Fresco Painting

William Pettit is one of the leading experts in traditional buon fresco technique. He has taught the subject to college students at Temple University Rome; The Umbra Institute, Perugia; The Stonehill College Study Abroad Program; and at John Cabot University, Rome, since 2007. He has been leading student groups in conducting research and execution of permanent frescos since 2013. These paintings are visible in public and private spaces, like at La Stamperia del Notaio in Tusa, Sicily; Tenuta di Spannocchia, Siena; Palazzo Forani in Casperia, Borgobello and Residenza Fontenuovo, in Perugia; and in various restored chapels in Cottanello and Casperia, Rieti. The object of these latter is to offer students exposure to art historical styles and techniques specific to different regions of Italy, and to offer Italian communities a chance to recuperate and redecorate neglected historical structures. The courses and workshops focus on traditional techniques of fresco painting from antiquity through the Renaissance in a collaborative “bottega.” Besides learning about lime mortars and pigments, students engage in research of local and period styles in order to prepare designs and full-sized drawings. All workshops are supplemented with visits to churches and museums in order to understand specific local styles and their evolution in time and space. 

Workshop sites will vary annually depending on the project, and visits will be tied to the location. As with all Bottega workshops, we see the important relationship between art and food, so students are introduced to agricultural and culinary culture of the location.

Workshop duration and enrollment will vary according to each specific project.

See videos here and here.

If no workshops are listed, they are either full or not running. Send us an email.

NEW WORKSHOP 2026: MONTEBUONO FRESCO PROJECT

This new project in the town of Montebuono allows participants to work on a large scale public mural project at the 17th century wash house. We offer one-day, three-day, five-day, and tailored courses to study various historical styles and techniques, and traditional earth pigments. You will participate in all stages of a “ true fresco” project, from design and drawing to mortar application, pigment mixing, and painting.

Lodging is available at our Residency House. Write to us for availability and pricing.