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THE ACADEMY OF WALL ARTISTRY

 

Text & Photo Copyright© 2008
INSTRUCTION AND WORK SHOPS
" The first day I came to the Academy I walked all over with my mouth open.'   ' All I could say was, 'How do you do that'?  Over and Over." Maria Paz De Juan

"The Trilogy Course was like opening up a Jewel Box!  Francelyn E., Puerto Rico

The Buon Fresco method is the Rolls Royce of Venetian Plaster techniques.  With just my first job, I'd already had several local plaster artist (with far more experience than me) raving about my walls, and asking me how I was able to get such great results.  But there was no way I was going to tell them!  Since then, I've gotten other offers for jobs, without even advertising.  And I'm already raising my rates. Chris Adams, San Francisco CA

Linda O’Neil on the Color Class instruction; “The class was a feast of knowledge.  I would recommend this class to everyone in a very loud emphatic voice and describe it to other artists as the most useful and comprehensive color course on the planet, as well as more fun and fascinating than any other [color class] I’ve ever taken.”

I took a 5 day Color Class in New York a few years ago.  I learned more in one day in your Color Class than I learned in that 5 day class.   Rosalia Benitez  NY, New York

"After the Venetian Plaster Instruction went from artistically challenged to mixing my own colors, confident and ready to start my business.  As someone who is looking for a career change, this class was the first day of the rest of my life!  Would I recommend this class to other decorative painters? I am already spreading the news!"  Nichole Quiggins, Outer Banks, NC

"What a wonderful and informative class!  Victoria is passionate about the materials and processes and keeps everything fresh and exciting. This class is a must for anyone who wants the learn the best  way to do Venetian Plaster!"   Ellen Jameson

Perfect!  Ivo Koychev

"I've taken color classes in college, but nothing was ever this comprehensive!  We're in the process of building a 9 bedroom house and I find now, having taken your Color Intensive, that I know what I'm doing!  I have the confidence to make decisions and direct my designers to give us the house of our dreams.  I am so glad we found you!"            Jan Quiggins, Outer Banks, NC.

"I would highly recommend the Gold & Metal Leafing Class.   The instruction was the best!"         Keith /Architects of the Capitol

"The atmosphere was most conducive to learning and the lesson material gave me the confidence to take a project and complete it." John /Architects of the Capitol

The instruction covered EVERYTHING! .. and the Custom Color Course will make a huge difference in the quality of my work!"   Francelyn Emmanueli, PuertoRico

    A true revelation about color!      I could take the color intensive course over and over again! Clients with sophisticated taste will be able to distinguish your work from your competition. I recommend this class for designers and decorators alike. Michael Ross Clinton, MD

This Decorative Painting class is wonderful! I am so enjoying each day!  Denise P., Annandale VA

The plastering technique you taught in this class will help me get the best clientele!  Moira H., Ashburn, VA

Very informative, 'ACTION PACKED', will be very useful for my business.  I am completely satisfied with what I've learned!  Tish Inman  Midland, Virginia

The Venetian Plaster class was very well organized, the handouts were easy to read, and the instructor was very knowledgeable of the.subject matter.   Leslie N.  Mitchelville,  MD

"I didn't want the Trilogy.course.to STOP".  . .Maria G.,  Puerto Rico

I was especially happy to have had the color class which aided me throughout the whole [Trilogy Course] week of instruction.     Denise P.  Annandale VA

The Venetian Plaster class was excellent, challenging! It opened up a whole new world. Michael G.  Dumfries VA

Your Venetian Plaster class is the best on the East Coast!  I most definitely recommend this class. Count this secret out!  Michael R. Clinton, MD

The Business Class was very informative, precise information,   ..great examples!   Cathy C.  Arlington, VA

WHEN ASKED IF THEY WOULD RECOMMEND THE CLASSES OUR GRADS RESPONDED:

'Yes.  In my will.'  Angela

"ONLY WHEN I RETIRE!" Donna S.,  Raleigh NC

ABSOLUTELY!  For beginner & Pro alike, the Business Class contains valuable tested policies and experience.  Ursula W., Dumfries, VA

YES! Victoria is an.Excellent teacher!  Chris  M.,  Fairfax. VA

"I would give a great reference of you because I liked it, but I would want to keep it a secret in Puerto Rico where I live.  Maria G.,  Puerto Rico

Certainly! Where else can you get such advanced training and launch a career in less time and for about the same cost as one college course?  Lily S.   Potomac MD

'I just kept thinking, what a wonderful instructor!'  Teri Crosby, Richland, WA

Meet the Instructor

The Principal Instructor at The Academy is Victoria Bingham, the ..founder and CEO of Buon Fresco;  Victoria teaches the Trilogy Courses of Instruction as well a number of other courses unique to the school. 

Click on the photo above for a brief introduction.

ON THE JOB TRAINING:    From time to time the Buon Fresco studio is able to identify the opportunity and make arrangements with a home or business owner to provide on-the-job-training to graduates of the course associated with the work to be done.   This type of training has been made available at Decorator Show Houses, private homes and commercial job sites over the years.   The  prerequisite for participation is the graduation of the course which instructed the technique to be performed at the job site.  A fully trained professional applicator will be on the site at all times working with the graduates who are practicing.  There is no salary, nor tuition cost for this type of training.  For updated information on OJT availabilities click the title line above.

WELCOME!

who we are   The Academy of Wall Artistry is the instructional arm of Buon Fresco - Wall Artistry, an award winning decorative painting and mural studio. Our decorative art has earned us appearances in numerous magazines, newspapers, HGTV and even the movies, Buon Fresco is building a international reputation for 'innovation' and 'excellence' in the decorative arts and its school, The Academy has a graduate body from all over the world.

The instructorS  The principal instructor at  The Academy, Victoria Bingham, is an award winning artist and an inventor holding [so far] 2 US patents.  Bingham believes very strongly in inspiration following instruction, and invention following application and is wont to say: 'Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but it gets old real fast in the decorative arts'.  Bingham's teaching style is to first give a 'truckload' of information about the task at hand and then push the students to their personal best, first in the classroom setting and then beyond, encouraging them to explore new arena's of artistic application.

OUR MISSION It has been said, we only ever go as far as we've been taught. Certainly that is true to a point. After instruction comes, 'Inspiration'; which Webster's defines as 'Stimulation of the mind to a high level of activity', or a 'sudden creative idea or act'.  Inspiration however, resulting in innovation and beauty whether in music, science or the Arts  - does not just happen. Training comes first. George Washington Carver, who developed over 300 uses for the humble peanut, was a trained botanist.  Anything can be improved upon by learning and then striving.  It is in that striving stage - based upon quality of training, a person's absorption of training and individual ingenuity - that inspiration strikes.  At The Academy of Wall Artistry we believe most anyone can learn to do high end finishing and absolutely anyone can improve their current skills with proper instruction.  Our mission is to raise up inspired craftsmen who don't settle for cookie cutter approaches to finishing, but will take the instruction and strive to enlarge and enhance and increase their personal techniques and abilities.

We Teach Time Tested Essentials of the Faux Finishing Business: .Buon Fresco's Academy of Wall Artistry offers instruction in many of the same fine finishes that have gained the studio national attention through print media, television and even the movies!  [Refer to the Architecture page of this web site for a list of publications] 

The intensive method   Most of the classes are conducted over the course of two instruction-packed days. Through a program of  Theory followed by Practical segments of non-stop-practice, The Academy is able to turn out graduates who are prepared to start work with confidence.    [For distant students The Academy also teaches classes in 6 & 7 day consecutive sessions on a quarterly basis.]  Classes are kept small, to ensure ample time for individual attention.

tHE TECHNIQUES - At The Academy we teach TECHNIQUE not product!  Why? Because a school that brings you on to show you 40 products in 2 days is not a school at all, it's a store!  Only technique can separate you from the masses.  Generally only 4 techniques or finishes are instructed during each 2-day session because we believe that a mastery of less is preferable to a fleeting familiarity with more.  The 2-day format for local students means that material can be learned, worked and mastered before returning to learn more.  Finally, our techniques are NOT easy to learn.  That works to your advantage.

the classes  The Academy Intensive Courses offerings include:  Painted.Glazes, Decorative Gold Leafing, Venetian Plaster, Color, The Business of The Business and much more .  Whether you are just starting out or are a contractor seeking to expand upon your skills, the Academy's beautiful finishes and the intensive format of instruction can enable you to set your work  apart and reward you  with 'Top Drawer rewards'!  Finally, class sizes are limited to ensure the highest quality instruction and personal attention.

the classroom materials  For the best practical instruction and to turn out the finest demonstration boards for prospective clients, Students are provided only the finest, top quality materials for training, such as they would use in actual practice.

  • In the Gold Leafing Class, students work with Genuine 22 and/or 23 karat Gold in both patent and loose forms. Students produce 5 Different Gilded samples to include; flat surface, trim ribbons, ornate pieces and Tip Gilding as well as examples of mica and bronze powders on relief samples.  Students keep their gilded items as portfolio pieces. 

  • In the Venetian Plaster Class, students work with the finest genuine Italian Plasters to be found.  Buon Fresco has done the testing, and the students benefit from using the same plasters which turn out our attention getting results.

  • In The Painted Glazing Class students work with the fine Benjamin Moore line of Paints and Glazes over previously base coated illustration board. 

  • In the Color Class students Mix Color, Match Color and work with fabrics, wallpapers, paint and finishes in order to come to terms with 'understanding and using color' to their best advantage.  Color is in our opinion the most critical aspect of any finish choice.

  • In the Business and Marketing Class students learn how to 'think outside the box' and how to apply sound business models that work with any kind of company, to the business of faux, in order to not just meet the need but to discover and capitalize on their own strengths and even weaknesses.

THE SAMPLE BOARDS  Students leave from the school with a remarkably beautiful assortment of boards.   The Gold Leaf Class samples include a 14 X 20 inch illustration board of 22 - 23 karat pure Gold!,  a painted section of Crown Molding finished with a Ribbon of 22 Karat Gold distressed to a fine antique Gilding, unique carved elements demonstrating both 'Tip' or relief Gilding and a Decorative Petitsin Element to demonstrate the finery of Ornate Gold Leafing for Design.   The Decorative Painting class graduates leave with an assortment of different colors of the 4 fabulous finishes learned, all on high quality illustration boards. And the Venetian Plaster Intensive graduates leave with Boards demonstrating Classic Mirror Finished Plaster in several colors [which they learned to match and mix exactly by themselves] as well as Damask Striped Venetian Plaster boards, and an assortment of waxed and specialty finishes.  Following the Color Course students leave with a professionally prepared Color Board of mixed fabrics, color swatches, wall paper and painted finishes.

THE MARKETING & BUSINESS CLASS:  Build a better mousetrap and no one will beat a path to your door unless they know about it.  Build a better mousetrap and be sure to get paid for its installation.  After all is said and done, the artist who doesn't know how to market his/her business, and is inefficient at collecting for their work or protecting their interests - is doomed to failure.  Be absolutely certain to know how to run this type of business before you embark on it.  The Decorative Painting industry, like so many others, is fraught with minefields and glory.  Only business acumen can spell the difference in your personal results. 

The 2-Day Courses are conducted with supportive classes, such as Intensive Color or Columns as marble, conducted before or after the associated class.  Scroll down for a complete list of classes.

Note: For Student's convenience, Buon Fresco is a distributor for the fine plasters and materials that students learn to use. Though many of the products required to complete finishes taught may be obtained from art supply stores and distributors all over the USA.

why choose The academy?

  • Ask to see a portfolio. When all the schools finish talking about the size of their school rooms and the quantity of plaster they stock, the  difference is still results. Go elsewhere and buy as many plasters as you want, but when its all said and done - the results are what count. 

  •  COMPARE! We invite you to compare our portfolio with any other school - before choosing.  We believe you will agree with our clients and grads, our work speaks for itself and we turn out artists who can compete.

  • Technique - We teach technique, not product - and our techniques are gorgeous.  The results cannot be learned by watching.  No one will be able to watch you and repeat what you do.  We guarantee it!

  • HIGH END! We work High End.  We teach high end.  Don't get stuck competing for price. 

  • OJT! -  We offer our graduates, On-The-Job-Training!  For NO fee at all, for up to 3 days, graduates may join us on a job site and hone their new skills.  For more information on this program please click OJT.

location of classes - The Academy of Wall Artistry is located in Falls Church, VA  just 10 minutes south of the nation's capitol.   We are minutes from the monuments, museums and attractions of Washington DC as well as places of interest in Virginia and Maryland.  There is a generous selection of hotels in the vicinity of the school.  We are a 20 minute drive from Reagan National Airport.  For for class reservations and further information please call the studio toll free at: 1.888.n'fresco [637-3726] 

SCROLL DOWN FOR A LISTING OF COURSE OFFERINGS, TUITION INFORMATION AND COURSE SCHEDULES

GRAD COMMENTS & RESULTS:

New Quotes from some of our graduates:

'I count this time of learning as one of the highlights of my life!  I can go so much further now than before I took your classes.  Thank you! Anne Small, Greensboro, NC

'I took your Venetian Plaster class about two years ago.  The techniques I learned from you have helped my business grow tremendously.  I am now in greater demand and have a much larger client radius in New York.  Thank you!  Cindy Hill, Big Flats NY

I'm so glad I took the Venetian Plaster Class!   Just one day after graduation I got a job based on the samples I made in the class!  Your instruction was excellent! Simple and easy to understand too.  Please sign me up for your gold leaf class in May!..  William Lai, Ashburn, VA

Not only will I recommend the Venetian Plaster Class to other decorative Painters, I would take it all over again.!   Maria Paz De Juan, Spain

'I am inspired to start right away!  the Marbling in Plaster, the Damask Stenciling, the techniques... I now have infinite ways to go!'  Nancy Maya, St. Martin
Click Testimonials

to read some of our graduate's reactions to their training experience.

 
 

     THE LIST OF CLASSES
The Buon Fresco method is the ROLLS ROYCE of Venetian Plaster work. With just my first job, I'd already had several local plaster artists (with far more experience than me) raving about my walls, and asking me how I was able to get such great results.  But there was no way I was going to tell them!  Since then, I've gotten other offers for jobs, without even advertising.  And I'm already raising my rates. I wish you would never teach it again until after my partner and I have retired.  Chris Adams, San Francisco, CA
After the first day I had mentally hired my painter and interior decorator!   I knew I CAN DO THIS!  The information was    excellent and the pace of the  class - excellent! Laura D.  Bethany Beach, DE
I enjoyed the instruction so much I was whistling all the way home. Victoria is a talented artist and gifted teacher. Lilly S.  Potomac, MD
Victoria is an excellent communicator and thorough with explanations regarding application, but I especially appreciated the 'hints' for   actual job site use!!   Donna S. Raleigh NC
The Trilogy Class added TREMENDOUSLY to my.portfolio.  Lisa  P.  New Orleans, LA
I definitely recommend this class to other decorative painters.    Carol O.  Beltsville, MD
The Business Class will help me altogether to present myself more  professionally. Thank You!.. Susan G.   Arnold MD
I benefited in so many ways from this class.  It was so informative!   .................  I understand why and how the 4 specific glazing techniques you taught are vital for a high end decorative painter.  They set you.apart immediately.      Michael R.  Clinton, MD
I marveled at the amount of information provided in the [Decorative Painting] class.  I especially appreciate the information on where to obtain all the tools of the trade, you've saved us so much research time with this. Then the specific techniques taught in this class are so much more elegant than the usual sponged & ragged finishes. Wonderful!   Cece K. , Potomac MD
'I am very fortunate to have studied the Buon Fresco techniques at your Academy!  I have not seen anyone who does the Buon Fresco style of Venetian Plaster in New England.  I stay very competitive.  My customers are blown away by the smoothness of my Italian Plaster work.  There is nothing that compares to mine!  Thank you!'  Allen  Koehler, NH   March 2008

 
  • .Venetian Plaster Intensive I The essentials of the Buon Fresco Method for applying Italian Plasters in a classic mirror polish that has the reflective quality of glass and a natural undulation with no blade marks. Damask Striping is taught on Day 2 of the class.
  •  Venetian Plaster Intensive II  Creating Damask and other Stencil Designs in Plaster with Wax, Tone on Tone plaster and Multi Color Burnishable images.

 Click to see photographs of .finished columns  [Please Note prerequisite class 'Venetian Plaster I applies]

  • Intensive Trilogy - Venetian Plaster, Decorative Painting, Gold & Metal Leafing for the Interior Finisher.  The 3 most essential courses for the high end finisher's portfolio.  Click on the title bar to see an overview of the 3 classes which comprise the Trilogy.

 PRIVATE & Group INSTRUCTION is available in our Studio or your select location. Call for details.
 
        CLASS SCHEDULE  SPRING 2008 

Calendar of Classes - Listed by MONTH

Color coded for easy reference
 

          CLICK:   Registration Card

IMPORTANT:  Due to the limited size of the classes, The Academy cannot accept registrations by email.
 

GROUP & PRIVATE COURSE TUITION RATES AND REGISTRATION POLICIES:

IMPORTANT: All decorative courses require the use of a Mixol Tint Set - Either brought to class or bought at class.

  • Venetian Plaster I        2-Days         Tuition -  $650   Materials fee  $ 170  [Includes Mixol Set of 25 Colors]

  • Venetian Plaster II       2-Days         Tuition -  $900  Materials fee  $60    [Prerequisite Venetian Plaster I]

  • Finishing Faux Marble Columns with Venetian Plaster  Prerequisite Venetian Plaster I      3-Days   Tuition -  $940  Materials fee  $240*    

  • Decorative Painting I        2-Days          Tuition -  $650   Materials fee   $ 50

  • Decorative Painting II Exotic Finishes  2 Days Tuition $900 Materials $90

  • Marketing & Business Class     1-Day         Tuition -  $450   No Materials fee

  • Painting Murals on walls & canvas      4-Days  - Tuition -  $900  Materials fee  $85

Scroll down for Trilogy course information.  Course prices are discounted when registered for in Trilogy form.

 

A GREAT VALUE!  The Trilogy of Intensive Classes is comprised of specific sets of courses at $100 less-per-course than if registered for individually.  Please note that there are no substitutions for the listed classes and though COLOR is an option, it is highly recommended as the principles of color and color design taught are essential for success.

A trilogy may be taken in consecutive order or course dates may be selected individually according to their availability each month.  NOTE: The 'Color Intensive' is always scheduled prior to other decorative classes as the training is applicable to each decorative course.

DECORATIVE TRILOGY 6 - Days  of Foundational Classes including:  Venetian Plaster Intensive I,  Decorative Painting Intensive I;  Gold & Metal  Leafing Intensive    Tuition - $1,650  A savings of $300 off regular tuition.    Materials fees for the Trilogy is as for each individual class. 

  • Decorative Trilogy classes may be taken in any order throughout a given calendar year - though if Color is taken as an elective, it should precede all other classes.   

  • Please note that the discounted Trilogy Tuition is for the course selection as posted above.  We cannot permit substitutions.  

  •  A Mixol Set on hand is required for VP & DP courses.  Sets may be brought with the student, or purchased at the school.

 

DECORATIVE TRILOGY + COLOR - $2,200  [+ materials fees for each class]  A savings of $400 off regular tuition.

 

TRILOGY OF VENETIAN PLASTER COURSES  

  • 9 Days of 'Foundational through Advanced' Classes of the Buon Fresco method of Venetian Plaster Design PLUS COLOR:  Venetian Plaster I,  Venetian Plaster II & Venetian Plaster III [VP as Marble on flat and round surfaces] and The Quintessential COLOR DESIGN INTENSIVE, Tuition Total with discount: $2,740

  • TRILOGY of Plaster Courses [without Color ]- $2,190  [+ materials costs for individual classes]

 

COMBINATION OF 2- TRILOGIES

  1. Quintessential Color & Color Design

  2. Venetian Plaster I

  3. Venetian Plaster II

  4. Venetian Plaster III

  5. Gold & Metal Leafing

  6. Decorative Painting Intensive I

 6 Courses - Tuition after discount - $3,840   This additional savings is for students who register for both Trilogy Course Collections + Color, at the same time.  Courses may be taken according to your scheduling requirements though The Color Course SHOULD be taken prior to other courses and VPI  MUST precede other Venetian Plaster courses.

 

PRIVATE CLASSES are available for groups of 1-3 persons.  For 1 person tuition rates are 250% of group rates.  2 persons - 150% of group rates.  3 persons 125% of group rates.  Tuition rates for 4 persons are the same as for groups, though class time is reduced.  Private classes including 4 people or less have abbreviated class times.  For more information about rates and scheduling of private classes please call the studio.
GROUP CLASSES - The Academy Of Wall Artistry will provide instruction for your group of 6 or more students at our school location and a mutually agreeable schedule, or 10 or more students at your location and a mutually agreeable schedule.  [Please call for details]

NOTES ABOUT SCHEDULING: 

  • Generally,  A color class will be closely scheduled with the Venetian Plaster or Painted Glazing Class - as the information is essential to decorative work & design

  • Columns classes follow after the Venetian Plaster course as the specific technique for plaster application taught in the Venetian Plaster intensive course is critical to the correct application of plaster on columns. 

  • Any class may be run by request, when scheduling permits, with a minimum of 4 students.  For less than 6 students class time may be abbreviated.

RESERVATION Policies:

  • Seats are filled in the order in which registration is received and class size is limited.   For this reason we cannot register a student by email.  Please use the phone, fax or mail to submit a registration. 

  • Unless a specific class date is given, dates are set according to demand.  A class posting, therefore, may be requested.

  • Please be certain to provide a clearly written, complete postal address.  Your confirmed registration will be confirmed by a welcome packet sent regular mail.

  • You will be notified by phone if you do not receive your first or second class choice. If we are unable to accommodate a first choice or alternate choice class date within a 2-month period, you may request to have first choice on a future date, or a deposit refund.

  • Buon Fresco makes every effort to accommodate a student's need to change a class date.  Please note however, that class deposits are non refundable if the change is within 14 days of the start date of the original class.

  • Refunds for student precipitated cancellations are processed within 30 days and are levied a $50 administrative fee per class.

  • Buon Fresco and The Academy of Wall Art reserve the right to postpone or cancel a class if it in the best interest of the studio. In such cases a full refund will be given if registered students do not elect to take a different date.

  • Group rates for sets of 4 or more students are available upon request.

  We look forward to making  your acquaintance!

 
 
 
 
 

 

BUON FRESCO & THE ACADEMY OF WALL ARTISTRY 

308 HILLWOOD AVENUE,  FALLS CHURCH VA 22046

Studio:  703.914.5605   Toll Free: 1.888.637.3726  Fax. 703.942.6666

email: AWA@bfresco.com   

The studio/school is located just outside of the Nation's Capitol in Northern Virginia.  We are close to Reagan National and Dulles International Airports.

  HOME PAGE     EMAIL US
  Please be advised that all of the images on the Buon Fresco web site enjoy copyright protection and that  United States Federal law provides severe penalties for copyright infringement.   Reproduction, distribution, or transmission of the copyrighted materials on this site is strictly prohibited without the written permission of Buon Fresco, Inc.

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Calendar of Classes Listed by  SUBJECT 

Listed by Class Type / Policy information