Decorative Art Courses 2024
Mosaic Geometric Silk Painting
For thousands of years silk has been used as the fabric of choice for emperors and kings.
In this course Eugene will demonstrate techniques which allow for wonderful results with no previous experience of silk painting needed. By combining the use of gold “gutta” as a barrier to stop the flow of the paint with multi-coloured geometric shapes, any design can be reconfigured into intricate jewel like patterns.
Even absolute beginners can create successful silk paintings. The process can become quite hypnotic …almost like meditation!
Endless possibilities:
The intention is that each person on the course should leave with something created during the workshop. This can be a scarf…a lampshade…a pillowcase…a wall hanging…the list is endless.
All materials (silk, pens, paints and brushes) are included in the course. Silk can also be combined with other fixatives, shellac and varnish to be used as a material for covering many types of surfaces.. This will be demonstrated in the decorative arts section of the course
Stencilling and Faux Finishes
Each participant is invited to bring an object to decorate. This could be a box, a small table, a picture frame etc. There are several antique dealers (brocantes) in the area so something could also be picked up locally.
Depending on the object it can then be marbled, stencilled, lacquered, faux-finished etc. The choice is up to you!
Gold Leaf and Gilding
You can gild ALMOST anything…as long as the surface is prepared properly
Gilding gives an immediate effect of luxury and style. It is a fascinating and hugely satisfying activity to try your hand at.
Real gold leaf, which comes in an array of colours and carats, is durable and luxurious, but is often unnecessary for the average decorating project. In this course we will be using ‘Dutch gold ‘ or ‘ Gold metal ‘ . These are superb alternatives and much more affordable. Once the basic skills have been learnt it is always possible to upgrade to 24 carat real gold leaf.
Faux stone
Louisa will be teaching techniques to transform almost any surface into a stone finish. The course will cover the application of enduits, gesso, paint tones and varnish necessary for a final realistic effect
Upholstery
The Decorative Arts Course is primarily intended for beginners, but once learnt the techniques can then be applied to designing fabric for upholstery.
