The Umbra Institute
Department of Studio Art
ARFP 210 Fresco Painting
Fall Semester 2012
Syllabus
Instructor: William A. Pettit, MFA
Credits: 3
Type of Course : studio
Meets: Tuedays, 3,30 – 6,45 pm, Priori Art Studio
Required Reading : handout
Suggested Reading :
Pliny. Natural History, Book XXXV
Vitruvius. Manual de Architectura (Book VII)
Cennino Cennini.
Craftsman’s Handbook
Giorgio Vasari. On Technique
: Steffi Roettgen. Italian Frescos of the Early and High Renaissance, vol. I
Frederick Hartt. History of Italian Renaissance Art
Ralph Mayer. The Artists’ Handbook of Materials and Techniques
Prerequisites : none
Course description
This course will provide students with the material techniques and art-historical context to understand Italian fresco painting. The art of fresco is particularly varied, and includes drawing, painting, color theory and plaster preparation. Students will leave the course with knowledge of these techniques and be familiar with the history of the fresco and with its important artists and their work in central Italy.
Course Objectives
A multi-media workshop, the course combines elements of art history and studio art. While the goal is to provide an introduction to the history of fresco painting in central Italy from the Roman period to the Renaissance, it is more so to study the traditional techniques of fresco painting and engage in the production of fresco work. Students will learn all phases of fresco making, from mortar mixing and surface preparation, drawing studies and transfer, to dry pigment preparation and application.
Student projects may vary according to background and interest, from research projects to actual paintings, and, due to the scope of the subject, collaborations and group projects are encouraged.
Lesson Outline
Most lessons will take place in the studio and consist of making fresco paintings together as a class.
Some lessons are dedicated to site visits and student presentations.
Critiques and slide lectures will be held as necessary, often weekly.

Class schedule
1. (9/11) Introduction to course objectives and requirements
Introduction to materials, material handling. Visit art store. Reading, Mayer, p.1-29. HW drawing
2. (9/18) Surface preparation, Part I. Arriccio. Exercises in drawing and painting. HW: watercolour.
Reading: Vitruvius (Manual, Book VII), Cennini (Chapter 3)
3. (9/25) work on watercolour, drawing, and wall design
4. (10/2) Fresco Surface, Part 2. Sand coat and intonaco. Cartoon transfer, color application. HW
Cartoon and color sketches for Fresco I.
5.
Friday, Oct. 5. Visit Rome.
Palazzo Massimo.
6. (10/9) Review Roman and Byzantine painting and Fresco process, Intonaco and giornate . Cartoon and sketches for Fresco I due.
7. (10/16) Midterm Exam . Fresco I due.
8. (10/23) semester break
9. (10/30) Layout, design, planning for final project.
10. (11/6) Cartoons and measurements due. In class work on fresco II.
11. (11/13) Visit San Severo and Galleria Nazionale
12. (11/20) In class work, fresco III
13. (11/27) In class work, fresco IV
14. (12/4) Fresco Secco and egg temera
15. (12/11) Fresco IV due. Student Art Show
Method of Instruction
This course will cover ancient and modern fresco technique. Class will consist of demonstrations and instruction in fresco painting, group discussions and critiques of the work, slide lectures, and gallery and museum visits. Class time will usually be devoted to working together on fresco paintings.
Method of Evaluation
Grading is based on attendance and completed work.
Attendance is to include punctuality and class participation. Students are expected to be on time and present physically and mentally during critiques and studio time. One absence will be penalized with subtraction of a letter grade from the final grade. Two absences may constitute failure for course regardless of quality of completed work or exams. Absences may be excused if a letter from Umbra administration is presented. Class participation requires you be prepared for every class with necessary materials, and that you engage in group critiques.
Completed Work (80%) Each student must complete four (4) frescoes measuring at least one meter square, or a 2 x 2 meter wall. Any or all of this work may be executed in groups.
All fresco work must be accompanied by a written statement. These may discuss process, influences, problems, resolutions, etc. In addition, a portfolio of sketches, drawings, color studies and notes must be submitted.

Midterm Exam . (20%) The midterm is a written exam and will consist of questions on fresco technique, site visits, and project presentations to date. There may be slide identification and analysis of artwork. There may be questions on the assigned reading.
Grading
Grading will be done on a percentage basis: 92-100% = A, 90-91= A-88-89= B+, 82 - 87% = B, 80-81=B-
,78-79=C+,72 - 77% = C, 70-71= C-,68 69=D+ 62-67% = D, 60-61=D- less than
60% will result in failure (no credit)
Required Materials
Students are required to have all materials for every class . powdered pigments: terra verde, terra di ombra bruciata, terra di siena, terra di siena bruciata, sinopia, ocra gialla, blu oltremare, nero vite, an earth red (cinnabro, ventian red, english red, or pompeii red) a small watercolor set and watercolor paper brushes- round, boars hair, various sizes several pencils and vine charcoal, an eraser several sheets of drawing paper ( about 50 x70 cm) glass jars with lids, one for every color a plastic pallet (with mixing cups) an apron or smock is suggested, or painting clothes additional materials will be assigned as needed.
Studio Etiquette
Umbra students enrolled in art classes have exclusive use of the studio for the purpose of work or study. Clean up after yourselves: that includes brushes, jars, paper, easels and tables. Leave the sinks clean. Clean trowels and pails after working. Sweep up if you make a mess. Keep lime paste covered when not is use. Food is not permitted in the studio. No headphones are allowed during class time .
Students are responsible for their own materials and the art studio’s maintenance and safety. Be sure to close the door and window and turn off all the light if you are the last to leave
.