Yellow Ochre and Red Ochre

  Yellow ochre and red ochre are two of the oldest pigments known to man. YELLOW OCHRE Color:   Yellow ochre is an earth pigment that contains hydrated iron oxide.  Much of it is found in Roussillon, France.  Otherwise, mostly in parts of Italy.   It’s a cool, greenish-yellow and varies to orange, slightly. Opacity:  […]

The Art of Faux by Pierre Finkelstein

Sadly, The Art of Faux: The complete sourcebook of decorative painted finishes by Pierre Finkelstein is no longer for sale on our website. The book is no longer in print and our inventory has since faded. Since published, the book has stood the test of time with over 50,000 copies sold.  The AOF has been […]

IDAL 2014 Fort Worth, TX

I’m back from a successful trip to this year’s IDAL 2014 trade show and event in Fort Worth, TX.   We were celebrating IDAL’s 30th year as a non-profit organization for decorative painters. I taught 3 classes: 1-day hands-on Faux Marble for baseboards, 1-day hands-on Woodgraining for baseboards, half day demonstration on preparation, protection, and touch-ups […]

Italy class panel is complete!

We are proud to announce that the Italy class panel is complete!  This panel will be painted on canvas by students in 8 days with instructors Pierre Finkelstein and Carolina d’Ayala Valva (author of this great book).  This class takes place in Rome on September 13-22, 2014. Class Info:  This workshop consists of 8 days […]

NYC Trompe l’oeil Class 2013

Our NYC trompe l’oeil class for 2013 was a success!   We had a full house of students in our tiny little Manhattan studio. The students began the 3-day adventure with a medallion study.  This is an invaluable exercise that forces the student to learn by repetition.  See post on this study. Once the students had […]

IDAL 2013 Convention

We had a great time at the this years IDAL 2013 Convention!  The annual event was held in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 8-12, 2013.  International Decorative Artisans League had its 29th anniversary.  The non-profit organization has been serving the decorative painting industry by offering classes to members in regional chapters along with this annual event.  […]

Upcoming: trompe l’oeil class in Manhattan

Pierre Finkelstein will teach a trompe l’oeil class to a  handful of students in his studio on December 5-7, 2013.  CLICK HERE for more information

IDAL 2013

Special Promotion:  Sign up for ANY Pierre Finkelstein class at IDAL 2013 convention and receive $50 of FREE BRUSHES!! Take a sneak peak of Pierre’s Class 1 & 2 at this years 2013 IDAL convention. Class 1: W305- CORNER CEILING ORNAMENT Class 2: T305- TROMPE L’OEIL Striping on Corner Element To learn more and register […]

Versailles Palace from a decorative painter’s eye

  We recently took group of 17 students to tour of Palace of Versailles.  The students were painting a panel for 8 days in a studio near by.  Check out the class photos. As a child growing up in Paris, it was mandatory for students to visit the Palace once a year.  It’s fair to […]

Versailles Class

17 students from all over the world have come together for a 6-day traditional decorative painting workshop, and 2 day tour with Pierre Finkelstein and Jean Sablé in Versailles. What an experience! Check out what’s been happening.  Jean finalizing the layout of his canvas.    Jean working on top ornamentation.    Students working on ornamentation. […]