Testimonials

“I recently had the pleasure of studying drawing for two weeks at The Florence Art Studio. I am a long time artist but was looking for a chance to be inspired, challenged, and see things with new eyes. Alessandro was the perfect instructor, he introduced me to a very thorough method, sight-size, with patience and humour. And coffee breaks. It was wonderful to learn how to see things with new eyes, and see a drawing come to life, learning about the darkest shadows through to the lightest lights. My first week was spent working on a recreation of David’s mouth. The second week I was able to do a drawing of a cast of a hand. This was excellent in many ways as hands have been difficult for me in the past. The method of instruction, and the step-by-step technique that Alesandro taught, helped me invaluably in conquering one of my fears! He was there with me all the way. And I could see my work improving over the course of the workshop. Extremely gratifying to witness. Overall, this studio and instructor surpassed my expectations. I came home and have been excited and inspired, just as I had hoped. Thank you!”

“Thanks to Gary and Alessandro for an enriching and unforgettable five weeks of drawing in an amazing palazzo studio space. I was looking for some serious academic art practice but came away with so much more. With Gary’s techniques and relentless ambition to make us actually see what’s staring us in our faces and Ale’s constant drive to make our work darker, lighter, higher or lower you get very personal attention and your work quickly blossoms. The Studio culture is friendly and positive. The mid morning coffee breaks in local cafes were times to cherish. Lunching with fellow students was fun and returning to the studio to draw in the afternoons (if the August heat abated) was extremely valuable. ”

“I wanted to express how much of an amazing experience I had at The Florence Art Studio. I feel like I have learned so much, from the way the Studio was run and to my instructors everything was perfect. While everything felt super professional at the same time it was a relaxed environment. I cannot express how much I appreciated the Studio. Alessandro dealt with everything professionally, at the same time creating an atmosphere that felt fun and free. Chantal also was a great instructor, very talented. So thank you again. I hope the Studio and all of you have an awesome season.”

“Hi Gary,
I arrived back in Australia late last week and I sincerely hope that you and your families stay well and safe amid covid restrictions.
Once again, I’d like to thank you and the entire studio team for sharing your collective wealth of knowledge and experience with us. I know I speak for the others in saying that we had a fabulous and rewarding time.
I’ve spent the week setting up my work space and my first order of business, before even going back to work, was to buy a new easel, order more charcoal and change my playlist.
Let the practice commence!”

“I am a Math teacher from London and I spent 3 weeks at the Florence Art Studio. I have made great progress and this is really due to the attention and care I received from Gary and the tutors Alessandro and Ludovico. Together they have collectively really helped in fine tuning my skills and I have been taught the tools to self correct which is what I really needed. Now I am on a journey to be able produce works of art to a better standard.
Gary is an intense and thorough teacher. He does not accept “almost correct” drawings, he has pushed me to “see correctly” and be accurate in every line I draw. Gary shows how to use certain tools to help you see errors, which in turn leads to producing accurate drawings. The two projects I did during my stay were extremely challenging especially the St Jerome cast and it was by all means not a smooth ride, I had days of frustration but the tutors were always there to support me.
Alessandro is a wonderful tutor, his teaching style is positive and encouraging. His pleasant approach in shining a light on areas of improvement and mostly helping me to come up with the solution, tested my understanding of the technique and solidify my learnings. Ludovico is a brilliant tutor, he is direct, thorough and really gets into my perspective of the cast. They both find the areas I need to correct and even if it is a millimeter off.
Not only are they dedicated great teachers, they all have made my stay very enjoyable, especially our well deserved break time. During our break we will all go to cafe to have delicious coffee and pastry and discuss about art and many things.
It really is an intensive course and the challenge is learning “how to see correctly”, however if you are willing to learn and work hard at all times, you will really benefit from such a place. I am very happy with the teaching I have received from the Florence Art Studio. The studio itself is beautiful and has a pleasant atmosphere, perfect for learning. Also you will be in the heart of Florence with art surrounding you. Purchasing a museum membership allowed unlimited access to the Uffizi and Pitti Palace galleries which was a real plus point, and why Florence is the place to learn art! I am very grateful to have met and learnt under such amazing people. It has been invaluable to my artistic development.”

“Dear Gary, I want to thank you for all that you have taught me and for the many artistic virtues you have instilled in me through the past several weeks. I know now how to look but more importantly see what my eye previously was not able to readily perceive. I have learned patience, persistence and preciseness. You were a wonderful teacher and mentor and I’ll forever value the guidance and wisdom you have shared. I do hope that life will bring me back to Florence and your Studio once more. With gratitude”

“Having built a busy 42 man architecture firm at a young age, I saw the need for a sabbatical, a chance to recharge my creativity and focus on my art which was the basis for the firm’s public exposure.
I enrolled in a six-­‐week course with Gary, open to the quiet constructive observation of my drawings up to that point. Afterwards I believe it changed everything I did for the better: a renewed focus on design, accuracy of perspective, shadows/shapes, and most importantly, self-­‐ criticism.
I believe my time with Gary was efficient, well timed and perfect for my continued work as an architect and artist.”

“As an Illustrator from the UK, I came to hear about the Florence Art Studio through The Royal Portrait Society.
I was looking for an intensive short window of two weeks in which to study the fundamentals of drawing. Although I am professional Illustrator and had attended art school , I still felt I had lacked the formal academic training.
The course proved perfect as it was tailored specifically to my particular interest and ability and I found it to be fascinating. The tutor Gary Adcock is a fountain of knowledge, subtly bringing out the best in his students by letting them realize their potential with a patient, informative manner. Gary’s enthusiasm for art, Florence and the Renaissance in infectious. Our studio teaching was regularly punctuated by guided visits to the numerous Galleries and Palaces in Florence. This holistic approach created an amazing experience which I have since thought about every day.
The knowledge I acquired has been put into practice with my work and I have great pleasure in recommending The Florence Art Studio to both professional artists and enthusiastic beginners.
Thank you Gary.”

“The 3 weeks I spent at the Florence Art Studio proved to be one of the most pivotal times in my artistic development. Despite having taken numerous drawing classes and holding an art degree, no one had taught me the right way to see, and to construct a realistic drawing, until I met Gary. I learned more in 3 weeks than I had in years, and now have taken those skills with me.
In addition to his vast knowledge of technique and art history, Gary is a supportive and incredibly patient teacher. He has the ability to see the errors in a drawing and gently guide the student to correct them. He takes the process step by step and gives clear instructions. No time was wasted. The 3 museum tours I went on with Gary were also fascinating as he revealed the depth of his knowledge, citing details about the artists and their techniques that would not be covered in a normal tour.
I highly recommend attending the Florence Art Studio if you are serious about learning to draw and paint. Gary is a perfect teacher for anyone who has avoided their studies after being intimidated and judged by past art instructors. This program is for anyone who is frustrated with signing up for an art class, only to be handed a pencil and left to their own devices with no actual instruction. You will not be disappointed in your experience at the FAS.”

“I just spent a month at the Florence Art Studio. It was my first serious drawing course, and really challenging. It was intense, and I learned a lot. I’m very happy that I now have the means to work and to progress in realistic drawing. Gary is an amazing instructor; very patient, encouraging, and able to explain in different ways to help you understand. I now feel confident to practice and practice. Thanks Gary! I will definitely be back for the next step: Portrait and Live Model drawing.”

“I came to the Florence Art Studio to develop my understanding of painting. I have been painting for many years, teaching myself and copying photographs. The three years I spent on a rather conceptual art school allowed me to work with painting intensively. However there was little technical instruction, which is why I decided to come to The Florence Art Studio.
When I came to the studio I agreed to start with drawing exercises and then move on to painting as suggested by Gary. He explained to me that drawing is the foundation for painting and to improve my painting skills I would predominantly have to work on my drawing skills.
So I started doing the cast drawing in charcoal. I thought that since my drawing skills are already good, I could move on to the painting very quickly. However as it turned out, to really draw this cast perfectly, required me to go through a lot of lessons. At each stage of the drawing came another important lesson that I could later also apply to painting. So to complete this cast drawing and to go through all of its lessons, took me about three weeks.
This may sound like a long time to spend on one drawing, but as Gary told me, the students in the Academies spent the first six months of their program on this cast drawing. As I was going through the lessons of the cast, my drawing skills were rapidly increasing, especially in speed. I learned about how to approach a drawing, to focus on the most important aspects that would make it effective and to keep from “overworking” it.
Later when we moved on to painting I could apply all that I had learned in the cast. My painting skill and velocity had already improved. The way I would approach and start a painting had changed. So the main thing I got out of the time we spent on painting was how to mix the colors. But, what really changed my understanding of painting was the time I spent on the drawing exercise.
Overall the time I spent at the Florence Art Studio was very fruitful for me. The studio is beautiful and there is a good working atmosphere. The program is very intense and to really get somewhere in a short amount of time requires continuing to work on the exercises in the afternoon and on the weekend. So to students who are intending to have a lot of time to look at the city or to do a parallel course, I suggest that they plan spending some extra time in Florence before or after the studio course.
The environment, and staff were excellent. Everything was well organized and coming to Florence as a foreigner one is well taken care of and becomes part of this small community. With daily coffee breaks and the infamous budini di riso. Thank you for the good time and all that I learned.”

“The program that I participated in [at The Florence Art Studio] was exactly what I needed. It taught me many new things and refreshed some things I had already known but failed to realize in my drawing/painting. It definitely improved my technique.
The studio environment was excellent – very spacious, relaxed, and easy to concentrate on the task at hand in. The lighting was great and the work-­‐station was very convenient.
Gary is very patient and full of knowledge. He takes his time to explain concepts and answer questions, and is overall a very pleasant person. Both he and Kathryn [Bouchard, Gary’s assistant] are wonderful people, and although very professional, they also made me feel very comfortable and at home around them. They were more than fair with me.
I would definitely recommend The Florence Art Studio to anyone who wishes to improve his or her skills. I had a great experience. I’ve learned a lot, it was great fun, and Florence is amazing in many ways. It was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. The highlight would have to be seeing the fruits of my labor, meaning the final drawing and painting that I made. The drawing is by far the best I have ever done.
I would say I definitely achieved my goals, which were to learn new things. I would even go further and say I achieved more during my time at the Studio than I expected I would.”

“Remember as a child sitting down to build a puzzle? First, separating the color pieces. Then finding the edges to set the frame, and finally settling down to put it all together and enjoying the experience as the puzzle picture came together. This is how my experience with the Florence Art Studio, under direction of Gary Adcock, emerged.
The decision to travel to Florence for an extended period of time, for me, represented fulfilling a dream I had since visiting my daughter in Florence when she studied there 12 years earlier. I had the opportunity to return to Florence again last year for a brief visit. That was when I put the wheels in motion to combine studying art and experiencing Florence. So I sat down to solve my puzzle: where to stay, where to study, which studio would be best for me, what did I expect to find? I explored several websites. I corresponded via email to several studios to find what I hoped would be a good fit. The Florence Art Studio seemed to take the most interest in me as an artist and as a person.
For a whole year Gary communicated with me, answering every question I asked, some of which I’m sure were redundant and mundane. His replies never made me feel as though I was wasting his time. Interestingly, once I was a student at the Studio, the other students I connected with remarked having the same feeling. This is so important. Remember, for the most part, you are traveling alone, going to a place you can only hope is what you are looking for. The Florence Art Studio, with director Gary Adcock, exceeded any expectations I had hoped for.
The time spent in the studio was relaxed yet intense. Class time was scheduled from 9-12, with a break each morning. However, every day, we would all decide to extend our time drawing or painting by several hours, often breaking for lunch and heading back to the studio until evening. Many of these days, Gary would spend the day with us, giving of his time and expertise. He inspired me, all of us, to work hard to be better artists. It was exciting and fun.
As exciting as the art classes were, deciding to spend over a month in a foreign country involved more than just time in the studio. The Studio realizes this and provides a packet of information on dining, lodging, excursions and other cultural events. Every Wednesday Gary became our personal guide to the museums, combining both art history with interesting anecdotal stories of Renaissance characters. Gary recommended all the best gelato places, from Firenze to Roma! The total experience was attended to.
Upon my return home, everyone asks me how was it living in Florence? What was it like to study art? Just like that puzzle, the pieces all fit in place.
I didn’t know what the picture would be when I started out, but as I look back, it only gets better and better to reflect back on every aspect of my trip. In doing so, many of the details were provided by the Florence Art Studio. My experience was fulfilling because the Florence Art Studio provided the details to fit all the puzzle pieces together with me”

“Having just completed a three-week drawing course at the Florence Art Studio, I enthusiastically recommend this program to anyone who wants to improve his or her ability to draw.
Gary Adcock is a superb teacher who has created an ideal learning environment on the “piano nobile” of an historic palazzo in the center of Florence. The class size is small, allowing for plenty of individual instruction, so each student can learn at a comfortable pace.
The studio is clean, light, and well-organized, the general atmosphere peaceful and contemplative. In addition to being an insightful, patient, and encouraging teacher, Gary generously shares his wealth of knowledge about art, culture and Florentine history.
In the short span of three weeks, I feel that I have learned a powerful method of seeing and translating what I see into a 2-dimensional representation, and deepened my understanding and appreciation of Renaissance art.
It has been a gift and a privilege to be a student at the Florence Art Studio, and I hope to return some day.
With best regards and many thanks to you and Alessandro.”

“I enrolled with The Florence Art Studio and spent a month at the studio.
Regardless of research, and I did quite a lot, one is always unsure of ones choice until one arrives and experiences the reality of the facilities and services. Happily The FAS turned out to be a great venue, a very civilized facility in a very central location.
The input, instruction, and guidance, from Mr. Gary Adcock was challenging, stimulating and educational.
My abilities and understanding have improved in a month.
I have to say the month went very fast. Florence itself was a very easy and friendly city to live in and I am looking forward to returning soon.”

“I want to say a big thank you again for your hospitality and incredible support and encouragement over the past two months! I truly received more than I expected to and not only have you taught me a tremendous amount of new and valuable skills but you have stirred again in me my passion for art and painting and I will be forever grateful!. The morning coffees and those boudinos will never be forgotten!! and I have to say I feel quite lucky to have had the first few weeks with you alone…it was a great way to boost my confidence and really understand the way you work. It has been fun and emotional and challenging and I will be back to that easel by the window!!
There are so many incredible things to say about this course, my experience, and of course Gary Adcock. Having put aside my passion for painting and drawing for many years I was desperate to gain back my confidence and make time for a hobby that I knew would add a lot of value to my life. Joining this course, I realized almost certainly in the first week that I would achieve more than I expected to…Gary’s pure dedication and clear passion for what he does is so elegantly reflected in his teaching methods; every theory is explained and articulated with patience and encouragement.
The course is tailor-made for each student and he makes sure that you exceed every goal on the path of the course to reach the next challenging level, so you constantly realize your accomplishments. This helped me tremendously in gaining confidence in myself and my ability to go further.
As an overall experience, I have to say that the studio space in itself is beyond what you would expect; with large windows and high frescoed ceilings, along with beautiful interior furnishings and several of Gary’s art works that make the space feel warm and cosy. In the background, classical music and some light Jazz is played throughout the class, which as Gary would say gives you the right tempo and rhythm to work. The morning coffee breaks to quaint cafe’s close by were a refreshing touch to each day which gave an opportunity to share thoughts and learn more about the history of Renaissance Art and the beautiful city of Florence.
Gary is a true mentor, one who you know genuinely wants you to excel…this was for me an incredible experience for my mind and my soul. Thank you for everything!!”

“I walked in off the street to The Florence Art Studio without ever knowing about it before. I did know I wanted to go to art school for drawing in Florence. I met Gary Adcock and he gave me the nickel tour and explained the teaching method. I signed up for a week of school. I arrived at school the next day and dove into drawing, Gary taught me a completely different method than I had learned before from my artist father and one other art school. I told him I wanted to be able to draw better than a comic book artist. His method, patience and exacting discipline were simply amazing. I did learn how to draw in that week and more importantly Gary gave me the tools I would need to improve my drawing skills.
It was a great class and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn. When I return to Florence, the home of the Renaissance, I will take more classes.
Thanks Gary.”

“Dear Gary,
I am finally back into my daily rhythms and that feels very good, as I am a creature of habit.
I really valued taking your course, and when I think of how I spent a whole week drawing an ear and enjoyed the process, where if you would have told me before taking the course that I would be doing that, I would have thought that preposterous. It really did open my eyes to learning what it means to SEE and experiencing that, whereas before, that notion was just a concept.
It took a week of drawing that ear to experience it.
It turns out that I had already bought the Bargue book, but never read it, so now I can read and appreciate it. I want to thank you again for your thoughtful instruction. Your skills are admirable and your knowledge of Florence is encyclopedic.
I do hope that I might get back there, we’ll see.
Best regards.”

“I had the pleasure of spending one month in Gary’s studio at the Florence Art Studio.
I learnt so many new drawing skills and at the same time Gary’s helpful and patient instruction automatically helped me build my awareness and confidence.
The studio is set in a beautiful historic building and Gary’s paintings are very inspiring.
I have returned home and through this experience I intend to continue drawing and hopefully will return one day to the studio. ”

“I fulfilled my dream last month. I booked 7 days of instruction at The Florence Art Studio with Gary Adcock. It was wonderful. Not only is the studio a magnificent space to work in, but also Gary is a brilliant instructor. I loved every moment of it.
The studio is centrally located. I booked a little apartment through Windows on Italy, which was literally around the corner from the studio. My first day we discussed my art goals and before I knew it…I was learning to draw. I have been painting for about 3 years but never learned the fundamentals of drawing. After 7 days…I am more knowledgeable, confident and eager to continue my lessons. I’m going back next February for two weeks. Don’t wait to do this.
The classical music was playing as I worked. The fresco ceilings were inspirational. Gary is kind, patient and true to learning to do things correctly. I told him he has a student for life now. I know as I progress…I will become a very accomplished artist as time goes on. And for those of you from the US or England…Gary is an American. No problem with accents and language. I felt at home the moment I met him.
Thank you Gary.”

“I just finished four weeks of drawing training at The Florence Art Studio and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re fantasizing about running off to Italy to become an artist, that’s exactly what Gary and the team deliver in the awe-inspiring city of Florence.
The studio itself is a beautiful, creative space focused primarily on the sight-size technique which means drawing and painting things in the exact size and scale that you see them. This not your average community art class, but don’t let that scare you away. Everyone can learn with the right teachers and Gary, Alessandro, and Ludovico are those teachers.
Gary will guide you calmly and directly through the bumpy bits. Ludovico will challenge you and push you to do more and move faster.
Alessandro will quietly observe how you work and then hone in on ways to help you improve your drawing. You will benefit from each of the teachers and you will see a distinct improvement in your drawing ability in a short period of time.
You can also look forward to lively discussions on life and art over coffee each afternoon. By the time you’re done, you’ll be walking through the Uffizi Galleries commenting on how there are no curves–only straight lines the work of the Renaissance masters and seeing shapes everywhere.
This is the beginning of your transformation as an artist. ”

“I had the opportunity to spend a week at The Florence Art Studio under the instructions of Gary Adcock. It was such an intense and productive week that I have the impression of having worked for a month. I really enlarged my horizon during this week. I learned new and very useful techniques and methods of which I had never heard before during my art studies. This week has definitely strengthened the basis of my art work and I feel that I will benefit of this for a long time. The studio is a wonderful place to work. During this week it turned to my safe haven, my refugium from daily life. I was able to concentrate and to work for hours in a row. Gary is a very patient and dedicated teacher. He gives precise feedback that really helps and he has the wonderful gift to make you understand how to draw what you see. I also appreciated him giving me enriching background in art history related to this wonderful town of Florence. I can say that it was one of those experiences that will stay in the list of the unforgettable”

“Two weeks at The Florence Art Studio have been a revelation and set me on a different more confident path towards my rather ambitious goal of traditional Portraiture.
Gary Adcock is a generous, knowledgeable and accomplished tutor with limitless patience and the rare ability to treat each student as an individual. He knows instinctively when to encourage and when to stand back. I am lucky enough to have a number of distinguished artists in my lineage who have all had great influence on me, however I myself am a relative novice, having only taken up drawing and painting within the last three years.
Spending time with Gary both working in the Studio as well as benefitting from his seemingly limitless knowledge during visits to the Uffizi has been invaluable. My knowledge and understanding is greatly enhanced giving me the focus I require to move forward.
I unreservedly recommend that anyone who wishes to find focus, and improve their skills in drawing and painting whilst absorbing all that Florence has to offer attend The Florence Art Studio with the certain knowledge that they will not be disappointed”

“As I was searching for a drawing course in Florence, Italy – jewel box for schools that teach drawing or painting techniques – I found that most schools in Florence only offer fixed programs, without considering the requirements and wishes of the students.
Every student who comes to learn art is on a different level, and has different wishes regarding what he or she prefers to learn. When I came across The Florence Art Studio, the first thing they did was send me an application form asking what I hoped to gain from the course, what I was most interested in, and for samples of my work.
That was when I knew that The Florence Art Studio was the right fit for me.
During my time at the Studio, there were five other women studying with me. Everyone was on a different level and had different objectives for their lives.
What made me very grateful is that Gary Adcock has found a way of approaching each student with explanations and materials specific to their experience. For example, he gave me around four books each day because of my interest in early Renaissance art history.
In addition, Gary is very passionate about the subject of teaching and he transfers this positive energy to his students, pushing them to continue their progress. I spent four weeks at the Studio and it was one of the best experiences of my life so far.”

“Advertising was my world for over 30 years where I spent my time running an agency in London. I was very much a hands-­‐on creative director. As an adman, very commercial in outlook but with a very strong passion for the classic arts, I promised myself, I would explore them when time permitted. What better place than Florence to travel and immerse oneself in the great art of the renaissance. Apart from my practice in commercial art, I wanted to brush up my skills in drawing and painting and luckily I found The Florence Art Studio and Gary Adcock who runs it. What a revelation.
Gary opened my eyes and showed me how to see shapes and tones, which are fundamental to reproducing form. Initially I struggled with a new conceptual approach but with gentle persuasion and skilled direction, Gary got me to understand the crucial importance of how to capture what was in front of me.
Now I see differently, clearly and constructively so much so I now want to draw all the time! Painting as a progression from drawing was also a revelation with Gary motivating me step by step from basic preparation, organization and final application to another level of skill. I have a long way to go but with the very dedicated personal tuition I received from Gary, I feel confident I am well on my way!
A most enjoyable and rewarding experience; highly recommended to anyone, at any level wishing to learn, progress and achieve their own artistic goals.”

“I recently had the pleasure of attending The Florence Art Studio. The school is in a beautiful 18th century palazzo. My incredible instructor, Gary Adcock, gently guided me through the process of learning the sight-­‐size method. With patience and several approaches to learning he helped me to achieve my goals.
In addition to daily instruction, Gary also takes his students on museum tours. I enjoyed learning how each artist accomplished their work while learning the history as well. I felt inspired every day. Florence is the city of masterpieces. I am eagerly waiting when I can return for more lessons. I highly recommend this type of art education to anyone interested in becoming an artist or if you already are and want to hone your skills.”

“My time at The Florence Art Studio with Gary was the best art instruction I have ever had, and that covers almost 50 years. For the first time I actually learned how to draw, how to see, and how to evaluate my own work. I feel so lucky to have finally learned the classical way to draw as the masters did. The focus on accuracy can’t be denied in fine art. So much of my past experiences had been about interpretation of the subject matter. But interpretation is subjective, vague, and in the moment. It always left me in doubt about what I was doing. Gary taught me what I was missing all those years and I am so thankful. I so appreciated his patience and understanding of what I needed to learn. I also learned so much from going to the museum tours with him. One of my biggest thrills was just coming into the studio. The building is beautiful and like stepping into the renaissance. I loved the doors and gate. The whole experience was wonderful. And of course the coffee breaks. And I can’t forget that not only is Gary a terrific teacher but he is also a terrific artist. His paintings in the studio were a real inspiration.”

“As a cautious lawyer trying to improve my painting skills I thoroughly researched short courses at Florence Art Studio. The testimonials were very impressive and my expectations extremely high. But could the studio be such a wonderful place to learn? Could Gary Adcock really be such a remarkable teacher? Well I’m back now and yes, yes, emphatically yes, it was all I had hoped for and more. If you have the opportunity take it and go, you will not regret it ! ”

“The week I spent at The Florence Art Studio was the first art class I’ve taken since high school. I hoped, in that time, to gauge whether or not my interest in art is a long-­‐term pursuit and how I want to explore it. Working in the lovely studio, and Gary’s sincere commitment to helping students achieve their individual goals, allowed me to look at what I’ve made recently in new ways and with a fresh perspective.
Gary very knowledgeably encouraged me to explore techniques and mediums I haven’t yet. I found that the access to museums and the weekly class visit that the Studio includes in its program structure was a great bonus that facilitated my ability to explore and think about the project I’m working on in a vastly broader context.
I would recommend the program of study offered at the FAS to anybody who is interested in visual art, regardless of whether they produce it or not. I think the time I spent there will add value and lend depth to my own creative endeavors.”

“I have done several drawing courses previously, but this was the best I have ever been to. Gary is a wise teacher that knows just when to help you overcome problems, and when to let you solve the problems on your own.
My week in Florence was therefore very effective, and comparable to many weeks of larger classroom drawing courses. It helped me to think in a different and more precise way when I am drawing and painting. I hope to be able to continue my art education at the Florence Art Studio.”

“After a bumpy start (‘no, you can’t do sight size sitting down’), my two weeks at the Florence Art Studio produced some paintings that actually vaguely resembled their subjects – no mean feat, given my limited artistic skill.
The credit for my improbable progress must go to Gary Adcock, whose unending patience and commitment saw me through, and whose expertise in the Florentine art tradition brought to life the centuries of work outside the door. Even when the pear I was painting looked like a lopsided apple, paint splattered all over my clothes, I was treated like Michelangelo himself. Helped along by a wonderful coordinator, the studio experience is both personally enriching and fantastically professional and thorough – where no one is too small to progress.”

“This was the best art course I have ever attended!
I emerged a more competent and confident artist. The methods taught are traditional, with the aim of creating life like images. The aims of the class were very clear, and completing each step with Gary’s guidance gave me a sense of achievement. I utilised tools such as a mirror, black mirror and cotton buds in ways I had never before.
The studio itself is close to the Bargello and the Duomo which created a very beautiful setting for this course. I feel better prepared to continue on my artistic pursuits— hopefully at the Florence Art Studio again!
Thank you Gary and Alessandro for a wonderful 2 weeks!”

“I highly recommend attending the Florence Art Studio if you are serious about learning to draw and paint.
I have been “doing art” for most of my 59 years, constantly drawing and painting when not working as a physician and mother. It became clear that I needed to focus on my drawing skills as a foundation for oil portrait painting. This led me to The Florence Art Studio and Gary.
I spent my first two weeks at the Studio in the fall of last year and it was, for me, a life changing experience.
Gary’s instruction was the best I have ever encountered in my years of taking various art classes. He has a clarity of instruction that is amazing. He is able to direct one rapidly in the necessary skills to be acquired. Beyond his great general teaching skills is the individual connection he makes with each student personally and his care and attention to meeting each student at their level of skill. In particular, Gary is able to quickly direct students with very specific instruction with support and expectations that allow one to progress quickly.
Because of my experience last fall I enrolled in as a full time extended student at the Atelier Lack in Minneapolis (with Gary’s advice) and currently spend about 30 hours per week continuing my drawing studies. Despite being a full time student I wanted to return for Gary’s advanced instruction and critiques focusing on drawing from life – both portrait and figure studies.
This time I also enjoyed the strong support of Alessandro, Gary’s personal assistant and a strong teacher in his own right. Once again the experience has exceeded my expectations.
Most importantly, Gary has become a mentor to me in my development as an artist, helping me to map out a clear plan of progress that includes my work back home and regular trips back to The Florence Art Studio. The work is at times hard and slow, but with Gary’s guidance, so rewarding.
If I had not met Gary and studied at the Studio I am certain I would not have progressed as much as I have over the last 8 months.
In short, coming to the studio and working with Gary has changed my life as an artist. I give the studio my highest recommendation, especially for those students who are committed to their development as an artist.”

“Gary,
I wanted to add a testimony after the fact of my Florence art studio experience.
I had been drawing and painting for many years and my initial approach was always random. I thought it could just be spontaneous. As a result the work was hit or miss. And more likely miss.
My training at the studio changed all that. Here was the technique used for centuries. Tried and true that made Florence the heart of the renaissance and center of the art world. Gary helped me learn the disciplines necessary to achieve far more successes with a lot less guesswork and frustration.
Now I always begin with those fundamentals in mind. So instead of my work looking tired and overworked it has the freshness I was always struggling for. It has become a mindset and I am finally enjoying drawing and painting with confidence.
This was long overdue since it is so true.
Be well.”

“My week at the Florence Art Studio, which has been both a joy and revelation.
As an Industrial Design Sculptor with over 30 years experience, I thought I would progress quickly because some of the techniques were already known to me.
How wrong I was! The course not only slowed me right down, but it took me back to square one. It is not just about understanding the many methods of sight size drawing, but transferring that knowledge on to paper as a competent drawing.
Of equal benefit is the environment and manner in which I was taught. The ambient mood in a richly historical setting and the absorbing nature of the task, all conspired to eliminate the stress of daily life.”

“I signed up for a week at Florence Art Studio hoping to improve my drawing skills.....
But I left with vastly more. At The Florence Art Studio I learned how to draw using the sight size method. I learned about the history of this method and why it is such an important foundation in my art. I learned how to SEE my subject and translate that onto my canvas accurately.
The Florence Art Studio is a beautiful facility. The rooms are bright and light, spacious and clean, the perfect environment for learning. Gary Adcock is a gifted artist and teacher.
I felt immediately at ease even though this was first drawing class. I have painted for several years but felt something was lacking. I had jumped right into painting without ever considering the important foundation of drawing. With Gary I was able to get back to the heart of it all. In one short week (and with a lot of hard work) I was able to go back to basics and learn to see my subject more precisely.
I learned how critical it is to begin with an accurate foundation. I learned about seeing the outline, patterns and shadow shapes and portraying what is before me correctly.I’ve have been home for a short time now and have been able to put all that I learned at FAS to good use.
I cannot believe the improvement I see in my artwork. I was given the knowledge and tools to continue moving forward. I have the tools to check my work and spot areas that may need to be corrected or strengthened to tell a more compelling story. I can now be confident in my work and the story I want to tell through my art.
Not only was the course both fun and challenging but Gary’s direct feedback for improving my drawing was invaluable. He has a calm and logical method of teaching that truly connected and inspired me. I can’t speak highly enough of this course. My only regret is that I wasn’t able to be under Gary’s instruction for a longer period of time.
I look forward to the day I can return and continue on my journey to great storytelling through my art.”

“I attended The Florence Art Studio for a very rewarding and immensely enjoyable two week course of study.
I have been an Artist and Art Educator in Australia for over thirty years.
The source material for my paintings has mainly been photographs, memory and imagination. My main reason for attending The FAS was because I wanted instruction in working from life in a traditional, academic mode.
My previous studies in art included degrees from major art schools and universities in Melbourne, Australia. However, as were most students, I was guided into the Post-Modern framework of conceptual art and abstraction.
The course at The FAS was exactly what I needed and the antithesis of my previous studies.
The tuition from Gary Adcock was very thorough and gave me an excellent foundation in realistic work from life. I was given very practical, scientific tools which will be invaluable in the future work I produce. Gary is a perfectionist and his eye for detail and extensive artistic knowledge helped me reproduce forms and shapes with far more precision and clarity.
The classes take place in a beautiful Palazzo in central Florence. They are small and students receive constant individual, personal tuition.
I thoroughly recommend The Florence Art Studio to artists and, in fact, to anybody who wants to begin a rewarding artistic journey into academic realism.”