Atelier Neo-Medici

When I first heard about the opportunity I had to go to Atelier Neo Medici with my University I was instantly intrigued, to say the least. Once arriving in France I was greeted at the train station by the astoundingly wonderful Greg Pellizari. During my two months at the school, we learned about the forgotten techniques of the renaissance time period. Each day I felt enlightened as an artist, Greg is a such a gifted talented artist that each day I felt like I was learning from one of the great painters such as Leonardo or Michaelangelo. I would recommend this program to someone that was a beginner as well, the way Greg teaches he meets you where you are in your skill level. This experience changed me as a person and an artist. I am forever grateful for my time at the Atelier Neo Medici. I really do not have adequate words for how enjoyable my time at the school was. I highly recommend anyone who is interested to check it out!

This was quite literally the best experience of my life! Greg is the most insightful instructor. I learned so much about color theory, the technique, and life in general through his teachings.

I received wonderful support in my search to learn traditional techniques at Atelier Neo-Medici. I am a contemporary painter from the USA. I do speak French enough that I was able to get around pretty well. Pelizzari speaks English and that is what we mostly spoke together. He is such a funny and patient instructor. I learned techniques there that I still use in my studio practice to this day. I went to the Atelier while it was in the Villeneuve sur-lot location. This is an experience that I will always remember fondly 😊

Learning Renaissance painting techniques with Gregory Pelizzari is a unique and rewarding experience for so many reasons. There's so much to learn and see thanks to his expertise and guided advice to help us achieve top quality drawings that will result in the best effects in the paintings after the subtle delicate layers of pigments have been applied with care and precision. Gregory always sets the highest standards and manages to guide us to exceed our own expectations through patient and thought-provoking discussions. Learning the mixed technique from this great master, in a cozy friendly atmosphere, surrounded by the most stunning paintings he created, fills my soul with delight every time.

Whenever I discover I can go even further in the art of trompe l'oeil, get deeper into that shadow and bring the light out, make it even shinier, it's an invigorating revelation. Gregory is a great thinker, too. Ultimately, it boils down to the core principle of life itself. "Everything in life is contrast. Light is light because there's dark. Everything is connected. The more closely you look, the more details there are to see. That's how each element comes to life on the canvas." We also talk about composition and proportions and how the great Renaissance masters planned it all for more balance.

In the end, we cannot reproduce life, we merely give our own interpretation of its awe-inspiring beauty. Anyway, what role should artists play in society? In his paintings, Gregory Pelizzari clearly takes a stance on key issues in our lives and in society. So, I've learnt that it's never quite enough to be able to paint pretty things that will please the eye. After all, the greatest works of art open our eyes on the world around us. Art moves us and make us move. That's how powerful it is.

Now that the atelier has moved to Monflanquin, it's even better. It's the best place to be for artists who want to meet a thriving community of artists in one of the most beautiful and quaintest "bastide" villages in the South West of France.

Perched on top of a hill, overlooking breath-taking valleys all the way to the Pyrenees, it's extremely pittoresque and inspiring. You can go for walks in the countryside all around and recharge your batteries. You can also go to the typical local food markets in Monflanquin and in the area and even further on to visit Bordeaux or Toulouse. Sightseeing trips are organized with locals that make this stay utterly enjoyable and fun.

So, there's really more to learn and see than meets the eye!

I spent last spring at the Atelier and cannot recommend it enough. I was very fortunate to meet fellow international artists (now friends for life!). Technique Mixte (TM) although a Renaissance technique is a very adaptable, versatile and useful technique that can be used not only on realistic paintings but also in abstracts, figurative etc. At the Atelier one learns Not only about TM but also about art history, drawing, colour, -Mastah’ Greg is an excellent colourist too!, among many other things. He is an extremely knowledgeable, passionate generous teacher who LOVES what he does. We had plenty of demos, and one on one feedback and advise. At a personal level he is very warm, kind, helpful and caring host.
Local artists who are all a great integrated community Are open and welcome visiting their studios and galleries! This was a huge plus and inspiration! The local gastronomy and experience of living in France adds to the whole experience to make it exceptional! Don’t think twice!