This intensive 5-day course is dedicated to the art of transforming authentic Italian lime plaster into marble-inspired decorative finishes. Working with grasello (Venetian plaster) and marmorino, students will learn how to manipulate these traditional materials—along with gold leaf and specialty mediums—to create surfaces with depth, movement, and a refined, stone-like appearance.

The course begins with marmorino, where students develop structure, control, and surface movement. From there, we transition into grasello, focusing on layering, translucency, compression, and burnishing to achieve polished, high-end marble effects. Throughout the week, participants will learn how to interpret and recreate the natural characteristics of stone, from soft, subtle marbles to bold, dramatic compositions.

A key focus of the course is material control—understanding how lime plaster behaves, how to build layers properly, and how to guide the finish toward a desired result. Students will also be introduced to the integration of gold leaf and specialty materials, adding contrast, richness, and visual complexity to their work.

This is a fully hands-on class. Students will work on vertical sample boards while observing demonstrations on larger panels, allowing them to see both the fine detail and the broader application of each technique. In addition to technique, the course covers real-world considerations such as surface preparation, workflow, common mistakes, and how to achieve consistent, professional results.

By the end of the course, each participant will have completed multiple sample boards showcasing a range of marble effects and will leave with a clear, working understanding of how to create high-end Venetian plaster finishes.

This course is designed for decorative painters, plaster applicators, muralists, and artists who are serious about expanding into luxury finishes and developing a deeper level of craftsmanship.

frederick md

5-Day Venetian Plaster & Marble Effects Masterclass