Florence academy of Art

[Bianca Berends]

I am thinking of following the summer course Portraiture, Techniques and Traditions at the Florence Academy of Art this summer in July.

Has anybody followed that course in the past? What are your experiences?

I am a bit in doubt if it is something for me because of the classical approach. I already have my own style, my own way of painting and am open to learning new things, but don't want to be pushed into an totally other way of painting.

[Grethe Angen]

Hello Bianca,
I did the summer sessions at the Florence academy. From what I can see of your web page, you are on a higher level than I was when I went there.
However be prepared to get pushed. Drawing is based on the Bargue way, painting are Velasquez style. No other styles are practiced. The instructors are wonderful.and veery demanding. You will draw/paint from a model chosen by yourself. You will share model with two or more students.You will have one critique in the morning one in the afternoon.
You will have a tour round the Uffizi museum an many other places, guided by an art historian. I was very pleased with everything, and I am sorry I can not do full time studies there.

[Bianca Berends]

Dear Grethe,

Thanks so much for your reply. I have some more questions if you don't mind. What was the level of the other students? Did most of then have experience as a professional artist or were they just starting? How do would you discribe the Velasquez style of painting, so I can get an idea if that would be something I would be willing to try.

Many thanks,

[Grethe Angen]

Hi Bianca,
the levels of the students varied widely. Many of them, actually most of them where professional artist, many had background as illustrators. Some where more or less self taught . The portraiture course is not recommended for beginners without knowledge of anatomy.
By Velasquez style I mean direct painting, no under-painting and no glazing, a lot of chiaroscuro and sfumato effects. Total realism totally classical. .Take a look at Daniel Graves work, and the rest of the faculty and also alumni of past students work. to get an idea .

[Bianca Berends]

Hi Grethe,

I think I have made up my mind and am going to go this summer. We have arranged a home exchange with someone in Florence, who is going to stay in our house during the time we are there. Great solution, saves a lot of money, Florence isn't cheap in the summer! Anyway, thanks for your reply to my questions.

There was one more thing I wanted to know, are the visits to the museums part of the 60 hours lessons you get in the four weeks or are they separate? Do you have any further advise for when I go? Oh and one more question, did most students come from the States or was it very divers.

Many thanks,
Bianca

[Grethe Angen]

Hello Bianca,
the musem tours are scheduled as ekstra hours, usually in the afternoon and Satursdays.
It is a highly profiled school, students come from everywhere.To have most vale for the money be prepared to obey to the classical princeples, like if you are accustomed to the sight-size method it will benefit you greatly.