This course aims to be an introduction to the tenets of traditional Italian decorative painting: Chiaroscuro work, the use of colour in decorative schemes - understanding and evaluating aspects of colour such as hue, value, and saturation, and elements of two-dimensional design. This course will also cover the technical aspects of surface preparation and the application of materials such as metal leaf, paints and glazes.

The course objectives are to enjoy working hands-on to create two or more decorative panels on pre-prepared primed canvas. You will have the possibility of working from examples to explore different decorative styles. Each proposed decorative panel will have a unique focus and this should allow you to find their affinities for the various techniques.

Some choices of decorative panels studied are:

• a monochromatic Trompe l'Oeil panel -a Chinoiserie style motif on a stencilled background, with the addition of imitation gold and metallic leaf
• a foliate or Grottesca design with a limited colour palette

On the first evening, example projects will be shown and discussed, and the course structure will be explained. It may be possible to apply a base coat to our first panel that evening. During the free evening studio hours after class, you can continue to work independently on the panels if you wish to spend longer on them.

Ideal learning outcomes would be for you to gain an appreciation of a rich craft tradition, to fill your arsenals with newly learned techniques, and to gain skills that will permeate your work in any aesthetic field, whether that be fine art, decorative arts, interior decoration or related visual arts.

Included

On this course the College will supply all of the materials required. This will include a pre-primed canvas and support surface, and a range of artist brushes per student. Acrylic paints, gold acrylics and size, tracing paper, willow charcoal and a range of other artist materials required will be shared amongst the group.

Available to buy

Available from shop: Students should come with a basic kit which includes a 2B pencil (or softer) and a kneadable eraser An apron or work clothes A camera and notebook to record your work in progress if you wish

Available from tutor: A range of artists brushes, pencils, charcoal, kneadable rubbers, masking tape

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions