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Reporter
Kristin Fiorvanti

Country: U.S.A.
Course: Painting and Drawing
Program: One-Year Course
Period: Jan 14, 2019 - Jul 26, 2019

Art has always been an immense passion and influence in my life. From a young age, drawing, coloring, and painting would help me express myself and feel free. I grew up pursuing an education like my peers --graduating high school in the U.S. and moving on to college. I knew all along that there was something bigger waiting for me.
I never dreamt I could pursue my passion professionally, but after being given this opportunity at Accademia Riaci in beautiful Italy, it seems more than possible. With the help of a few well-known professionals in Florence, I can continue to learn and blossom as an artist.

Sep. 30, 2019 | Posted in Reports, Painting and Drawing , | Tags:, Reporter: Kristin Fiorvanti | Course: Painting and Drawing

Painting and Drawing vol.11 (One-Year Course – Kristin)

This week, I happily dove into oil paints. At various speeds, Professor Berti and I revisited the basics and discussed deeper understandings of oil painting and landscape studies. This exploration has improved my skills and also given me a new perspective on my passions as an artist.
Maybe I am an impressionist painter. (?)

Jewelry Design blog
Professor Berti often recommends beautiful places in and around Florence to visit for inspiration. Last week, after the Art Stage in Fiesole, he recommended I visit Settignano (a small town in the hills surrounding Florence where Michelangelo spent his youth). I will say Alessandro definitely has an eye for beauty, because I returned to Florence with loads of pictures and inspiration. Pictured above, he’s demonstrating how to approach an oil painting of a beautiful, blossoming street in Settignano.

Interior Design blog
I’ll often be stopped in the middle of painting so that he can distance me from my work. I believe I don’t step back as often as I should; time and time again it’s proven important. Here, he was bringing my attention to the geometric lines and proportions in the painting. This is another recurring issue in the beginnings of my work. Luckily, mistakes are easily fixed with paint that doesn’t crack or dry quickly –this is why I’ve come to love oils.

Interior Design blog
With a large and exciting solo-exhibition approaching next month, I’ve no time to dwell on the details of my mistakes. The following class, I put the last piece aside and started anew under the pressure of time. Alessandro began again with his demonstration and then set the timer for one hour.

Interior Design blog
I usually tend to spend hours and/or days on a single project. So with my blood pumping, I immediately started slapping pigment on paper. There’s no time to mix color, only to put what you have to use. I liked this concept, and I also came to like to result pictured here. This impressionist style has become even more impressive.

With speed under my belt, we bounced back to basics. In the case for this painting of a garden house in the Boboli Gardens, Professor Berti reminded me of how to hold a brush. A flat brush is best to be held as pictured above; it makes thick, straight lines. Unironically, it’s helpful in painting flat surfaces like the wall in this example. Revisiting this subject, I’m reminded that –especially after investing so much time into a certain set of skills –it’s important to revisit some of the most basic aspects of a craft.

Interior Design blog

Interior Design blog

Interior Design blog
Though I’m working with beautiful subjects, eventually I’m beginning to feel like I’m at another stand-still. My proportion and perspective skills, though I often work tirelessly on them, seem dormant. It felt like every stroke I made was just a little off. This led me to ask questions about what subject matter is best for me; what am I good at, what’s my artistic specialty?

Interior Design blog
The truth is, with years of artistic experience, I have little to no clue. Yet, it’s one of the first questions I get when meeting new people. “Oh, you’re an artist? (That’s so cool) What do you like to paint?” Sometimes I want to grudgingly reply “whatever I’m good at in the moment” with a nervous laugh. One of the things I love most about being an artist is the independence and freedom in self-discovery; I’ve learned multitudes about the importance of skill-development, non-attachment, acceptance, and perspective due to my artistic pursuit. I figure I’m on a long journey to find my “knack,” but with the fast pace that Professor Berti has recently offered, I’m reminded that it will all come with practice, hard work, and patience.


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