Ancient Art Workshop: Fresco

While we traveled to Italy with my family, we gave this to my husband as a Father’s Day gift and below is his review: This was an incredible experience working with Cecilia and learning about the ancient art and techniques of fresco painting. Cecilia took her time explaining surface preparation, pigments, techniques, and application in a way that was interesting and easy to understand. For the artwork itself, she offered many different designs to choose from, all inspired by actual works of art. The process of creating the fresco was very fun and engaging. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, and Cecilia provided helpful guidance without hovering or micromanaging. Overall, I would highly recommend this experience to people of all skill levels who are interested in this art form and in creating a personal, unique piece of artwork. I think it would be especially valuable for art students or anyone interested in learning an ancient technique. Cecilia was a kind, gracious, and knowledgeable teacher and host.

My husband, 9-year-old son, and I attended Cecilia's fresco workshop and had a delightful time. She taught us some very cool new techniques in her adorable studio, and we walked away with three very unique locally inspired souvenirs to bring home. Cecilia was great at engaging with all of us and explained things in a way that were understandable for our son. All in all, a lovely way to spend some time indoors on a hot Rome afternoon.

We highly recommend this art workshop for couples, friends, or families! For us, it was a private workshop in which we learned all about the materials and methods that Michelangelo used to paint the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and then we were able to make art pieces to take home. It was a stimulating and enjoyable experience for all three generations that participated that gave us a memorable two hours together and away from the hectic city.

This was amazing! We had the best time in this class. Even the people who thought they weren't artists did a great job and had a blast. Cecelia was so sweet, she was attentive and patient. She also was a lot of fun. She spoke English well and helping us learn Italian too! This is a great experience for everyone in your group.

The BEST thing we did in Italy. Believe me, I am not artistic, but the instructor made it easy and the frescos turned out SO well. What fun to go to the Vatican one day, then the next day come here, and learn by doing, how frescos are made. The perfect thing for the middle of a hot day! (Me 63 yo woman with my 24 yo daughter).

It was me, my husband, and our two daughters (ages 10 and 17), and we all absolutely loved it. Cecelia was incredible—so kind and knowledgeable. When we had a delay with our cab, she waited patiently, no problem at all. She taught us how frescoes are made, explaining how the paint bonds to the plaster to create a lasting, waterproof layer. Her stories from her time as a restoration specialist added such a personal and fascinating touch. She then helped each of us choose a project, walking us clearly through each step—something both our experienced and less experienced artists really appreciated. Cecelia offered helpful tips on blending colors, and we left with beautiful, one-of-a-kind souvenirs. It was especially meaningful coming right after our visit to the Sistine Chapel—we had just seen frescoes and talked about Michelangelo, so this hands-on experience brought it all to life. Everyone in the group said the same thing as we left: we could’ve stayed longer. It was the perfect break from the summer heat and busy walking—peaceful, creative, and so relaxing. Cecelia, if you’re reading this—thank you for an amazing time! We loved every minute with you!

My sister and I had a blast learning the history of and practicing fresco painting. The instructor provided wonderful guidance. I recommend anyone who wants a relaxing and engaging activity while on holiday to take this class. This was a core memory for me.

This class sounds amazing which is why we booked. I only want people to realize that we had our class canceled one hour before the class. It was our event for the day. We planned our day around it and even came back to Rome a day early to do it. So, I do hope the artist’s family is okay, but people should know there is a risk in booking.

My dad and I did this class together and it was a lot of fun. The teacher is very nice and helpful. The class is for any experience level. I definitely recommend!!!

My daughter and I went to the fresco art class, we both really enjoyed and found the whole experience interesting and fun

A must for fresco interessted. First some history, then instructions and to the end painting. The result was fantastic! My daughter, age 8 y.o. enjoyed enormostly. Can highly recommend the teacher!

Nothing feels as Roman as frescoes, so we knew that we wanted to do this class while we were there! Nina, the teacher, was very friendly and super knowledgable--willing to answer any and every question we had! The process of transferring marks and applying the paint is absolutely fascinating and gives you a better appreciation for how the masters accomplished it. We had reservations, since the class didn't have a dedicated time for the class (and I had trouble contacting the provider through viator) but they're quick to answer on whatsapp, so Type 1 travelers (like myself), seriously consider doing this!

This is a fun family activity that takes about 2 hours. The teacher is extremely helpful and kind, especially for us parents who lack any art skills!! We all loved the final project and my 14 year old daughter was especially proud of her result with the sunflowers. It is a little hard to find, so Look far the large cafe on the street corner and they can come walk you from there, since it is in a private area. The taxi stand is also just across the street from the cafe so it was easy to get a cab back to our hotel.

This wonderful experience WAYYYY exceeded my expectations! Nina was darling and so patient, personable, and upbeat. She gave a wonderful art lesson with history about how the masters painted frescos during the Renaissance, as well as helpful guidance as we created our own frescos with the same materials and techniques used by Michelangelo: the sand used to make the plaster and the minerals used to make the paint pigment. When my 23-year-old daughter and I toured churches and Pompeii afterwards, we had such an enhanced appreciation. And we’re thrilled with the frescos we painted, thanks to Nina’s help! This class was such an enriching experience and a highlight of our visit to Italy!

Excellent class! This was one of the highlights of our time in Italy! We learned so much and had a great time!

This experience was one of the highlights of our trip! We were so excited to learn the ancient fresco technique directly from masters of the art. Cecilia and her team were wonderful teachers and explained about the materials as well as how-to. We each ended up with a beautiful self-made treasure to take home from Rome.

This was a great experience- we learned the technical aspects of fresco and had plenty of time to complete our own pieces. The instructors are very knowledgeable and have been fresco restorers!

We arranged a workshop for a group of American teenagers visiting Rome for a study holiday. We have a packed schedule and lots of activities but the mosaic workshop was like therapy! Everyone was so focused on the tiny tiles and we feel totally refreshed afterwards. The teachers Cecilia and Giovannina spent some time explaining the different types of stone and the techniques and were always ready to help us when needed. And of course now the kids have some lovely souvenirs to take home. We will be back!!

What a fabulous day learning the technique of affresco and creating our own work! Cecilia is a wonderful instructor and made the process interesting and lots of fun. We had been intrigued about all the steps of making an affresco and Cecilia helped us understand each one as well as explaining where the colors came from and the significance of each ingredient in the plaster. We enjoyed ourselves immensely!!

I had the most amazing experience with Sicilia learning the art of affresco! I loved the humble and academic setting of the environment. Sicilia was very knowledgeable in the arts and clearly loves what she does. Thank you again for everything.

My son (8 years old) and I spent a lovely morning with Cecilia doing mosiac. She is a great guide, gave simple to follow instructions and had interesting stories and knowledge due to her experiences as an artist and as a restorer. We took the train out to her home and worked in her garden studio. Very recommended! Both my son and I will always remember it!

"Before I die, I want to...." see how a fresco is made and possibly make one! Professor Cecilia will make this possible for you. My class took place in a very cool bar which also makes it's own pastries (delicious) near the Vatican. Other locations can be arranged. Prof. Cecilia will guide you through all the steps of creating a fresco. You will create your fresco on a stunning fossil stone, small enough to pack in your luggage. The pigments are all natural colors and are of the type used in the frescos one sees in the churches and museums. I chose an angel holding a blue ribbon and emerging from a colorful fountain. I love to paint though my skills are not developed and Prof. Cecilia showed me how to overcome my fear of detail and chiaro scuro. She will show you how to mix colors to obtain various shades and tones. The medium itself is very amiable and forgiving; while it slowly dries, you are able to add layers and details and when it all dries, it shows all the depth and detail you put into it. Prof. Cecilia is a highly qualified restorer (her teacher was one of the Sistine Chapel's restorers) and also takes groups on guided tours. Knowledgable about the art and the masters who made the art, Prof. Cecilia also holds mosaic classes. I will be back for more and I will ask her to take me to see the museums, to hear her stories about how these artists made their works, the politics and power of the times; if you are interested she will transport you back in time. In two hours you will create something that will last forever. Highly recommend! Great for kids who like to make things and extremely rewarding.

In 18 (2 teachers and 16 students in Rome for a study trip) we participated in the Workshop on fresco under the watchful eye of Cecilia who made us go back in time experimenting with the ancient technique of dusting and painting on fresh plaster. There are no words to describe the surprise, the joy, the satisfaction he read in the eyes of both boys and adults. Very satisfied I can only recommend this experience to everyone. Many thanks to Cecilia and her young assistant. 💛✨✨✨

I made my first fresco three years ago with Cecilia and since then I have embarked on an artistic path that I had never had the courage to do. It is worth trying... I recommend it.... now in the headquarters of Via Capponi... I attend drawing course!!

By chance I attended the course on the recommendation of a mutual friend, and the teacher was very warm and professional, answering a lot of my doubts. It is highly recommended. Looking forward to experiencing more courses.

I was in Rome visiting, I had wanted to learn to paint frescoes for years and thanks to Cecilia I managed! She is an excellent teacher, very didactic and precise. I had all the necessary materials ready and of good quality. In a few hours he guided me through the whole tour to finish a little fresco: from the stand, the stucco, the pigment paint. Always with concrete information so that I can repeat the experience on my own. Thank you very much Cecilia!

Awesome experience! Cecilia is super about to learn the fresco technique! I recommend these workshops +++

I attended a workshop on fresco and it was interesting to discover this technique thanks to Cecilia which is very engaging. I spent a nice day in a quiet place in the heart of Rome, where you can leave the world outside for a while bringing home my work. Thank you!

I am a teacher of Art and Image, I followed with great interest the Webinar cycle on artistic techniques made by Cecilia. Really interesting and useful!

Yesterday I followed the second meeting on painting techniques, specifically, painting on board and on canvas. A window of curiosity, of notions, of professionalism has opened to me. The language used by Cecilia is clear and precise. I can't wait to follow the next one on the mosaic. Thank you Cecilia!

I followed a webinar dedicated to the fresco, the lesson was interesting, full of details and curiosity. A really nice way to travel, in time and space, from home. Congratulations to Cecilia Marzi for the clear, complete and exciting exhibition.

The ancient techniques course I'm participating in is very interesting. Cecilia, thanks to her competence and professionalism, manages to transmit all her knowledge with passion and enthusiasm, with a clear, simple and, at the same time, professional language. Great course!

Many thanks to Cecilia who organized this fantastic online course on fresco techniques. The course is rich in historical notions and artistic techniques in detail, which is very difficult to find normally. Absolutely highly recommended!!

I attended the first online lesson and was very satisfied. I can't wait to see the next one. Cecilia is very clear, very competent and available to answer all questions. I'm just sorry I couldn't attend in presence, but I must admit that, due to the distance from Rome, I could hardly attend except online. Technology that, at a time like the one we are going through, helps us to shorten distances is welcome. Thank you.

I followed the online lesson, on January 26, about the fresco and I am very very satisfied. Cecilia explains in a simple and clear way even the most complicated steps. It makes the topics covered so interesting that time passes in a blink of an eye. At the end of the lesson he sent the handouts and the registration to the participants. Thank you so much! Elisabetta, guide of Parma.

A course done well and above all extremely clear with beautiful illustrations that start from the beginning of the history of wall painting even for those who are novices.

Excellent presentation, material and lesson. Lively explanation, I really liked it as well as being very interesting.