NASODA - Home The premier resource for decorative painters in North America
Contact Us
Home Painters for Hire Articles & Tips Suppliers & Resources
Contact Us

   

Articles

<< Main Articles Page

Published in The Faux Finisher Magazine - Fall 2001 Issue

Through Thick & Thin with a French Master - Pierre Lefumat

The following contains excerpts and photos from the article written by Rebecca E. Parsons, covering a NASODA master class.

In June [2001], six U.S. artists were fortunate enough to attend this master class with one of Europe's finest decorative artists, Pierre Lefumat. Sophie Raymond Simpson assisted Pierre in teaching and made it possible for us to understand as she translated his French into flawless English.

This was his first class in the U.S. and has been "a good experience," he stated. Michele Santilli's North American School of Decorative Arts (NASODA) in Chicago sponsored the workshop and provided a superior creative environment in which to learn.

His passion overflows to any who watch and absorb his mastery. The students came from every compass point in the U.S. Charles McLaughlin (California), Marcie Vanneste (Michigan), Michele Santilli (Illinois), Dean Sickler (New Jersey), Tracy Lindsey and Rebecca Parsons (Georgia) completed more than six panels during the week. We sculpted five marble -- Breche Grise, Portoro, Yellow Sienna, Vert de Mer, Sarrancolin and Onyx plus the wood Palissandre de Rio.

The students came away with a new perspective and improved skills. Some of their comments:

Charles McLaughlin - "What Pierre gave us is a timeless treasure. I have never experienced such a thorough teaching. My dad always told me that if you want to be the best, you must learn from the best. Today I know I have learned from the best, and the rest is up to me."

Marcie Vanneste - "Having attended five classes by European artists at NASODA, I couldn't imagine what was in store for me during the Lefumat and Sophie class. They are a team un-paralleled in the profession and to learn from them was a great privilege."

Michele Santilli - "It has been my great privilege to provide this rare opportunity for instructors to sit under Pierre's superb teaching. Not only has he generously shared his knowledge and skill, but has imparted to each of us his passion that will continue to be an inspiration for a lifetime."

Dean Sickler - "I saw how decorative painters and artists revere this man in France, and now I know why. With humor, patience and a gift for sharing, Pierre knows how to cut through and reveal the heart and soul of a wood or stone. Thank you, France, for sharing this man with us!"

Tracy Lindsey - "To be exposed to traditional European methods of rendering refined, classically painted marbles and woods under the training of a French master in this field was, in a word, thrilling. My hat is off to Michele Santilli and her studio, NASODA, for making this possible. For those who are serious decorative artists, this type of training strengthens both your eye and your ability, leading to the highest quality work."

Rebecca Parsons - "The honor of watching Pierre paint for six days was an incredible experience for me. The bar has certainly been raised for me as an artist and artisan. I will never look at marble the same again. I enjoyed the camaraderie among the group and, hopefully, I have gained new life-long friends."

Published with permission from The Faux Finisher magazine, a publication of the Paint & Decorating Retailers Association (PDRA). For more information about PDRA, visit their web site at www.pdra.org or call (636) 326-2636.