Cennino Cennini Residency

Florence Italy, May 24-31, 2025

Our residency is named after Cennino Cennini, the first person to write about painting techniques in the early renaissance. Based in Florence, Italy, generally considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, our program is focused on learning these techniques and the innovations that followed. Students should gain deeper understanding of what makes each technique historically significant and how these processes directly impact the appearance of a painting.

Through our unique three-pronged approach, we offer a direct hands-on individualized studio experience in which students will experiment with pure egg yolk tempera and egg-oil emulsion and indirect painting (colored glazes over monochromatic underpainting). Secondly, this studio experience is augmented by museum visits where we examine great paintings made by Renaissance masters. To this we add a third component: the examination of these techniques and masterworks from the perspective of the most current scientific methods applied to painting conservation.

This seven-day residency is not intended to develop expertise, but rather familiarity and understanding that only direct experience can provide. We will offer approximately fifty hours of studio instruction and museum visits which together will achieve this goal. Some of our lectures will take place in such prominent locations as the Uffizi, the Academia and the church of San Marco.

Internationally renowned art restorer Elizabeth Wicks will provide insight into art conservation. We will visit her studio, see work in progress, orient our understanding of the working methods and intentions of renaissance artists and learn about modern conservation techniques.

The residency will begin on 24 May 2025 and continue through the 31st. The cost will be $6300 and includes accommodations in a 4 star hotel, two group dinners, museum visits, materials and workshop space, as well as instruction. Airfare, other meals, and incidental expenses are not included.

Bill Drew is a Professor at RISD and has taught Renaissance painting techniques for 45 years. Richard Gann is also a professor at RISD with over 30 years of experience with Renaissance painting techniques. Elizabeth Wicks is an art restorer based in Florence with over 30 years of experience.

For more information please contact us at info@cenniniresidency.com or complete our registration form.

What's Included in Price

  • Lodging in beautiful hotels for all six nights, single-room occupancy
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday with the exception of two meals-when you'll have the opportunity to explore towns/restaurants on own
  • All transportation, starting at the Ludovice on the morning of Day One, ending at the airport on Day Seven
  • All museum tickets, private tours and talks

What's Not Included in Price

  • Airfare to and from Florence
  • Incidentals and free-time activities
  • Optional hotel services (ie, spa treatments) or extra meals/snacks throughout
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Mandatory travel insurance to cover emergencies, cancellations, illness, etc.

FAQs

What are the arrival details?

Participants should plan to arrive on Saturday. We will meet in Florence (location for meet-up forthcoming). We recommend flying into the Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Florence.

What are Departure details?

Transportation is easily available to the airport.

Can I share a room with a friend?

It is possible to make arrangements for a double-occupancy hotel room (with twin beds) at a reduced cost of $500.

Do i need travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory. This will cover unexpected cancellations for any reason, as the Cennini Residency is not liable for cancellations within 90 days prior to the trip. It will also cover other unlikely issues across a broad range: illness, theft, luggage loss, etc.

What is the cancellation policy?

If you cancel at least 90 days prior to departure, any payments beyond the $2,000 non-refundable deposit will be refunded in full. No refunds possible for cancellation within 90 days of departure. Again, travel insurance will protect unexpected cancellations.

What are payment details?

You'll need to secure your spot with a nonrefundable $2,000 deposit here. The final payment is due 90 days before the trip start date and can be made via wire or Zelle free of fees; credit card payment will be subject to a 3% processing fee (for final payment only).

What Activity Level Should I expect?

Moderate. We will walk between locations and guests can expect to walk up to 2-3 miles per day.

Do I need to be a painter?

Previous painting experience and/or experience with these materials is not a prerequisite, but an appreciation or interest in renaissance painting is desired.

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