This workshop offers an immersive introduction to old master painting techniques through the exploration of natural pigments, preparation of painting surfaces, and study of traditional methods used by European painters from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
Participants will create a personal artwork while discovering historical techniques related to making colors and building up a painting in successive layers. Day 1 – Exploring materials, preparing the surface, and setting up your painting Introduction to the history of old master painting, presentation of natural pigments: mineral, plant, and animal origins, preparation of traditional surfaces (stretching canvas and preparing gesso). Laying out the drawing and applying the first (lean) layer of paint to your painting. Day 2 – Making colors, preparing mediums, and continuing work on your painting Study of the different natural pigments needed to create your painting, grinding and preparing pigments, principles of color preservation and stability, making traditional mediums, and an introduction to paint chemistry. Applying the second (fat) layer of paint to your painting. Day 3 – Continuing to prepare the surfaces and work on your painting Applying 2 additional coats of gesso. Tightening the canvases if necessary. Applying the third layer of paint to your painting: finding the right tones and adding more pronounced texture. Day 4 – Completing the preparation of the surfaces and continuing work on your painting Applying 2 additional coats of gesso. Sanding after each coat. Applying the fourth layer of paint to your painting: differentiating materials such as flesh, wood, fabrics, etc. Day 5 – Finishing touches and presentation of the completed works Final touch-ups, harmonizing colors, working on details and textural effects, completing the artwork, presenting the works as a group, and discussing the techniques covered. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to identify and use various natural pigments, prepare a painting surface using traditional methods, make colors and mediums, build up a painting in successive layers, create a personal artwork inspired by historical techniques, and understand the fundamental principles of old master painting. Instructor: Stéphane Brunner Number of places: 10 participants Fee: €450 (Paris Ateliers members receive a 10% discount on workshop fees) Professional training fee: €1,200 Dates: September 7–11, 2026 Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:30 to 2 p.m. For information, email [email protected] or call 01 44 61 87 80.
Fee: €450 (Paris Ateliers members receive a 10% discount on workshop fees)
Source: paris.fr — photo: Paris-Atelier