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Art classes by ARTISANS WORKSHOPS IN SIENA

Ceramics

Participants will learn the techniques needed to create an object using the potters wheel (throwing), casting, mandrino, firing objects in the kiln and finally decoration using the ancient techniques of Sienese potters and Renaissance maiolica.The courses will be thought by Master (Maestro) of Arts.At the end of longer courses, each participant will have designed and realized his/her own work.

Lithography and printmaking

This class will be run by two young Sienese artists, one on the teaching staff of the Accademia di Belle Arti of Brera, in Milan, and the other at a state art academy in Imperia in a studio nearby a 12th century famous castle near Siena.Copper Plate Engraving: knowledge of the materials and basic techniques (etching, aquatint) necessary to create a print. Lithography: illustration/explanation of lithographic materials and techniques; execution of a personal lithograph.

Goldsmith/Jewellery/Gemology

Basic technique of jewellery.

Painting

The classes given by the artist include basic drawing theory and life drawing sessions for beginners. The classes follow the learning of painting techniques required by the student (water colors, acrylics, oils etc). A special emphasis will be given to the understanding of the structure of composition (whether it is figurative or abstract) and to the learning of brush and/or palette knife work. The classes will take place at the studio of the artist which is located in the outskirts of the historical center of Siena, easily reachable either on foot or by bus.

Painting(classic technique) - Drawing

Basic techniques (charcoal, graphite pencil, sanguigna-red coute); watercolor technique; realistic representations and landscapes. Fresco (not yet available): knowledge of specific materials and colors used; execution of a fresco on a fired base; the technique of strappo to reproduce the fresco onto a canvas.

Painting (modern technique)

All modern techniques by a great contemporary visual artist.

Antique furniture restoration

The student, under the guidance of the artisans, will each construct - while learning the traditional techniques - a project of their choice such as a wood frame, cast candles, or hand made and decorated wallpaper.

Sculpture

The course will synthesize the artistic creativity and manual craftsmanship of sculptural work. The student has the option to create his or her own piece, from sketch to finishing touches, using marble, wood, stamping, bronze sheets, steel or iron.

Stanined glass

Our artisan will describe the various aspects of working with leaded glass, fusing, window restoration, sandblasting and the installation of stained glass windows. The course will teach the practical skills (from the selection and cutting of the glass to the soldering and cementing process) that are involved in the construction of a small handmade stained glass piece. It is ideal opportunity to access the secrets of this artform which appear in the windows of so many of our basilicas.

Silk painting and batik

These are some of our most interesting courses. Silk painting has several techniques, from acquarell-style, to the traditional use of gutta. For the batik decoration, the technique we use and teach is the typical one of liquid wax applied over the cloth following a precise painting scheme.

Antique textiles restoration

from 2000 B.C. to nowadays Andean weaving techniques have not changed passing from a generation to the other: the traditional clothes are woven with simple and rudimental back-strap loom using natural fibres span by hand and dyed with natural colours. The reason of the survival of this textile tradition is due to the great importance of textiles and weaving art in the Andean cultural context. The contemporary ancient weaving course gives the opportunity to the participants to understand the Andean thought and ideology by learning great fun techniques, in the same way as Incas descendents, mainly "females", learnt and learn the foundation of their culture.

Artistic bookbinding

in this course, students will learn how to assemble a book from the beginning: assembling the section and sewing, cutting boards and covering them, lining spines, making a cloth or leather spine, headbands, setting in endpapers. If necessary, instructions will also be given on how to "knock down" an old book ready for re-binding.

Illumination

course for painting and illuminated letter with egg tempera and gold leaf.

Visit sienese artisans workshop

All workshops could also be visited, trying to catch any secret they would like to share Our courses can have variable duration and program: Single day course (3 hours) a description of the historical and cultural background of the art or craft; presentation and description of tolls and materials that are to be used in the course; safety precautions; demonstrations of basic techniques and main facets of executing, producing and presenting a finished product. In some courses (painting, drawing,...) you will be able to realize your own work. 3 or more days course a description of the historical and cultural background of the art or craft; brief presentation of creating a product from start to finish; description and instruction on the use and safety of principal tools and materials; instructions and description of the basic techniques, helpful hints and realization of a work; execution of a work with instructor's help. More days of course will allow to study more in-depth the individual topics and execution of a more complex work and to customised it to meet the needs of the participants, based on their specific goals and level of expertise

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Please note
The participants of our courses, regardless of course duration, are in no way accredited with any form of legal certification, either educational or professional. The courses are given to provide an appreciation and knowledge of our artists, of our artisan's studios and of their work. Each participant of our courses is covered by insurance against the possibility, however improbable, of injury that could occur to them in the hosting workshop. Every participant, upon enrolment in a course, is required to sign a formal agreement stating that he or she agrees to follow all directions and safety precautions given by the instructors of the course. The objective of the courses, of 9 or more hours, is to teach an understanding of the craft and to allow the participant to create his or her own project. Each course is specifically designed by the individual instructor to allow the participants the time and provide the skills required to produce a finished piece. So, failure to complete this work is the sole responsibility of the participant and will not result in any form of refund of the course fee. In the event that the artist or artisan, in circumstances beyond his or her control, is unable to give the course to those who have enrolled and paid to participate, Trovato Services will do its best to provide a suitable and appropriate substitute. In situations where this is not possible, Trovato Services will refound the individual participants enrolled in the course the full amount of the course fee. All other personal and travel costs are not included in this refund. The free space reserved for children under the age of 10 for the visits obliges the parent or guardian to ensure that the presence of the child/children does not cause any disturb to the studio or interfere with the proper and successful execution of the visits.

For information about prices, single supplements, larger groups, or for general information please contact us!!