While surfing the Internet one evening, I came upon the Faux Effects web site.  I was looking for new ideas and products for faux finishing techniques, never suspecting what I would actually find.  It was a very interesting web site that caught my attention immediately.  I then mailed Vigini Studios in San Antonio to find out more information about Faux Effects.

I received and outstanding brochure about Vigini Studios containing photos of some amazing faux finishes.  After reading the brochure it was obvious that I needed the Faux Effects workshops and products to expand my business.

I called Vigini Studios the next day to register for an upcoming workshop.  I was very concerned with spending so much money for the workshop, lodging, airfare, and meals.  After only two days of the workshop, I was convinced that the money I had spent was well worth it.

The people of Vigini Studios were great, very professional and kind.  The workshops were very intense, covering lots of material.  I never expected to learn so much in just five days.

I now use the techniques that I learned and the Faux Effects products to expand my painting business.  I also plan to attend more of the workshops this year.  Can’t say enough about Faux Effects and Vigini Studios except the money was well spent.  Thanks Nicola and Leslie for everything.

Steven L. Parker
Little Rock, Arkansas

TROMPE L'OEIL

Bonjour to you all! I want to tell Nicola...that Trompe l'oeil class proves more useful every day! It was overwhelming on the moment but being a visual  person, I've practiced a lot: the results are there! 

Tu m'as appris une autre facon de regarder, tu m'as donne une autre "perspective" sur les choses...mes petites maisons ont acquis une nouvelle dimension grace a toi. Je voulais simplement te dire Merci. 

I've learned a lot being around you guys and I do believe you brought me a step forward! I am also working on "m' approprier" Lucretia's teachings What can I say, I'm a slow bloomer...I  like to get a perfect grip on things. It is strenuous, but once I do, It's there to last! Hugs to the two of you and thanks again,

Claire Globensky
Montreal, Canada

Hi all,

This is Michelle in Sarasota Florida,  I just got back from Nicolas Trompe Class in san Antonio...........What a beautiful city.  Nicola was an AWESOME VERY EDUCATED MASTER AND INSTRUCTOR and his staff was more than accommodating and WONDERFUL.
The class was structured, challenging and full of history and information. We completed four beautiful boards and Nicola and Leslie were willing to answer many questions we had pertaining to other finishes.  I walked away feeling  that I can put all I learned to good use in the existing work I have and to create a new line of product. We stayed at a bed and breakfast called the Painted Lady WOW how fun was that.  Id rather stay at a B and B than any hotel,  they pampered us to the Max!!!!!!!!!

If anyone needs a reference on Vigini  Studios or San Antonio please write. I can give you the important info like where Starbucks is!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU NICOLA AND VIGINI STUDIOS
THANK YOU SAN ANTONIO I NEEDED YOU!!!!!!!!!

Michelle Held
Unfauxgettable Faux Finishing
Sarasota FL

GROTTESCA

Bonjour Leslie & Nicola,

Here is a picture of the ceiling I painted; thanks to your designs and your confidence in me Nicola!  I did it in 8 days!

Isabelle Gandol
Seattle, Washington

Hello Everyone,

It was great to meet you.  Thank you for giving us the tour and spending so much time with me and my friend Mia.  Mia was very excited about your work and the prospect of taking classes from you.

Your space is fantastic and the things you are doing are really great.  I’m so glad someone has taken a visionary and leadership role on behalf of American decorative painting professionals.  You guys are taking it to the next level.  Very exciting.

Lili Wright
Austin, TX

I came across your website and I have to say that yours’ is the most professional and most authentic of all the sites that I have visited thus far. 

Joan Kottler
Scarsdale, NY

Dear Nicola,

You are truly the master.  I am constantly looking and searching for inspiration. I just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration and I look forward to seeing future samples in faux magazines, etc.  If you have a moment to offer any words of advice to a very serious beginner or maybe you can suggest reading materials such as The Handbook of Painted Decoration.

Thank you,
Phil Dipalermo

Dear Leslie & Nicola,

It was quite a treat for me to see your studio and be in the Update class.  I only wish it had been a day longer-who knew there was so much to cover?  Nicola, you were so informative and very patient with students pulling you in so many directions.

Thanks again for a terrific day.  I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Sincerely,

Barbara Holme
Dallas, Texas

P.S.  I really, really hope Ms. Moroni comes back.  Since I am working up to a handpainted wallpaper business I am very interested in her techniques utilizing screens instead of stencils.

SALON

Nicola Vigini, (hosting Salon 2002 San Antonio, Texas) an Italian who lives in America, exhibited this time.  The man means quality, he is really crème de la crème.  He travels through the whole US as a teacher and owns his own professional school in San Antonio.  Besides that, he paints numerous projects and commissions.  During the Salon, Vigini exhibited Pompeian wall decorations (true to style) but painted them on the spot as well.  The purest ornamental work.

Jan Berghuis
The Hague, The Netherlands