Leonardian Drawings & art workshop in Florence

Review of the Leonardian Drawings & Art Workshop in Florence

This Florence-based art workshop offers a unique chance to step into the shoes of Renaissance masters while trying your hand at styles and techniques that span centuries. Priced at around $109.48 per person for roughly three hours of private instruction, this experience is designed for all levels and ages—whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner. The workshop is run by Octavio Palomino, a sculptor with a knack for making classical and contemporary art accessible, and it’s conveniently located at Geko Art Studio on Via Coluccio Salutati.

What I find particularly appealing about this experience are two things. First, the fact that it’s private, which means personalized attention and flexibility in scheduling. Second, the variety of artistic activities offered—from Leonardo-style drawings to watercolor gilding—which means you can tailor your session to your interests or try a bit of everything. The reviews show consistent praise for the friendly, professional instructors and seamless communication, often mentioning Rosanna and Octavio by name. A common highlight is how welcoming the studio feels, making even complete novices comfortable.

A possible consideration is the limited duration—three hours—so if you’re a serious art lover wanting an in-depth course, you may want to supplement this experience with additional classes. But for most visitors looking for a memorable artistic snapshot of Florence, this workshop hits just the right note for both fun and learning.

Key Points

• Personalized and Private: Every session is exclusively for your group, ensuring tailored guidance.
• Wide Range of Techniques: From traditional Leonardian drawing to modern watercolor with gold leaf—there’s something for all.
• Inclusive for All Levels: Beginners are very welcome, with reviews noting a super welcoming environment.
• Flexible Scheduling: The studio offers daytime and evening slots, with contact made post-booking to set your preferred time.
• Authentic Florence Connection: The workshop emphasizes traditional Florentine methods, making it a meaningful artistic experience.
• Great Value: At around $109, you receive more than just a lesson—you get a memorable, hands-on activity that could inspire your own future art projects.

In-Depth Look at the Experience

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $109.48, your fee covers not only the 3-hour private session but also all necessary art supplies—paper, pencils, clay, canvas, and colors. Snacks are provided, which is a thoughtful touch to keep you energized. However, note that casting of sculptures is excluded, so if you’re hoping to make a plaster cast of your work, you’ll need to look elsewhere or perhaps upgrade your experience.

The Workshop Options

One of the wonderful aspects of this studio is the variety of activities you can choose from:
– Leonardian drawing: Spend part of your time reproducing a famous sketch of Leonardo on paper using sanguine, sepia, or charcoal. It’s a fantastic way to understand the techniques that helped shape his genius.
– Clay Relief Sculpture: Create small figurative sculptures in clay, gaining insight into the three-dimensional aspect of art.
– Botanical Plaster Casting: Use plants, flowers, and sculptures to make reliefs and drawings, combining natural elements with traditional sculpture.
– Palette Knife Oil Painting: Instead of brushes, you’ll learn how to craft an oil painting using only a palette knife—an approach that produces bold, textured results.
– Watercolor Details: Focus on naturalistic elements like flowers or fruit, perfect for those interested in delicate, luminous art.
– Gold Leaf Watercolor: Take the watercolor one step further by applying gold leaf, adding a touch of elegance that highlights the luxurious side of Italian craftsmanship.
– Van Gogh Style Painting: Emulate Van Gogh’s expressive style for a fun, energetic painting session.

The Studio and Guides

The studio itself is described as “quaint,” easily found, and near public transport, which makes logistical planning a breeze. Rosanna and Octavio are repeatedly praised for their warmth and attentiveness, with reviews mentioning how their friendly approach sets the tone for a relaxed artistic environment. Rosanna even reaches out after booking to confirm the time, which ensures smooth communication from start to finish.

The Learning Atmosphere

Travelers consistently mention how welcoming and accommodating the instructors are, especially for beginners. Amy noted that it’s “super welcoming and very open to beginners,” and Dariluz highlighted how Octavio allowed personal choice of subject matter, which can be empowering. The focus on traditional Florentine techniques combined with modern methods gives you both a sense of history and contemporary relevance.

The Value and Experience

At a cost of just over $100, this workshop offers more than a typical souvenir—it provides a chance to learn, create, and take home your own artwork. Most reviews agree that it’s a fantastic value for the personalized attention and the depth of techniques covered. Plus, the opportunity to produce a piece in the style of Renaissance masters or experiment with watercolor gilding or Van Gogh’s brushwork makes this stand out as an enriching addition to your Florence itinerary.

Who Would Love This?

This experience is ideal for art enthusiasts of all levels, especially those who enjoy hands-on activities. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a meaningful, creative break from sightseeing, or anyone eager to connect with Florence’s artistic soul. The private nature allows for a customized session—whether you want to focus on drawing, sculpture, watercolor, or all of the above. If you’re traveling with friends or family, the tailored timing and small group ambiance ensure an intimate, enjoyable experience.

Final Thoughts

This Florence art workshop offers more than just a class—it’s a chance to connect deeply with the city’s artistic spirit while creating your own piece of history. The private, flexible setup and variety of techniques make it a standout experience for those seeking something authentic and personal. Plus, the welcoming environment, especially for beginners, makes it accessible and fun, not intimidating.

The combination of traditional methods with modern twists, the hands-on approach, and the friendly guides create a memorable crafting session that will leave you with new skills—and maybe even a new appreciation for Florence’s artistic heritage. If you love art and want a true, personalized Florence experience at a fair price, this workshop is a wonderful choice.

FAQs

How long is the art workshop?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you enough time to try several techniques without feeling rushed.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Multiple reviews note how welcoming and accommodating the instructors are for newcomers, making it a great introduction to art.

What’s included in the price?
All necessary supplies for drawing, sculpture, and painting are included, along with snacks. Castings, however, are not part of the package.

Can I choose the specific art activity?
Yes, you have options ranging from Leonardo-style drawing to watercolor with gold leaf or Van Gogh-style painting. You can select your preferred activity when booking.

Is it a private experience?
Yes, the workshop is private, designed solely for your group, which allows for personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Where does the workshop take place?
At Geko Art Studio in Florence, centrally located and accessible via public transportation.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 53 days ahead, especially during peak seasons, to secure their preferred time.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

To sum it up, the Leonardian Drawings & Art Workshop in Florence delivers an engaging, personalized artistic experience rooted in tradition but open to creative exploration. It’s suited for anyone interested in art—beginners and seasoned artists alike—and offers a tangible way to create cherished memories in Florence. With friendly guides, flexible scheduling, and a variety of techniques, it’s a creative highlight worth considering when visiting this historic city.