An introduction to the material and subject possibilities of painting with an emphasis on construction, paint handling and color. Exercises progress from simple to more complex and prepare students for future painting courses. Through hands-on exploration, students develop technical foundations while discovering their unique creative voice in the heart of Florence.

This course provides continued development based on foundation painting. A deeper understanding of ideas and personal vision will be encouraged through a series of larger works that require greater time and skill. Experimentation in different painting media, including acrylic, oil, watercolor and mixed media will be encouraged. Students engage with contemporary painting practices while developing critical awareness of their work in relation to historical and modern contexts. Individual and group critiques are components of the class.

This advanced course focuses on clarifying the student's experience in making paintings and offers the opportunity to work with a singular focus in a particular area of studio practice. Students develop sophisticated technical skills while exploring concept-led creation that pushes traditional boundaries. This will be accomplished with substantial faculty involvement and support. Group and individual critiques continue as an integral part of the course. All classes visit contemporary exhibits in Florence, which help clarify the juxtaposition between past and present.

This studio course introduces students to the material language of fresco while exploring its relevance in contemporary artistic practice. Working directly with lime plaster and mineral pigments, students learn the traditional process of painting on wet plaster—from preparing surfaces and developing cartoons to executing and lifting finished fresco panels. Alongside these foundational techniques, the course encourages experimentation with scale, composition, and conceptual approaches to wall painting. Through studio work, visual research, and discussion of both historical and contemporary examples, students investigate how a centuries-old medium continues to inform current artistic practice.