Master & Apprentice: Painting with a Young Leonardo

Before Leonardo da Vinci became a legend, he was an apprentice in Andrea del Verrocchio’s vibrant Florentine workshop. While working on The Baptism of Christ, Leonardo’s contribution was so exquisitely refined that, according to legend, Verrocchio never painted again. This extraordinary moment—where mastery quietly eclipses tradition—forms the heart of this course.

In this immersive oil painting course, we will focus on painting the two angels from The Baptism of Christ, exploring the moment where High Renaissance naturalism truly comes alive. You’ll learn how to build luminous flesh and atmosphere using the Sfumato technique—Leonardo’s famously subtle, almost magical method of soft transitions. We’ll also dive deep into convincing drapery folds, understanding how fabric flows, settles, and supports form, and you’ll learn how to integrate gold leaf into your paintings, uniting brilliance with classical tradition.

Several of you mentioned wanting to finally get to grips with painting drapery with confidence—there could be no better guide than a young Leonardo himself. This course is ideal if you want to slow down, refine your eye, and paint with intention, sensitivity, and historical depth.

Dates:

* Saturday 7 February
* Saturday 15 February
* Saturday 21 February

Possible additional session:

* Sunday 22 February (TBC, based on student availability)
(No extra cost if required)

Time: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: 212 Productions Studio
Fee: £295 per person

This course offers a rare opportunity to step inside a Renaissance workshop, refine essential painting skills, and experience the quiet power of classical technique. I very much look forward to creating with you.

Entry requirements: 16+, any under 18s accompanied by 21+ adult 1:1 ratio — Read more — Read less