Our morning with Hector was great! He is an absolute hoot and really good with the children. He really transmitted his passion for frescoes and it was lovely to spend a few hours doing something creative, which will be an amazing souvenir of our trip. Highly recommend!
Florence Fresco Painting Workshop
Mix pigment, layer plaster, and paint like a Renaissance artist
The Finer Details
During this three-hour, hands-on Florence fresco painting workshop, you'll learn basic fresco techniques from a local master of fresco painting. Proceeding with the same deeply rewarding process that artists like Michelangelo and Raphael used to paint some of the finest masterworks from the era, you'll put your artistic skills to the test, learning just what it takes to create the kind of stunning frescoes one can see throughout Florence. Your experience begins with a visit to the studio of an accomplished fresco artist, your guide! They will lead a brief discussion of the history of fresco - What is it? How did it develop over the centuries? Why was it considered the most difficult medium for a Renaissance artist? This will provide you with the necessary historical context to both appreciate the task you are about to undergo and to look at Renaissance frescos in a new light, not merely enjoying them for their aesthetic quality but for the process by which they were actualized. You will also take a look at some of the greatest examples of fresco painting, including masterworks of some of Florence's greatest artists.
You will then be taken through the steps of preparing a surface, drawing and transferring a drawing, and finally applying the paint. Along the way, your guide will give you tips and advice, and continue his discussion about fresco and its place in the pantheon of art. By the end of the workshop, you'll go home with your very own handmade fresco painting. The primary takeaway of this workshop will be to explore first-hand the art of fresco painting by using the same materials and techniques of the Renaissance masters. Fresco, meaning fresh in Italian, is the revered art of painting on fast-drying damp plaster with water-based pigments. During the Renaissance, fresco painting was considered the true test of an artist's skill, since one had to finish before the plaster dried to ensure the adhesion of the image to the wall. Along the way, you'll gain a deeper, tactile understanding of the development, creation, and legacy of Renaissance art.
Choose this tour if...
- You're an art enthusiast seeking to learn from a local expert while gaining hands-on experience
- You want to immerse yourself in the experience of creating your own piece of art
- You want a unique experience to dive even further into your passion
Sites Visited
- Art studio - fresco workshop with an accomplished fresco artist and expert guide
Logistics
General Information
- This workshop takes place exclusively at the artist’s studio. You will make and take home your own hand-made fresco painting.
Resources
- Seeking some artistic inspiration? Try our Florence Artisan Workshop Tour with Oltrarno Neighborhood, our Uffizi Gallery Tour: A Guided Crash Course with Skip-the-Line Tickets or our Palazzo Pitti Tour with Boboli Gardens.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessibility
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible. The studio is located on the top floor of an old palace. There is an elevator, however, there are also five stairs to arrive at the elevator level, which could be a problem for some.
Service Dogs
- Service dogs are allowed if you have a medical certificate proving the need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take for the fresco to dry?
Each fresco is comprised of a thin layer of plaster on a rectangular terra cotta roofing tile and thus dries quickly. It will not be completely dry by the end of the workshop, but the expert will wrap it in newspaper so that you can take it with you when you leave. It will fully dry within a few hours, however, you may want to be careful when packing it in your suitcase anyway.
Do I need any prior experience to do this workshop? No, this workshop has been designed for beginners. Fresco-making isn’t necessarily easy, however, you’ll learn the basic foundations during this workshop.
Is this workshop suitable for children? Yes, it is suitable for children and they generally highly enjoy it! Children must be accompanied by a parent.
Can I do this workshop in the afternoon summer? Unfortunately, the artist’s studio gets very hot and doesn't have A/C. Therefore, we normally only recommend this experience in the morning.
Can I book this for a group of more than 6? The artist’s studio is fairly small, so for everyone’s enjoyment, we normally take a maximum of 6 participants. If you are a group of 7, please contact us, and we can check if the artist will take an additional participant.
Do I need any prior experience to do this workshop? No, this workshop has been designed for beginners. Fresco-making isn’t necessarily easy, however, you’ll learn the basic foundations during this workshop.
Is this workshop suitable for children? Yes, it is suitable for children and they generally highly enjoy it! Children must be accompanied by a parent.
Can I do this workshop in the afternoon summer? Unfortunately, the artist’s studio gets very hot and doesn't have A/C. Therefore, we normally only recommend this experience in the morning.
Can I book this for a group of more than 6? The artist’s studio is fairly small, so for everyone’s enjoyment, we normally take a maximum of 6 participants. If you are a group of 7, please contact us, and we can check if the artist will take an additional participant.
Cancellation Policy
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Our expert guide's studio
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Hector was an engaging and encouraging guide to the process of making our lovely frescoes. He offered very helpful suggestions without taking over our process. We highly recommend choosing a subject and perhaps even making a simple sketch before your workshop, as that will allow maximum time for applying paint in multiple layers to your image rather than wasting time trying to decide what to paint. We both came away with pleasing images that will remind us of this fun time in Florence. You see so many frescoes in the city and this workshop really helps you appreciate what was involved in their creation.
What an amazing experience. Would recommend it 100%. So fun and really gain an understanding and appreciation for fresco. Hector is a wonderful instructor. Would recommend it for young adults. Our 13 and 15 year old boys really enjoyed it too. Great family activity and very memorable!
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