General Description

At The Florence Academy of Art painting directly from life is the culmination of various skills. The course begins with an in depth explanation of the Florence Academy method, a technical demonstration on mixing colors, organizing the palette, preparing mediums, and producing a painting from life. Students work 6 hours daily, painting the figure in the morning and the portrait in the afternoon.

The daily session begins with a three hour Figure Painting class designed to strengthen the student’s visual relationship with three-dimensional form. Students use a limited palette, with its phenomenally broad range of color effects, to focus on color harmony and unity of light. Projects range from a three-hour color study to a long pose lasting three hours per day for several days to obtain a finished, accurate painting.

In the afternoon, students return for Portrait Painting. In an atmospheric, north light environment, students learn the essential qualities of classical painting: accuracy, rhythm, light effect and the illusion of form and space. The class is designed to increase the level of accuracy, and fine tune the approach to painting from life in any student’s work, whether experienced or beginner. The gained knowledge and sensitivity is applicable to every form of artistic expression.

As a basis for observation and accurate measurement of the figure or portrait, students will be taught to use the sight-size method of measurement.

This two-week course is with 30 hours per week full instruction in English. Students work from the live model six hours per day. Instruction is on an individual basis, so students of all levels are welcome.

Maximum enrollment 12 students.