Just a quick reminder about Paper Marbling in Florence
We hold our classes in a well established family shop and the demonstrations and lessons are provided by expert marbler Riccardo Luci or his sister Leticia.
All students initially watch a demonstration by Riccardo , creating a traditional Florentine marbled paper design using a mixture of water based paints floating on “ colla “ – a gluey paste created from an algae found in the Black Sea
Each student then gets an opportunity to create their own design using hand-made tools which probably haven’t changed much in structure over the past 400 years. The most popular design is the Pavone – the Peacock , as shown below.
For obvious reasons…..
Everybody has a chance to create their own peacock display before starting a second , more freehand , design
Some of these designs look really exciting in their raw state even before mixing and being combed.
At this stage of learning Riccardo always helps to slide the paper out of the glue bath – one of the most difficult parts of the whole process – and puts it on a wooden board to hold it flat in his paper drier.
And there it is – simple but satisfying – but ready for the next stage of learning, which the students who are living here in Florence have already signed up for.
And those who are leaving get a consolatory cuddle.
Thanks everyone for another great morning’s work – A La Prossima!
Charming!
Hope you enjoyed your experience Bob and look forward to seeing your more advanced work at future sessions!
Penny – Thanks for arranging this class – I’ve always wanted to learn … and now I have two hand-marbled papers – they are beautiful! Riccardo is a master! He effortlessly creates beautiful pieces of art. You can tell that he truly enjoys his work. He is also very patient and was able to help us with our creative “masterpieces”!
Wish I had time to take more classes with Riccardo – if I make it back to Florence, I’m making a beeline to his shop!! Already thinking of my color choices for the next time! Have to say – I’m a little jealous of Bob and Vicky being able to pop by on a whim!
Many thanks for this input Gretchen – I have just spent some time this morning with Bob and Vicki – they are having such a good time in Florence even I am a little envious of them – there is just so much to do and so little time!
Alex is now working with Riccardo’s sister every week and producing some really interesting work – and to make it worse I have to tell you that the weather here is just perfect – I hope that you make it back very soon! x
I still have the papers that I marbled as I have not found anything special enough to use my creations on. I may have to make some more…
Next year Tina – no excuses! x