There's More to See than Meets the Eye

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!