Core Curriculum

Foundations of Decorative Painting

This 5-day course is a comprehensive overview of techniques and information. Although it is geared to the professional, anyone looking to explore the world of painted decoration is welcome.

Foundation 1 -- Students learn about products and the use of different formulations. Color theory and glazes are discussed as well as practical business information. The technique emphasis is on classical wall glazing, and also includes a multi-layer metallic finish. Students use and became familiar with the decorative painter's many unique tools.

Foundation 2 -- Marbling is introduced. Marbles with simple structures are executed, such as Carrera, and then a bit more challenging such as Vert de Mer.

Foundation 3 -- Wood graining is explored, applying the theory of ground colors. The use of various tools to produce wood effects are covered along with methods that can enhance realism. Students also try their hand at brush graining.

Foundation 4 – Students learn old world and exotic finishes, now in popular demand, including a painted fresco effect, lapis lazuli, tortoise shell, and malachite.

Foundation 5 -- Elements of Foundation Classes 1-4 are combined with the study of light and shade to produce the illusionary effect of Trompe L'oeil or "to fool the eye."

Fresco/Mural

Old World Finishes are in demand today by designers as they recognize the need to create an environment that lets us escape to simpler times. The look of fresco, pigments that were put into wet lime plaster, is created using today's acrylic plaster along with painting and aging techniques. Students design and create a very distinctive, sophisticated look.

Creativa Italian Plaster/Textures

This course furnishes students with the knowledge and practical experience to create authentic old world finishes using the Stucco Creativa lime-based system. You will complete 12-14 samples including old world Italian looks of Patine Calce, Silcalce, Stucco Marmorino, and Stucco Venexian. Go back to Greece with the beautiful Stucco Pompei finishes. Stucco Travertino is used to create the resemblance of stones and some animal skins. Learn the “flowered” technique with the purest of lime stucco, Stucco Grasello. Also, Stucco Terra Nostra, their signature finish, and metallic finishes with Stucco Armonya. Additionally, Silk Paint, a unique and very sophisticated treatment. Become a certified applicator of these products. Space is limited to 8 students. (See the Stucco Creativa website for more information.)

Trompe L'oeil, Ornamentation and Grisaille

A painted rendering to look as if it were carved in stone. This study in grisaille - "shades of gray" - to be done on canvas in acrylics. Students will transfer design onto canvas and explore elements of light and shadow to create volume and dimension.

Color Theory

Students will explore the basic principals of color theory as they relate to decorative painting. Students put theory into practice with hand on exercises in mixing color, comparing the seven contrasts of color, color composition and more.

Skies, Clouds and Atmosphere

Students learn to paint the varying looks of the sky. This class is an atmospheric study applied to painting different types of skies, cloud formations and colors, including day skies, stormy skies, sunset skies, and night skies.

Children's Room Design

Students will render a maquette of design to scale, suitable for client presentation and customization. Elements of perspective will be explored, as well as, the painting of animals, landscapes, skies, and ornamentation. Rendering will be done in acrylics on canvas.

(The photo at left shows a portion of the actual design.)