Class Description
FRESIA‘s oil painting courses are held at Villa de Herra, a 17th century villa located directly on the lake in Lenno. They are open to students with any level of painting experience. In 2013, we will offer 5 six-day courses, and you may sign up for 2 or more weeks if you wish.
6-day Painting Course
LOCATION: Villa de Herra, Lenno, Lake Como
DATES: May 19-24 & 26-31, September 8-13, 15-20 & 22-27 (Sunday-Friday)
WORKSHOP FEE: To find out, click the button below.
INCLUSIONS: 28 hours of instruction, all art materials and refreshments. (Lodging & transportation costs are not included in the fee but information will be provided.)
Our 6-day painting course is an intensive introduction to a method of painting handed down from the French Impressionists to such American painters as Sargent, Olinsky, Henri, Brackman, and Schultz. During the Sunday demo (1:30-5:00pm) , Jerry will provide a demonstration of the method which breaks down the painting process into stages. Then on Monday and Tuesday (9:30-12:00 & 1:30-4:00pm) students will be walked through the method so that by end of class on Tuesday each student will have painted two or three still lives in the studio using this method. In the remaining three days, Wednesday through Friday (9:30-12:00 & 1:30-4:00), students will continue with the method and choose whether or not to continue painting in the studio or work en plein-air (outside) on the villa’s garden or terrace, along the walkway which borders the lake, or in the village of Lenno.
This is a complete, structured, step-by-step method that includes both the “mechanics” of painting or craft and the philosophy of painting as developed by the French Impressionists. The method, however, is intended to function somewhat as training wheels in that its purpose is to enable the student to express him or herself fully. The entire course, and then some, is contained in a book written by Jerry Fresia which can be reviewed here. All levels of experience are welcome even the absolute raw beginner. Take a look at the responses from former students.
More Painting Time and Reduced Fee
We have changed the format of our workshops in 2013. In part this is due to a transition for us: we are relocating our gallery from Menaggio to Bellagio and this will require more staff time by Conchitina. Also, students have been asking for more painting time. So we have added 3 more hours and pushed the demo from Monday morning back to Sunday afternoon. We have also reduced the cost of the workshop by 100EUR. However, we have eliminated the reception, dinner and lunch. While students seem to have enjoyed these social get-togethers, the consensus was that they would prefer to have more time to paint. However, Lenno provides wonderful opportunities for students to socialize. The village is easily navigated on foot, so it is easy for students to relax and spent time together at the various cafes, restaurants, and sites.