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          For a thorough explanation of the course curriculum please scroll down

Intensive Venetian Plaster I COURSE DESCRIPTION
This intensive course covers the practical  and theoretical understanding of techniques and tools necessary for the application of truly beautiful Italian Plaster.  Upon completion the graduate - professional or beginner  - is able to begin work and finish walls with a classic mirror surface that radiates light with or without a waxed coating.  The course also handles the vital aspects of color judgment, color matching and precise color mixing of Venetian Plaster, as well as the application of a professional quality Damask Stripe.  

 

    ^^ Italian Plaster Focal Point Wall for Corporate Headquarters of ASE, Inc. Leesburg, VA

 

Applying Damask Stripes in Venetian Plaster [as shown below] is taught in the Venetian Plaster Intensive I course.

    
     The fire of the sconce light shines in the mirror finish Italian Plaster walls above. 

Learn the Italian Plaster technique preferred by designers, architects and custom home builders.

WHAT SETS THE ACADEMY'S VENETIAN PLASTER INSTRUCTION APART?

The Instruction is technique rather than product driven and includes all of the following:

  • Learn how to achieve 'blade mark free' Venetian Plaster Results.  You will learn how to avoid the 'razor straight' lines of poorly applied plaster, and replace it with the natural appearance of meandering marble.  [scroll down on this page to see the Buon Fresco method clearly]
  • Learn the Academy's 'Never need to Sand' application of the Plaster.
  • Learn how to mix exacting color matches in Venetian Plaster
  • Learn why so much of what is said about applying Venetian Plaster is just not so.  It's so much easier to put on and cover over than you may have heard.
  • We teach technique, not material only, our graduates are top earners.
  • Learn from the experts that the professionals turn to.
  • Our Results are manifestly beautiful and we teach what we do.

 

  

 

 

WHERE TO STUDY VENETIAN PLASTER?
2 Things to Consider:

  • Look at the portfolio of the instructor.  A teacher can teach only what he knows how to do.

  • If the school advertises 100 types of Venetian Plaster - that's how many types you will have to stock in order to back up the portfolio of samples you will create at any such school.

At the Academy of Wall Artistry, you will learn the Buon Fresco technique for Venetian Plaster which may be applied to ANY type of genuine Venetian Plaster [Synthetic or Lime Based].   All of the work shown on this web site was accomplished with only TWO different types of Venetian Plaster.  It's technique that makes the difference!  Ask a chef.

1.888. 637.3726.' 

            Mirror-Polish Italian Plaster coordinated to wall mural.

ITALIAN PLASTER INTENSIVE COURSE

For very good reasons, the Italian Plaster Intensive Course has been the Academy's most popular course.  Since Buon Fresco introduced 'Venetian Plaster' to our repertoire several years ago, the wall finish material quickly became the most requested of all of our finish offerings among our clients. 

There is no wall finish material introduced to the USA in the last 100 years as exciting as Italian Plaster.  To learn more about the material, turn to the description page: 'VPDEFINED'

THE CHALLENGE:  If your choice of instruction is not dictated by the size of the school; if you prefer a 'technique driven' - as opposed to a 'product-driven' course -; if you prefer to acquire the most beautiful Italian Plaster technique in the industry, then call today and reserve your seat at The Academy of Wall Artistry, just outside Washington DC.  Join an elite group of graduates that are glad they did!  

 

 

    
Below:  Detail of Venetian Plaster as Marble Focal Wall  

Below: Orange Italian Plaster for 2004 National Symphony Orchestra  Decorator Show House.

 

 

DAY 1 (10am - 4pm):

  • The 2-Day course begins with a history of Venetian Plaster and a discussion of the types of plaster available on the market today. This is followed by a presentation of photographs and sample boards from completed Venetian Plaster projects which illustrate the breadth of possibilities achievable with Venetian Plaster.

  • Color assignments are issued and students receive assistance mixing precise colors in Venetian Plaster.   While in these initial exercises Students are 'issued' color assignments in order to challenge them to learn how to mix Venetian Plaster in any possible color and nuance, students are given plenty of opportunities to mix their own preferred colors as well.  Each of the colors mixed may be then used to prepare a number of sample boards which will remain the property of each student for their private portfolios.

  • 1-hour lunch/rest break.

  • After Lunch Students will learn the first of Buon Fresco's signature application techniques using the plaster colors mixed that morning. The Buon Fresco technique for Italian Plaster application involves 3 distinct stages,  two of which are taught and practiced extensively day one of the class.

  •  During the afternoon session, students have the opportunity to finish as many practice boards using the new techniques they have learned -in as many colors-as they had mixed that morning.  These boards will be completed on DAY-2 with additional techniques.

 Significant lessons learned on Day 1 include:

  • How to apply Italian Plaster with a natural 'undulating' appearance having no blade marks or straight lines. 

  • How to lay down a 'base coat' of plaster to shorten the overall work time of a project.

  • How to apply the plaster in multiple fine coats to increase the plaster's inherent look of  'depth'.  

  • How to lay down the wet plaster so that no corrective measures such as sanding, are ever required on wall surfaces.

Day 2 (10pm - 4pm

Day 2 lessons include:

  • Instruction in the final application technique that creates a glass-like plaster surface with exquisite nuance and depth. Our graduates tell us that other applications 'can't hold a candle to the beauty of the result of this technique'.   This technique, called the 'decorative top coat', is accomplished on each of the sample boards begun by the students the previous day.  Students practice all 3 techniques this day finishing a minimum of 6 stunning sample boards.

  • Blade Polishing the finished Plaster boards.

  • How to seal and decorate walls using wax and a variety of mica and bronzing powders.

  • HOW TO DO DAMASK STRIPING IN VENETIAN PLASTER: Students will complete a flawless Damask Stripe over at least one of their Venetian Plaster sample boards to include in their professional portfolio .

Additional aspects of Day 2:

  • Job site preparation for an Italian Plaster project is discussed.

  • Buon Fresco's professional strategies and secrets are offered on how to obtain the finest Venetian Plaster finishing result and overcome common difficulties;

  • Sudents will learn which plastering tools work the best and why;  also which tools do not work well, and why.

  • Suggestions of best plaster products to use and where to obtain them.

  • Finally a thorough question and answer period wraps up the intensive 2-day session.

GRADUATE PERKS:

  • Graduates of the Academy are entitled to phone the instructor or studio at any time during business hours to receive help or advice while on a job site.

  • Graduates of the Academy are entitled to participate in On-The-Job training at actual Buon Fresco job sites, to enhance the particular skill acquired in class.

Register now
For additional information, call 1-888-N-FRESCO or email: AWA@bfresco.com

UPCOMING CLASSES:

SEE SCHEDULE PAGE

SCROLL DOWN FOR TUITION RATES

Testimonials'

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 Fransisco CA
As a house painter I was afraid to try my hand at decorative effects. Now I am confident!  Now I am strong! I came home from your school a new person!  Igor Vinokur, New York, NY
''The Venetian Plaster I'd seen previously in New Mexico can't hold a candle to these  plaster results'. Bryan Richards   Las Cruces NM

"After the Plaster Intensive class I 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
The reaction to our first plaster job has been nothing short of amazing!  Tons of Interior Designers have given me their cards!" Chad Fox   San Francisco, CA

'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 should have done this ten years ago.' Lisa Tureson, Oak Hill VA  After Venetian Plaster Trilogy of Courses  May 2007

   

AWARDS FOR VENETIAN PLASTER

2006 Pride of Place Awards  - Sepp Leaf Corp., NYC - Prize awarded for    'The Most Distinctive Venetian Plaster'

2005 - Excellence in Design Award - Category - Decorative Plaster   Walls & Ceilings Magazine

2004 Elizabeth Warnock Prize for Excellence for Decorative Plaster - 2004 National Symphony Orchestra Decorator Show House

2003 Best Decorative Finishing - Jan/Feb   Awarded by Paint Pro Magazine

2000 Elizabeth Warnock Prize for Excellence for Decorative Plaster - 2000 National Symphony Orchestra Decorator Show House

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR TUITION AND REGISTRATION POLICY INFORMATION.

 Photo Above^ Column finished as marble with Italian Plaster.

"After the Plaster Intensive class I 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

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

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

"ONLY WHEN I RETIRE!"

YES!  VICTORIA IS AN EXCELLENT TEACHER" Michael Ross

ABSOLUTELY!, but.. in consideration of competition, I'd be a bit reserved".  

"Honestly no.  Because I would prefer to remain unique in my area." 

"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. 

YES! To anyone that is not in my area". 

YES!  If they are not in my area". 

Definitely!"  Because of the Finished Product!

""I didn't want the class to STOP". 

"I enjoyed the class enormously". 

'LOVE IT!"

ABSOLUTELY! 

THE BUON FRESCO METHOD OF VENETIAN PLASTER APPLICATION WILL SAVE YOU FROM THE,

 'TROWEL & ERROR' © 2007

SYNDROME!

             

 
 

BACK TO INSTRUCTION HOME PAGE
Venetian Plaster Effects:  Take a tour of our studio's Venetian Plaster sample boards.

 SEE SCHEDULE PAGE

    

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.

 

    

GROUP & PRIVATE COURSE TUITION RATES AND REGISTRATION POLICIES:

  • Venetian Plaster I                 2-Days               Tuition -  $650   Materials fee  $ 50

  • Venetian Plaster II                2-Days              Tuition -  $900  Materials fee  $ 75                [Prerequisite Venetian Plaster I]

  • Finishing Faux Marble Columns with Venetian Plaster                                                                     Prerequisite Venetian Plaster I      3-Days                Tuition -  $945  Materials fee  $217*     [PLEASE NOTE: Beginning August 2006, the Marbling on Columns class will be a 3 day class.]

  • Gold Leafing / Gilding         2-Days              Tuition -  $650   Materials fee   $150

NOTE: Quintessential COLOR Intensive Course for Trilogy Students $325 + $50 Materials

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

  • Painting Murals on walls & canvas      4-Days  - Tuition -  $900  Materials fee  $ 65

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

TRILOGY OF DECORATIVE COURSES   A GREAT VALUE!  The Trilogy of Intensive Classes is comprised of the 3 classes listed below  priced at $100 less per course than if registered for - individually.  Please note that there are no substitutions for the listed classes and COLOR is an option, though it is highly recommended for the pinnacle of success with your skills!  The 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 the Trilogy that it may be added as an elective. To encourage participation in this critical study the Quintessential Color Course is discounted by 50% for all Trilogy course participants!

  • 6 - Days  of Foundational Classes for the Professional or Beginning Finish Artist including:  Venetian Plaster I,  Decorative Painting I;  Gold &   Metal  Leafing/Gilding

  • NOTES:Trilogy of Courses may be taken in any order or combination posted dates throughout a given calendar year.    Please note we cannot make substitutions from this course selection.                      Tuition - $1,650  Materials fees for the Trilogy is as for each individual class. 

  • TRILOGY + COLOR - $1,975  [+ related materials fees for each class]

TRILOGY OF VENETIAN PLASTER COURSES   A GREAT VALUE! 

  • 9 Days of Foundational through Advanced Classes of the Buon Fresco method of Venetian Plaster Design PLUS COLOR:  The Quintessential COLOR INTENSIVE, Venetian Plaster I,  Venetian Plaster II & Venetian Plaster III [VP as Marble on flat and round surfaces] Tuition: $2,520

  • TRILOGY of Plaster Courses without Color - $2,195

COMBINATION OF TRILOGIES TO INCLUDE ALL OF THE ABOVE + COLOR - $3,520   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.  Please Note;  Color 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.
   

NOTES ABOUT SCHEDULING: 

  • Generally,  A color class will be closely scheduled with the Venetian Plaster or Painted Glazing Class - as the information in the color class is vital to a practitioners best work in those mediums and may greatly assist in the successful production of sample boards in said classes

    • The 'Color Intensive' is always scheduled prior to the Trilogy that it may be added as an elective.

  • When a Venetian Plaster class or Painting class appears on our schedule ALONE, a color class may be added with an expression of interest from registered students. 

  • 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. 

  • The Business Class is generally scheduled following the graduation of one or more trilogies, that is, one or more runs of the basic 3 classes.  It is at this time that the information relative to running a successful business is imperative. 

  • 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.

 

    

olicies:

  • Reservation policy: 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.

  • Your confirmed registration will be sent by email, fax, or 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 class-cancellations within 10 days of registering are 100% of deposit paid.  After 15 days, refunds are processed within 30 days and are levied a $50 administrative fee per class for processing.

  • 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 of 4 or more are available upon request.

  • Private Classes are conducted at the following rates: For an exclusive class of 1 person, tuition is 250% of the normal group class rate: For 2 to 3 people tuition is 150% of group class tuition, per person; Once 4 people are participating, the normal tuition rate applies.    NOTE: Private Course instruction time - for up to 3 people - is shorter than for a group.  Private classes are scheduled based on available instructor time.

  • Group Classes: To schedule a group class, a minimum of 4 students are required.   Privately formed groups having 5 or more ready students receive a discount on tuition as follows: 4 students - 10%, 5 students - 15% - 6 students - 20%.

  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

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.