Painting Workshops

For hundreds of years, students learned the art and craft of painting not by studying at a university but by studying in the studio of a master. Jerry Fresia, an American Impressionist Society Master Artist, continued this tradition. He studied in the studio of William J. Schultz who in turn studied with Robert Brackman. Brackman’s teachers bring us back to the Paris of the 1880s. One teacher was Robert Henri and the other was Ivan Olinsky, a student of John Singer Sargent. Sargent was close to Monet and other Impressionists. Much of the knowledge, then, of these great painters – as it was passed down through the studio system – lives on through Fresia.

The emphasis in these painting workshops is on teaching not only the fundamentals of painting but of seeing, too. The painting method, which has it roots in Paris of the late-19th century, diverges substantially from standard contemporary realist methods in that it prioritizes the creative process over results and the revitalization of wonder over technique.

If you feel that you need a proper step-by-step method then this is the painting workshop for you. In class, Fresia gives live painting demonstrations (much like the video on the right) and explains the painting process, which is broken down into 5 distinct separate stages: Composition, Construction, Underpainting, Reconstruction, and Painting.

Unique to this painting workshop is Fresia’s ability to weave in art history, philosophy, politics, and his insightful analysis of the art industry as it affects painters today.  This workshop is foundational as it is transformational.

Click video / images to enlarge

Coming Up

Italy, Florida & Online

Bellagio waterfront

A Painter's Paradise

Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy
Sept 16-21 & Sept 23-28, 2024
€1450

Painters from around the world - 37 countries spanning 5 continents - have come to Lake Como for a good reason: to study with a Master Artist whose painting method can be traced back all the way to Monet. “A proper method,” as the English have remarked, in a breathtaking location is a winning combination for painters like you.

Vinoy Renaissance Hotel

A Quick Winter Escape

St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
Feb 26-28 & Mar 3-5, 2025
€675

What better way to escape the winter than painting in sunny Florida. You will learn an elegant method consisting of 5 simple steps.  And you will come away seeing, thinking and being in the world as did Monet, Degas and all the great Impressionists.

Can't Travel? Learn Online.

Open Access Registration
€395

Much like a live workshop, Fresia will direct and guide your study each step of the way. This online painting course offers you 26 complete lessons, 25 video clips, dozens of images and pages of text. And more than that, you get direct feedback on your posted images.

From Painters Around The World

Testimonials

I truly appreciated Jerry’s untiring and helpful instructions. His passion about teaching and painting is contagious, and I believe that every one of the participants clearly understands his desire for us to totally enjoy the process and not worry about or be concerned with the end product. That is very liberating. He is a master teacher who deserves praise for his patience, skill and tolerance. Added to this is his brilliance as an artist. It was an excellent experience which I shall never forget. Thank you, dear friends, for a perfect week.

Louise

Massachussets

Both my husband and I are in total agreement: never before have two weeks been better spent than those on the shores of Lake Como this year. We have met incredibly interesting people, eaten the most fabulous food (especially Conchitina’s!) and experienced beauty in extraordinary abundance. The hospitality of all concerned was touching. Thank you, Jerry, for the gift of seeing – in such a totally different way.

Maria

Cyprus

I wish I could offer some insight but I found everything perfect. Jerry, you were hard on us, but you needed to be. You also offered me a lot of encouragement which I am grateful for. I am planning to purchase art supplies tomorrow, that’s how encouraged I am…Conchitina, you are a fabulous cook and entertainer, and the perfect hostess.

Pinky

California

Firstly let me thank you Conchitina for welcoming us so profusely into your home. You entertained us wonderfully and your cooking and hospitality are legendary! We were in a great group and felt relaxed and welcome from the first moment of the course…As for the course, I felt it was life changing…Jerry has a huge amount to give and is a really good teacher…I could not have hoped for a better and clearer instruction – the method is well conceived and easy to understand if not so easy to execute but I guess practice make perfect. We both feel inspired to continue both with the method and the medium so I guess you have 2 converted students! 

Karen & Thomas

England

For me the workshop exceeded every category: instruction, accommodations, food, hospitality, the works, which begs the question, “how do you improve on perfection?” About the only thing I would request would be an extension of my lifetime.

Margaret

Florida

Thank you very much for wonderful time in your workshop. Everything was fine. Jerry’s teaching was excellent, your hospitality and dinner were magnificent.

Masha

Russia

WOW!! What an awesome experience!! Words can not even begin to describe how much we enjoyed and learned from you two! Everything was so well thought out and planned so that we would get the most from every moment we were there. It was magical and fulfilled my dreams of being there in your beautiful home and studio in a beautiful location on Lake Como. I am looking at everything so differently now. The world seems to have come alive….It’s almost like feeling like a child again. Thanks, Jerry, for removing the film from my eyes and opening up the beautiful world. It has changed me….Jerry, your instruction was excellent…I so very much appreciate the individual time you could devote to each of us. And I appreciate the support and encouragement you gave because I was excited, yet frightened to begin something that I had waited so many years to do.

Donna

Kentucky

You have such a beautiful home! May you have many, many years of good health, happiness and fulfillment in that spectacular location!

Roslyn

Israel

This experience was so fabulous. Everything you did was perfect. I felt so pampered. I’m not the type to like spa pampering. This was the perfect type of pampering for me. I have been talking up the experience to everyone I know who might be interested. I can’t wait to plan to come back.

Emma

Pennsylvania

As you know, I was “knocked out” the first morning watching Jerry do the demo and delighted with my early attempts using the method…I had a ball and look forward to coming back.

Ian

Australia

We had a wonderful week …enjoyed just being there…Jerry’s classes an eye opener!!!

Priscilla

Washington

First of all, thank you…hospitality and cooperation. These courses have been very fruitful and helpful and added a lot to my experience.

Hana

Kuwait

The lessons are invaluable and the teacher was awesome.

Ron

Texas

My expectation for a week of painting was that I would have a week of painting (and glorious freedom from mothering). It was as if I’d gone for a dip in the lake, and instead taken diving lessons! Jerry, I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges you offered and was inspired by your encouragement, insights and expertise.

Apryl

France

Tell Jerry I’ve since reviewed some of his videos on the method & school and on them he sounds like a pale shadow of his real self. Which is good, it was a great class and I hope to come back. It’s a rare gift to be taught by someone who is passionate about what they are teaching.

Emily

Minnesota

Thank you for the most divine visual and delicious experience of Lago di Como and of course, Jerry, your wisdom and most enjoyable intellectual painting method.

Simone

Canada

We had the most wonderful experience with you. We so appreciated your thoughtfulness, as well as both your expertise and experiences that you shared so generously with us. It was truly not only an experience not to be missed, but also one that needs to be repeated.

Esther

Massachussets

We had such a fabulous time and much of it was because of the great experience with you two…. In addition, we met so many nice people in class those two weeks….I would recommend it to everyone and I will return. Thanks to you, Conchitina, for being such a lovely host. All your advice and assistance was much appreciated by everyone. You have great attention to detail, a trait I really admire.

Mary Lou

California

I am so grateful to be able to say you taught / are teaching me to paint!! Many taught me to draw. Jerry Fresia taught me to paint. Wow!

Cecilia

Germany

This was definitely the best workshop I have ever had. Jerry is an excellent artist and a wonderful teacher. I have been inspired a lot by him. Everything was perfect except that a one-week workshop is not long enough for me to learn so many concepts and methods. Indeed, I am thinking to come back and register another workshop in the near future.

Yushow

Canada

Thanks for everything! We had such a great time!….painting with you was invaluable…It is fantastic!!

Andria

Washington

Thank you for an excellent week. Not only did I learn a freeing and (at times) satisfying painting style but I had the companionship of fellow artists and stimulating conversation. It is fascinating and great for opening one’s mind to talk openly with people from other walks of life. How incredibly varied is the human experience.

Margaret

Australia

The Fresia workshop is a really life changing process. I now look at the world differently. It was my dream trip to attend your workshop in beautiful Lago di Como.

Linda

Louisiana

I really enjoyed the course…and I am sure I will try and implement the ideas into my paintings.

Diane

New Zealand

Many thanx to both of you for your hospitality and patience. Conchitina, you made us all feel welcome… and your cooking was wonderful. Jerry, I’ve begun buying oils in your color palette… The bad thing is that now I see much differently than I did before and will probably not be able to find another instructor as talented as you.

Leonora

Massachussets

It was a wonderful experience from start to finish and we really loved the painting instruction, the method is fantastic. I am sooo fired up I have been out en plein air painting twice ……..Thank you both for your hospitality in allowing us to share your beautiful home, and your delicious food Conchitina, an experience we will remember for a very long time…..All that remains now Jerry & Conchitina is to say a very sincere renewed thanks for “the best” painting holiday ever.

Margaret

Ireland

We had such a fantastic time with both of you. We truly felt welcomed coming into your home. I have described our week with you as being magical for that is exactly what it was. Conchitina, you are such an incredible person. Your warm and happy personality gives everyone around you a wonderful feeling. Of course, the fact that you are such a fantastic cook is amazing. You are a generous and thoughtful person and you took great care of not just me, but all your guests. Once again, we just loved being there with you. It was more than just perfect. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Stuart & Sheri

Indiana

Thank you for an amazing two weeks of learning and growing! I feel as though a door was opened to me – revealing a path that will allow me to experience the joy of painting and perhaps the confidence that I can do it on my own! I also found Jerry’s way of looking at the painting process thought-provoking and very nurturing for my soul. The icing on the cake was your hospitality, Conchitina’s great cooking and of course the fantastic view. It definitely exceeded my expectations in every way – including Jerry’s humor 🙂

Hongmei

Sweden

I breathe to say how excellent your workshop was. Everything was delightful and stimulating and elegant and fun. We so appreciated your input and guidance and now find ourselves looking at art so differently.

Trudi

California

Wow what a fantastic week at the end of my 4 week trip to Italy. Your philosophy and guidance Jerry – can’t explain it – glad to have met you….Thank you Conchitina for being the absolute perfect hostess – Paddy and I will always have very fond memories of this trip.

Kate

Bahrain

This trip has made me feel renewed, invigorated and full of new light (no medium or dark value)!

Kim

Georgia

We had a great time, a most fulfilling one, and we are trying to share what Jerry taught us here in the studio. The Como experience is unforgettable… Heartfelt thanks to Jerry for enhancing our painting skills. He is truly a great artist.

Elaine

Philippines

We love the class!! Jerry is a wonderful and dedicated teacher. I was very impressed with his teaching method. And I was especially impressed with how much personal attention he gave each of us.

Sandy & Carl

Hawaii

Just wanted to say thanks for an amazing experience. You went above and beyond offering a learning experience. You were fantastic hosts and made us feel very welcome….But it’s the gift of knowledge that means the most to me. The five days I spent working with you will bring me a lifetime of enjoyment and a greater ability to fill the need I’ve always had for artistic expression. I came away with a deeper appreciation of the importance of expressing myself through art, and a spark of excitement to spend more time doing so. Thank you for that.

Danielle

Qatar

The instruction was great. Jerry is an excellent teacher.

Jim

Washington

I am a local amateur artist and joined Mr. Fresia’s workshop searching for more looseness in style, trying to get over the concept of shape – lots of my expectations were fulfilled during my week’s stay…

Ramona

Italy

I enjoyed the class very much. The food was wonderful and the company exceptional.

David

Texas

Thanks to you we are seeing and experiencing the world in different ways now. And for me, that was the most significant gift I received during our precious week with you.

David & Shari

Canada

That intensive week of instruction was definitely worth my time and money. And mainly that is because you, Jerry, genuinely care about imparting this method, and patiently repeat and repeat again what we need to know. That sincerity and caring sets you apart from other teachers.

Cindy

California

I’ve now taken your painting course three times and I look forward to coming back for more. There are several things that make this painting experience work so well for me. First, of course, is the location…Second is your painting style. We were initially drawn to your course because of the images of your paintings on your website. In person the paintings are even better. The broken color and vigorous brushstrokes applied to beautifully rendered drawings produce magnificent impressionist paintings. It’s a style we love. Third is the method of instruction. The mini-lectures and demonstrations combined with individual coaching work well for me. I really feel I have improved as a painter after every single day of your instruction….All together a terrific experience.

Jim

South Carolina

That was one of the nicest weeks I have spent. Lovely location, delightful fellow painters and of course great tuition Jerry! And not forgetting Conchitina’s wonderful dinner. I found the whole experience quite surreal especially painting in such a wonderful place with Caruso and Chopin playing in the background. I am sure I speak for us all. To learn the technique of the impressionists (who I adore) was more than I could ask, the only problem is now that when you see other paintings and styles they pale in comparison.

Patti

United Kingdom

I want to thank you both for a really wonderful and instructive week at your workshop. It was a real treat to be able to paint in such a beautiful environment, and to have such helpful instruction/guidance during those five days. I appreciated very much the organization and relaxed approach to the workshop, as well as the small group size which helped to intensify the process. The ambiance was so conducive to focusing on art!

Judi

California

Just wish to say how I enjoyed being on your course, how enriching it was for me & how I just simply enjoyed knowing you both, sitting at your table & enjoying your warm hospitality. This was not just a workshop; it was, thanks to you both, much more! I am very pleased at how generous you are Jerry with your knowledge. Thank you Conchitina for making us feel so comfortable in your home.

Rosalind

Spain

Jerry is attentive in sizing up quickly the needs of his students. As one who has never had a formal art class, I had no expectations. Today I am home renewed in my enthusiasm to be an ongoing student of Pissarro, Renoir, Monet….and now Fresia. There is, indeed, new colors added to my world and with Jerry’s inspiration, I will attempt to put them on a canvas. Thank you both for one of the best weeks of our lives.

Lin & Maria

Virginia

Yes I enjoyed my week with you and I thank you for your hospitality and opening my eyes. I think the online instruction is marvelous and it makes me resolve to keep trying. I will be going back to it again and again.

Peter

Australia

For someone who has not picked up a paintbrush in 20 years, the workshop provided a great re-entry. Jerry’s approach provided a framework for creating a painting but allowed freedom for individual expression. The small class makes it easy to ask questions and be flexible. The scenery is every bit as beautiful as the pictures and the food (especially Conchitina’s creations) – molte bene!

Joann

California

Besides this method, I’ve found out many new things. I think some of them I already knew somewhere inside of my mind or my soul, but Jerry helped me to be aware of all those things and to perceive them better and for that I’m grateful! I think back at this workshop not only as a painting experience but also as a life lesson that I will never forget.

Roxana

Romania

It was a very special experience being exposed to your “Mechanics of Painting” and your intense desire to teach, being in beautiful Lake Como, being so challenged by the method you teach, and the special experiences shared with you both such as your fabulous dinner, Conchitina.

Suzie

South Carolina

We felt that we were so lucky to be a part of that particular group – they are such lovely people and I am sure it is not always the case that everyone gets on so well! I really enjoyed every aspect of the experience – even though getting to grips with the actual technique was a real struggle for me – but all good things are worth the effort! – and I do appreciate knowing there is continued coaching….Conchitina, you have a real talent for making people feel welcome in your home…and for making people feel special before they even come.

Pam

England

Thank you for a truly memorable workshop, inspirational, and enthusiastic. As artists I think it is important to be exposed to all techniques and philosophies, because just like the light on our subject, we change and grow from each experience.

Jack

Florida

I enjoyed every minute of our class and I am definitely looking forward to coming back some day.

Ksenia

Russia

When I’ve been asked which part of my trip was the highlight I become speechless….In the midst of all these wonderful things I learned more from Jerry than I imagined I would. I now have the insights and “tools” for tapping into this well of creativity that I’ve always sensed was present, but couldn’t quite reach. I look forward to the day that I am able to return and learn more.

Johanna

Indiana

I have very much enjoyed learning the new method at the painting course. Personally, I easily could have done another week of it, as I feel I would definitely need more painting practice. It is nice of Jerry to offer the support which I might use in the future.

Eva

Switzerland

You must know what a wonderful, enriching week it was for us with you and Conchitina. You are such a wonderful inspiration and an excellent “instructor.” I will never forget each day and all that I learned and experienced. You are so very interesting and we love your passion.

Linda

Florida

I had a great time. Hala and the kids loved it. Thanks to YOU and JERRY for the opportunity to see and feel again.

Samir

Nigeria/Lebanon

I have certainly learnt a great deal from the workshop and have just bought my palette of oil paints…I will always treasure the experience.

Jen

Singapore

The method is absolutely fantastic!

Julie

New Zealand

Address

Via Teresio Olivelli, 20
22021 Bellagio (CO)
Italy
+39 338 975 7135

Open Hours

Tuesday - Saturday: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday - Monday: 1:00pm – 6:00pm

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