Cortes

Location: Spannocchia Foundation in Tuscany, Italy

Twelve miles southwest of Sienna, Spannocchia was picked by Travel+Leisure as one of its '15 Favorite Green Hotels'. Spannocchia was also featured as a 'Top 10 Ecolodges and Green Hotels' by the Independent Traveler 2007.

Workshop Description:
The program will be a two-week workshop combining practical and theoretical concepts in the art of true (buon) fresco. Activities will include a series of lectures followed by demonstrations and hands-on practical sessions. Day field trips to nearby sites will reinforce the cultural and historic context reviewed at the studio. Methods and materials will be examined from cave wall painting up to present day applications. True fresco is a fascinating, labor-intensive painting method. While the program is open to all levels, the ideal participant is process-oriented with a basic knowledge of drawing and general painting techniques.

All supplies for the fresco workshop will be provided, including supports, plaster, pigments, and brushes. Reference notes on methods and materials will also be provided. Frescos will be executed on supports small enough to take with you. A minimum of six painted frescos will be completed during the workshop.

Fee: $ 3,200 including workshop, accommodations and board. Air fare not included.

Click on the "application+details" button above, to download a registration form and details.

Visit Spannocchia Foundation for details on the medieval Castello and its surroundings.

To see images of the fresco painting process, the Foundation, and field trip locations please click Gallery.