Vigini Studios, Inc., Atelier and School of Faux and Decorative Finishes , is Texas' most reknown and only European trained faux, furniture, and decorative painting school and working studio, chosen as hosts of the exclusive International Conference of Decorative Painters, or Salon. Known for instructing our own workshops and having personalized, one on one contact with our students, we offer industry and trend setting programs for all levels of faux and decorative artists as well as for those who want to do it themselves. Vigini Paint and Decorating, Inc. keeps us out in the field and, again, on top on the industry, contracting large and small scale projects throughout the United States and of course the state of Texas. See our contracting page to see how varied and detailed our projects can be.
See television coverage of Roman Marmorino installation
We not only teach our own workshops, but we also are guest instructors for other nationally and internationally recognized schools, museums, government restoration agencies, and paint distributors. Be sure to check out our Press including WOAI TV segments We also enjoy sharing samples with you on our workshop pages, most of which come from the actual jobs.
See latest TV interview, May 2010, Vidorra ASID Show House and Finishes
See our latest WOAI segment on RockKote™ An amazing speciality product.
Vigini Studios Inc. is devoted to the instruction of faux and decorative finishes following the traditions of the past using ancient and modern production methods. We are known for enhancing the creative knowledge of our students with unparalleled passion and superior finishes. We are 100% dedicated to giving our students a solid foundation with continued support in the field. We also have the benefit of speaking French, Spanish and Italian.
See television coverage of our 7 day Villa d'Este mural workshop
A trip to San Antonio one of the most unique cities in the United States, as well as Vigini Studios, Inc., is well worth your trip to indulge your passion of art, history and culture. Return with a new confidence, a solid foundation, one of a kind, portfolio-ready samples, and a new and deep appreciation for the art of finishing.
Testamonials
"Thanks Nicola so much for the great 7 day mural class. This class is so much more than "how to paint a mural". I really appreciated the emphasis on design, composition, perspective, layout, photoshop and color theory. The painting can be practiced, but the instruction in these areas is priceless. What I learned will absolutely move my abilities forward". Michael McMillan, McMillan Remodels Oklahoma
"Thank you Leslie for the Refined Furniture class. I was so excited about the course, that I'm truly happy that I made it a point to give myself this gift. Your skill and level of communication made the class an extreme "History" trip of classical painted finishes. I always enjoy the prospects of learning and your 3-day class was perfect in every way. I highly recommend any professionals to add this course to their TO DO list. Hope to schedule another one soon". Denise Gutierrez-Pintor Decorative Design Studio, San Antonio
Imagine what you can learn from internationally educated instructors highly experienced in the 
American and European faux finishing industry at the most recognized school in the United States for training beginner to advanced faux finishers, plasterers, muralists and trompe l'oeil artists? Can you visualize the growth of your finishing business with the assistance and support of Vigini Studios Inc.?
Nicola Vigini, author of The Foreword of The Handbook of Painted Decoration by Yannick Guegan, student of the highly respected IPEDEC (Institut Superieur de Peinture Decorative), Paris, and Leslie Vigini, Masters in Decorative Arts, Cooper Hewitt Museum, Parsons School of Design, NYC, instruct and supervise a superior program with true passion and love of the craft. About Us
Our curriculum sets the standard in the United States and separates our school from the rest. Vigini Studios Inc. is the place for you to begin your journey and practice new skills that will give you both personal satisfaction and financial growth in your business. Always feel free to contact us with any questions! We are always available. Happy painting!!!
"Hi Leslie
Thank you Thank you Thank you for an informative and mind blowing five day training on some of the best finishes and techniques one can experience in Faux Finishes, Rs crete and Foils. It was well worth the journey". Sharon Rochard-Vasquez Trinidad
National & International Schedule and Appearances
Bergamo, Italy July 26-31, 2010
Nicola Vigini will be instructing 2 three day workshops in Bergamo, Italy; "Grottesca" and "Trompe l'Oeil and Grisaille". The Fondazione Museo di Palazzo Moroni and the Art School Andrea Fantoni will host the most well known international muralists, faux finishers and decorative painters to teach specialized classes in their fields. See more and register
IDAL Portland, Oregon July 2010
GRISAILLE CANDELABRA GROTTESCA
Thursday, July 22, 2010 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (includes break from Noon to 1:30 PM)
Friday · 8:00 AM - Noon
Fee: $475.00
Instructor: Nicola Vigini, Vigini Studios, Inc.
Mystify your clientele with a classical grottesca in the vertical inspired "Candelabra" design typical of the early Italian Renaissance. Having become a standard of western ornametation for pillars and vertical space, this is a highly popular design for interior spaces. Executed in a grisaille and trompe l'oeil technique, this class will begin with a lecture on understanding the major principles of shadow and light and will proceed with the application of multi layered glaze and paint to achieve the illusion of three dimensional plaster and fresco work. Student keeps: Vigini Stencil Set C which includes VG107 Pavone, VG108 Serpent, VG109 Vaso, VG110 Beaded Vines
CLOUDS FOR CEILINGS IDAL Portland, Oregon
Saturday July 24th 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (includes break from Noon to 1:30 PM)
Fee: $275.00
Instructor: Nicola Vigini, Vigini Studios, Inc.
In our line of work, the most profitable mural finish is clouds. 
Learn to achieve stunning and realistic effects with a few simple steps based on years of experience in this field. In this class, participants will learn structures of clouds and how to render them in random and naturalistic shapes. Principals for composition and designing for different kinds of ceilings as well as thematic description of color options and combinations will be discussed. Two panels will be completed, one 3' x 6' panel on canvas and one small study for an evening sky.
FAUX EXPO ORLANDO, FL
September 20, 2010
Nicola Vigini's reputation as "Renaissance Reinvented" does not come unearned. Nicola demonstrates the craftsmanship masters of old used to create their amazing works. One of the more unique among his vast array of artistic talents is his indelible flair for Grisaille. A native of Rome, Italy, Nicola grew-up with an appreciation of the historic techniques and methods of the region. Now, his hands-on Grisaille workshop at the Faux Expo is available to teach you the intricacies of these methods. Working in multiple degrees of light, shade and shadow, students will learn to "lift" their paintings off the canvas. Nicola's original panel that is being designed specifically for this class will incorporate the depth and range of grey tones that have made this the genre of choice for so many palaces and villas throughout Europe.
