Student Testimony

The method is absolutely fantastic. - Julie, New Zealand

Once again we really loved our week at Fresia Studios.  As you know, 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.  Lake Como is beautiful.  Lenno must be among the most charming towns on the lake.  And your studio with its wonderful terrace practically cantelevered over the lake must be among the finest spots in Lenno. Second is your painting style.  Marianne and I 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. Fourth is the availability of painting critiques throughout the year.  Jerry's willingness to comment on images of paintings made after leaving the course keeps the instruction going all year.  And the critiques are not pro-forma, they consistently reflect genuinely thoughtful feedback.
 All together a terrific experience. - Jim, South Carolina

The experience provided by the two of you in everything you did and the setting of being lakeside, with all the charm of the Italian countryside is intoxicating.It will take a few weeks to come down off the cloud. - Sal, Florida

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 Lenno on Lago di Como. - Linda, Louisiana

Conchitina, your food and hospitality added so much to the workshop experience!  - Kate and Ramesh, Pennsylavnia

This is one of those times when words fail to convey my thoughts and feelings about the holiday experience that I just had with you, Jerry, and the rest of the group.  When I've been asked which part of my trip was the highlight I become speechless.... I had a relaxing week in an Italian paradise and was treated to extraordinary hospitality by the San Giorgio staff.  The different foods that you indulged us with were delicious!  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

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 - not just recommending restaurants, but
driving us there personally! The inclusion of Conchitina's two wonderful meals was also a very special touch, and we enjoyed them immensely....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

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

Thank you for a most enjoyable and instructive week. You are a wonderful
chef and jerry is a very, very good teacher...I do plan to do it
again. - Molly, California

You are a delightful hostess, Conchitina and Jerry is a perfect instructor for a clumsy beginner like myself.... Jerry and Conchitina opened their studio to us in the storybook setting in Lenno, Italy.  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 and Marie, Virginia

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

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

Thank you for an absolutely wonderful time. Not only did I really enjoy the workshop and feel like I learned a lot but both you and Jerry opened your home to us and made us feel completely relaxed. We have both talked about how this was one of the best times we have ever had and your cooking was delicious. - Ellen, CA

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

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, I have been telling people about our wonderful gourmet dinners. Once again, we just loved being there with you. It was more than just perfect. Thank you, thank you, thank you. - Sheri & Stuart, Indiana

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, Masschusetts

We just had the most fantastic time with you. Katie is still in love with Lake Como. Our dining room is 'littered' with FINE art now .Thanks again for a visit we will never forget. We are trying to emulate Conchitina's cooking! - Cyndi, NJ

What a wonderful trip, and such fun memories!  The trip couldn't have been more perfect! – Barbara, Texas

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

The lessons are invaluable and the teacher was awesome. – Ron, Texas

You are a gifted artist, Jerry, and a generous, patient, insightful teacher. I feel privileged to have spent a week painting with you.  Your gentle, constant encouragement will stay with me forever. I truly appreciate the pleasure I experience painting in this style. Conchitina, you are a beautiful, talented chef. Every meal you prepare is a work of art, and sitting at your lovely table is a glorious experience.  – Louise, Massachusetts

I think you are doing the holiday right. I felt I got a really good steer in just five days on how to try this approach to painting.  I loved the studio—it is just a wonderful place to be and you were very welcoming...For us it was an added bonus to meet your friends...we felt as though we had temporarily joined a little community – a very different feel from just turning up to a hired place that the teacher only comes to for the event. The dinner was great, too—to be able to have dinner with you and sit and watch the evening come in with that view feels a great privilege. Not having to bring art materials with me was also a great relief...I found the friendly organised contact with you, Conchitina, before the workshop was really helpful....In effect you put together the whole package for me. - Kim, United Kingdom

I would just like to thank you for including me in your hospitality.  Your cooking is suburb and for me, a non meat eater, could not have been better. - Juanita, United Kingdom

We had a wonderful week ...enjoyed just being there..Jerry's classes an eye opener!!! - Priscilla, Washington

Florence can't hold a candle to this. I'm coming back next year - with my family ! -Michael, CA