The Gold Leaf Layering Technique (Video)

CHARTER Program : Gothic and Renaissance Painting
Gold Leaf & Egg Tempera

On this 11 day art class in Italy, you will learn to create artwork using the Gothic and early Renaissance era gilding techniques with egg tempera painting. Your journey will first take you to Florence, the artistic center of the Renaissance movement, to appreciate the diverse gilding styles of several masters such as Michelangelo (to the right) and Cimabue (below) on display at the Uffizi Museum and to soak in the essence of Florence. After a long weekend of spectacular sightseeing and learning outside the classroom, you will enter the lab to begin the production of your own unique artistic creation.

Your week in the studio will be divided into three phases: preparing, gilding, and painting. Your original drawing, or chosen reproduction artwork, must first be sketched onto the wood panel surface prior to the layering of gesso and bolo (a red pigmented clay from Armenia) and your egg tempera paints must be prepared as well. Next, you will layer gold leaf onto your artwork with a special water based glue and burnish it - first with a brush and later with an agata stone. And finally, your instructor, Donatella Lami*, will guide you through the painting phase in the studio with just the right amount of helpful assistance. After you've completed your masterpiece, you will wrap up your Italian experience in style by taking a relaxing weekend tour of Northern Italy's Lake Como region. A guided tour of Lago Maggiore's aptly named Isola Bella will make you wish you could stay in Italy forever.

You will live and learn in the quaint village of Cuorgnè, which is nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps on the outskirts of the charming city of Torino (Turin). Mid-week, a guided tour will introduce you to the city that American broadcaster NBC called a cross between Paris and Vienna during its coverage of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. Spend your warm summer evenings living 'La Dolce Vita' relaxing in front of the Alpine views in Cuorgnè or expending a bit more energy in the nightlife of Torino.

This program is suitable for people of all ages and artistic talent is not a pre-requisite. However, an appreciation for art, an adventurous spirit, and an inquisitive mind are necessary for your enjoyment and that of your fellow classmates. You will return home with at least one of your own original egg tempera with gold leaf productions, knowledge that will enhance your artistic repertoire and memories of a truly unique Italian experience.

Professoressa Donatella Lami has been a professional restorer of canvas paintings and wood panels for more than 20 years in addition to her work as a teacher in CESMA's art conservation program. Professoressa Lami has taken this journey from Torino to Florence many times in her professional experience in restoring some of Italy's finest treasures.

This art class is also offered as a part of our month long Ancient Italian Art Production for those who are interested in spending more time exploring additional artistic production techniques and other parts of Italy.