Home FOUNDATION COURSES The Art of trompe-l’œil
MODULE II - The Art of Trompe-l'oeil Painting
When trompe-l'oeil painting intertwines with fine-arts
Overview:
This course focuses on building a deeper understanding of trompe-l’œil painting techniques, covering both the theoretical and practical aspects. Students will use both acrylic and oil paints, with oil paints being the primary medium.
As Michel guides you through the entire technique, you will not only learn the specific brushes and tools to use but also acquire the ‘language’ of trompe-l’œil. This vocabulary will enable you to better understand how to paint moldings and ornaments effectively once you master it. Each panel taught in this course is meticulously designed by the instructor, taking into account the training that will lead to mastery in painting trompe-l’œil moldings and ornaments.
The art of trompe-l’œil is fascinating because it is in fact applied everywhere. Through the study of light and shadow, you will gain insights into how moldings and the ornaments of style are formed. This will help you understand how to paint convincing drapery, objects and even anatomy and portraits. Join us in the beautiful southwest France to study trompe-l’oeil with the renowned decorative painting artist Michel Nadaï. Continue your learning experience with us during week 4, where we will delve into the Art of Grotesca with our guest instructor Caterina Manisco! (click here for more information!).
Quick summary of this module:
Course Duration: The course runs for 4 weeks, from October 20th to November 14th, 2025.
Course Content: The course covers three levels of trompe-l’oeil painting techniques, starting with basic techniques, training with the art of painting linings, moldings and ornaments of style, and progressing to a more complex project with an approach to trompe-l'oeil painting that is closer to 'fine art'.
Materials and Techniques: The course uses acrylics and oil paint on canvas, focusing on traditional decorative painting techniques and transitioning to a more academic approach in week 3.
Main focus of the course: Building a deeper understanding of trompe-l’œil painting techniques, covering both theoretical and hands-on practice.
Program Flexibility: Possible to take the entire program or select specific weeks.
Instructors:
This module is taught by internationally renowned decorative painting artists Michel Nadaï in the town of Agen in southwest France, and guest instructor Caterina Manisco.
- Michel Nadaï for weeks 1 to 3
- Caterina Manisco, for week 4
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter,
trompe-l’œil is an artistic discipline that can help you to grasp, deepen and even enrichen your artistic statement.
Dates: from October 20th to November 14th, 2025 (4 weeks - 145 hours of class)
Venue: Atelier Nadaï, 8 rue François Arago, 47000 Agen, France
Our next autumn/winter session will be held in our atelier in the town of AGEN in the Lot et Garonne. For more information on how to get to our atelier, please click here.
Who can apply: This course is open to both beginners and professionals seeking an in-depth training in rendering architectural moldings and ornaments painted in trompe-l’oeil. Main focus will be using oil paint. Prior experience is not required if you begin the course from week 1. However, if you start from week 2, some experience in drawing and painting will be beneficial.
Instructors:
Michel Nadaï (techniques of trompe-l'oeil - weeks 1 to 3)
Caterina Manisco (techniques of Grotesca - week 4)
Certification of the course :
Students receive the school's Certificate upon completion of the course.
Exciting addition to our trompe-l'oeil course! We will retain the fundamental elements of light and shadow, patina,
aged effects, and ornamentation of style. Subsequently, we will explore the realms of fine arts and introduce the art of painting objects in the style of still life.
Highlights of the program - What you will learn:*
• Elements of Light and Shadow
• Techniques of painting linings and faux molding :
- study of various types of filets (linings) that compose a molding
- study of various molding profiles
- acquiring the proper vocabulary of trompe-l'oeil
• Techniques of ornamentation painted in trompe-l’œil :
- transfering the design using the pouncing technique
- using the proper tools to render the ornaments of style painted in trompe-l'oeil
- creating aged effects and patina of ornaments painted in trompe-l'oeil
• Composition of Style
• Techniques of French Grisaille
• Techniques of painting a Grotesca panel with egg tempera (this week is full)
• Students will render several beautiful panels - design will be provided by the instructors.
Training method and certification of the course - how the course is taught:
- Theoretical explanations and demonstrations on a daily basis.
- Immediate hands on practice through daily exercises.
- Students create individual panels on canvas (design provided by instructor).
- Instructor folows through each student's progress on a daily basis.
- Students receive a Certificate upon completion of the course.
⇒ Scroll down the page to see weekly program
To receive our course brochure and register to the course please go to Contact and send us an email.
MODULE The Art of Architectural Trompe-l'oeil: Moldings and Ornaments of style painted in trompe-l'oeil
WEEKLY PROGRAM*
Week 1 - October 20th to October 24th, 2025 (5 days/35 hours)
Trompe-l'oeil Level I - Introduction to trompe-l'oeil
Learning how to create linear trompe-l'oeil (linings), to render architectural moldings and ornaments of style painted en trompe-l'oeil.
=>During this week, we will delve into the world of decorative painting and explore how trompe-l’oeil techniques can be applied to create a ‘distressed effect’ like patinas. These will serve as the ground for our architectural trompe-l’oeil, faux moldings, and styling ornamentations. We will work on canvas, initially using acrylics to create the ground and transitioning to oils fto paint the faux moldings and ornaments, maintaining the traditional approach of decorative painting. This will be an excellent foundation if you wish to have a deeper understanding of painting architectural moldings and ornaments of style painted en trompe-l'oeil.
Week 2 - October 27th to October 31st, 2025 (5 days/35 hours)
Trompe-l'oeil Level II
Rendering a decorative panel with architectural ornaments and moldings of style painted in trompe-l'oeil.
=>During this week, we will go over the fundamentals acquired during week 1 and create a more intricate decorative panel painted on canvas, using both acrylics and oil paint. This work will serve as the foundation for week 3.
Week 3 from November 3rd to November 7th, 2025 (5 days/35 hours)
Trompe-l'oeil Level III
Approach to easel trompe-l'oeil techniques - an introduction to painting objects in the manner of still life paintings
=>During this week, we will approach a more academic style of painting trompe-l'oeil as we paint objects in the manner of Still Life. Here, the work will approach the so-called "easel trompe-l'oeil" techniques; while the materials will remain the same, the approach to achieving realism will be more in alignment with academic/classical techniques, ultimately remaining within the domain of decorative painting.
Weeks 4 - from November 10th to November 14th, 2024 (5 days/40 hours)
The Art of Grotesca
Decorative panel painted using techniques of Grotesca and tempera taught by master Italian decorative painter Caterina Manisco!
*highlight of the program is for informative purpose; the program may therefore receive modifications if necessary.
*Possibility of taking the module in its entirety, or taking the week(s) of your choice. Please contact school for more information and to learn about registration procedures.
An example of trompe-l'oeil ornaments and faux moldings with Still Life in the forefront
Course tuition:
For weeks 1 to 3: 2604,00 euros net for 105 hours of class.
For weeks 1 to 4: 3596,00 euros net for 145 hours of class.
Tuition includes:
- Instructors' live instructions and daily critic of your work
- Free use of oil paints, acrylic paints, mediums, solvants
- Supports to paint on (polyester canvas).
- Class materials (photocopies and written materials)
- Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits.
Not included in tuition:
- Brushes and tools and personal sundry items
- Please note that the school does not provide meals or accommodation and these are not included in the course fee. Each student will be in charge of meals and accommodation as well as travel expenses. Information on accommodation is available upon request.
Regarding brushes and tools:
- Student will be asked to bring or purchase specialized brushes and other sundry items such as ruler, compass, pencils, eraser, notebook. (You can count approximately 350 euros to 450 euros for tools, brushes and sundry items). To facilitate things for our students, brush sets are available for purchase on our online store. If you already have decorative painting brushes needed for this course, you will not be required to purchase a new set of brushes.
Training materials:
To find out more about the equipment and materials provided by Atelier Nadaï throughout the course, please click here.