Atelier Nadai

Ornement peint en Trompe-l'oeil / Decorative ornament painted in Trompe-l'oeil

2012-02-01T15:17:00.005+01:00

Quelques étapes d'un trompe-l'oeil en cours.

Painting a decorative ornament and moldings in trompe-l'oeil.

Le Sarrancolin - sarrancolin marble

2011-11-22T14:55:00.001+01:00

Suites de décors en imitation de marbre sarrancolin: ébauche et reglaçages. Quelques clichés de décors de sarrancolin en situation de chantier.

Here are some examples of imitation marble of sarrancolin.You can see the preliminary steps, and the final overglazes.Finally, you'll see how this marble can bring an elegant touch to a living room.

Ebauche - preliminary step

Ebauche du sarrancolin, par Michel

Michel working on the preliminary steps of the sarrancolin

Les reglaçages - the overglazes

Décor en imitation de sarrancolin

Décors de sarrancolin en situation de chantier

Sarrancolin imitation marble

The colors of this marble blends nicely with the surroundings.

Une touche d'élégance française

This marble adds a touch of French elegance

Scagliola et stuc marbre / Scagliola workshop

2011-09-14T16:16:00.011+02:00

Atelier Nadaï a eu l'immense plaisir d'accueillir Walter Cipriani, peintre et artiste Italien, internationalement reconnu pour deux semaines de stages, du 22 août au 2 septembre 2011. Ce stage a abordé les techniques complexes de la SCAGLIOLA, et a amené les stagiaires à interpréter et restituer des marbres par la mise en oeuvre de techniques traditionnelles.

SCAGLIOLA is an ancient art form, whose formula was kept secret for centuries. Today, it remains to be a very unique art form, with very few true experts and even fewer instructors. Atelier Nadaï was delighted to host a two week in-depth course in Scagliola, taught by Italian Master Artisan, Walter Cipriani.

Inauguration royale au palais de Stirling en Ecosse - Royal opening for Stirling Castle

2011-07-12T12:07:00.016+02:00

Les clés du Château de Stirling sont présentées à sa Majesté la Reine Elizabeth II
lors de son arrivée le 6 juillet 2011 pour l’inauguration officielle des lieux.

The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, touches the keys to Stirling Castle during a visit where Her Majesty re-opened the newly renovated James V Palace.

Sa Majesté la Reine et le Duc d'Edinbourg visitent le Château de Stirling.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh view the Queen's bed chamber

in the newly renovated James V Palace at Stirling Castle, Stirling, 6 July 2011.

Michel est présenté à sa Majesté la Reine
Michel is presented to Her Majesty the Queen

Sa Majesté la Reine et le Duc d'Edinbourg

Apartment de la Reine au Château de Stirling /
Queen's inner chamber at Stirling Castle

Great Hall, Stirling Castle

Plaque dévoilé par Sa Majesté la Reine le 6 juillet 2011/
Plaque unveiled by Her Majesty the Queen on July 6, 2011

Cheers!

Le parapluie est indispensable en Ecosse! /
Always have an umbrella on hand in Scotland!

Michel Nadaï devant le palais royal au Château de Stirling /
Michel standing in front of the Renaissance Palace at Stirling Castle

Wallace monument

Carnet du voyage - decors peints / Travel diary - painted decorations

2011-06-29T22:34:00.001+02:00

Lors de votre voyage en Finlande, il faut surtout visiter la magnifique Cathédrale Ouspenski à Helsinki. Héritage de la domination russe, cette église a été construite entre 1862 et 1868. Elle domine la presque île de Katajanokka. C’est aujourd’hui l’église gréco-orthodoxe la plus importante d’Europe occidentale.

Voici quelques photos prisent lors de notre dernier voyage...

When you visit Finland, make sure you visit the magnificent Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki. Built between 1862 and 1868, Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in western Europe, and houses a rich display of icons and other typical Orthodox decorations, including an impressive array of chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceiling. The painting on the murals are equally impressive.

Here are some photos taken during our last trip to Finland in June...

De magnifiques chandeliers / Impressive chandeliers

Du faux bois / wood graining!

Encore du faux bois / More wood graining

Magnifiques coupoles dorées / impressive gilt domes

C'était la saison des lilas / The lilacs were just blooming

Master Class Cours de Perspective / Perspective Master Class

2011-05-09T11:44:00.004+02:00

Paolo Ucello, peintre florentin du quinzième siècle, fut parmi les premiers à s'intéresser aux lois de la perspective, puis Brunelleschi, Masaccio, Alberti, Fra Angelico et d'autres encore suivirent ses traces en offrant aux peintres d'alors le premier vrai outil pour imaginer, composer et cadrer une œuvre d'art.

Tout peintre respectueux de son état, se doit de posseder bien plus que des rudiments en matière de perspective, c'est une discipline qu'il doit réellement connaître.

Nous avons eu énormément plaisir d'offrir un cours approfondi sur la perspective, du 18 avril au 29 avril. Nos élèves ont eu l'occasion de travailler sur plusieurs sujets en profondeur.

Fifteenth century Florentine painter, Paolo Ucello, was among the first to be interested in the laws of perspective. Brunelleschi, Masaccio, Alberti, Fra Angelico and the others followed in his footsteps by offering painters the first 'real' tool for imagining, composing and framing a work of art.

A very good foundation in perspective, which goes beyond the rudimentary level, is a real must for any serious painter. Building up this skill will truly bring another dimension to any decorative painter's work.

At Atelier Nadaï, we had the pleasure of holding a Master Class on Perspective from April 18th to April 29th. It was an intensive and in-depth 2-week class, with lots of hands on practice in practicing perspective drawings. A big hand to our students!

Un élève demande une question à Michel / Student asking question to Michel

Un de nombreux exercice du cours / One of the numerous exercises in class

Tables d'élèves au début du cours / Students' table at the beginning of class

Une autre table d'élève / Another student's table

Un dessin en perspective par Michel / Michel's perspective drawing

Un cours détaillé / An in-depth course

Une élève travaillant sur son dessin / Student working on her drawing

Un autre dessin par Michel / Another drawing by Michel

Cordes sur Ciel

2011-04-20T10:33:00.002+02:00

La semaine dernière nous avons eu l'occasion de visiter Cordes-sur-Ciel, magnifique bastide, très bien préservé. Un vrai voyage dans le temps!

We posted some of these photos on our FB page, and thought to post them also on our blog. Last week we had lovely weather as we visited the lovely hilltop bastide, Cordes-sur-Ciel. The well-preserved bastide is a treat in spring and summer, and is a real journey back into time.

Cordes-sur-Ciel

Inside the bastide / Dans la bastide

Amazing stone structure! / Magnifique bâtiment en pierre

Gorgeous peonies/ Maginifique pivoines!

There are photos to take at every corner / Chaque coin est une carte postale!

Great wall to have in one's garden! / Vue de haut de Cordes

Les Journées des Métiers d'Art

2011-03-18T16:42:00.006+01:00

Portes Ouvertes à l'Atelier Nadaï,
pendants les Journées des Métiers d'Art
le 1er, 2ème et 3ème avril 2011.

Open House at Atelier Nadaï during this National Event
on April 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2011.

A très bientôt!

Look forward to seeing many of you!

Atelier Nadaï
Centre Culturel
Avenue de Consuegra
47520 Le Passage
michel.nadai@wanadoo.fr
05 53 48 51 42 / 06 09 93 09 13

Stage Panoramique et Murs Peints / Painted Murals course

2011-02-18T16:52:00.011+01:00

Nous avons le plaisir de partager avec vous un diaporama, avec des photos prisent lors du cours Panoramiques et Murs Peints, enseigné par Michel Nadaï.

Ce cours intensive et approfondi de six semaines (du 3 janvier au 11 février) a permit aux élèves d'aborder des sujets comme la perspective, les techniques pour composer un panoramique, les techniques de differentes plans, l'utilisation de couleurs, et beaucoup plus. Nous remercions tous les élèves qui ont participés à ce cours.

Today we would like to share with you a short slide-show, with photos taken during the Panoramics and Painted Murals course with Michel Nadaï.

This course, which ran from January 3rd to February 11th, consisted of an in-depth study on perspective, how to compose a mural, the use of different planes, the use of colors, and much more. A big thank you to everyone who attended this course!

We hope you enjoy this slide-show! Bonne visite!

Stirling Castle Palace Project | An Artistic Alliance

2011-01-24T08:21:00.003+01:00

Nous avons le plaisir de partager avec vous une video, crée par Historic Scotland, qui montre un aperçu du chantier au Château de Stirling, en Ecosse, où Michel a travaillé sur un projet de restoration sur plus de 5 mois. Vous avez aussi la possibilité de lire un article, également par Historic Scotland, qui a été traduit pour un site français.

We are extremely pleased to present you the film produced by Historic Scotland on the painting work done inside the palace at Stirling Castle.

Michel was invited by John Nevin of Edinburgh to create the designs as well as paint the trompe-l'oeil inside the royal chambers at the Palace at Stirling Castle.

Taking part in refurbishing the Renaissance Palace at Stirling Castle was not only a wonderful experience for him - he felt very honored to have taken part in such a colossal project - it was also a great opportunity for Michel to discover the Scottish people, its culture and its beautiful country. His wife Kyoko and he fell in love with Scotland, which now occupies a very special place in their hearts.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-01-04T16:31:00.004+01:00

May the peace and joy of the Holiday Season
be with you each day of this New Year!

We wish you a bright, light-filled New Year,
with lots of inspiration and creativity!

Michel Nadaï

Moldings and Ornaments painted in Trompe-l'oeil workshop at Atelier Nadaï

2010-12-20T14:31:00.054+01:00

We just completed our 4-week long "Moldings and Ornaments painted in Trompe-l'oeil" course, and would like to share with you some photos taken during these past four weeks.

This 4-week class is part of our 5-months program, and is another 'signature' course taught by Michel. Emphasis is on teaching the proper techniques of trompe-l'oeil.

"Teaching the proper techniques is so fundamental", says Michel. This course will help students build a solid foundation that, with time and practice, will result in mastery in the fabulous art of trompe-l'oeil.

We thank all the participants of this year's 4-week course, and look forward to seeing you all again for another fun class! Merci beaucoup et à bientôt! Muchas Gracias ¡Hasta luego!

Formation Faux Bois et Faux Marbre / Wood Graining and Imitation Marble II

2010-12-15T17:10:00.018+01:00

Les imitations de matières, tels que le faux bois et le faux marbre, forment une partie importante dans l'apprentissage du métier de peintre en décor. A l'Atelier Nadaï ces techniques sont enseignées dans le cadre de La Formation Complète de Peintre en Décors. Nous vous invitons à voir quelques aperçus de la dernière session.

Here is a short video showing Michel doing various demos during the Wood Graining and Imitation Marble course. This video is far from being perfect, as it was filmed with our digital camera, but we still hope you enjoy watching it!

Wood Graining and Imitation Marble - 2010 session

2010-12-07T08:23:00.008+01:00

Here is a slide show with photos taken during our ongoing Decorative Painter's Complete Course.

The photos were taken during the 8-week Wood Graining and Imitation Marble Course, which culminated with techniques on how to paint a Sarrancolin marble.

Hope you enjoy the slide show!

Art & Techniques of Decorative Painting

2010-11-30T17:04:00.015+01:00

This year was full of lovely surprises for us. Besides the wonderful opportunity to work for the Stirling Castle Palace Project, we were delighted to learn during our stay in Scotland that Michel Nadai's book was awarded the 'Grand Prix du Livre' award by the Société Nationale des Meilleurs Ouvirers de France.

We wish to thank the publisher and his wonderful team who are a delight to work with.

And we wish to thank all of you who purchased Michel's book, for without readers a book would have no real value. MERCI BEAUCOUP!!!

“Michel Nadaï presents us with a magnificent book, written simultaneously in English and in French. He defines Decorative Painting as an invitation to a reverie that becomes even more magical with the art of trompe-l’œil. The author is at the same time an artist, a highly skilled technician, and an instructor, and his book is artistic, technical and informative. He presents us with the basics, then moves on to the imitation of substances, imitation marble, wood graining, semi-precious stones and materials, and concludes with the trompe-l’œil, perspective and painted murals.

Professionals as well as amateurs will find this book very appealing, for how can we not admire an art that consists of graining over a pièce of wood, and creating a rendering that is more beautiful and more real than the actual wood that served as support?”

Le Secrétaire Général de la Société Nationale des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France

Lucien GIAI-BRUERI

Click here to view book flyer.

More photos from Scotland

2010-10-17T16:56:00.010+02:00

Stirling Castle Palace Project

Greetings!

It is our pleasure to add a new page to our blog today.

We invite you to click on the youtube link below to view more photos in Scotland, while Michel was working at the royal palace at Stirling Castle.

We hope you enjoy the slide show!

Description:

Stirling Castle Palace Project

In this slide show, we can see Michel Nadaï, French master decorative painter, and John Nevin and his staff working inside the king's and queen's apartments at the royal palace at Stirling Castle. John Nevin is the owner of MacKay Decorators, which is the largest painting and decorating company in Scotland. John, who is a multiple award winner, is also the owner of Nevin of Edinburgh.

Michel Nadaï is a world class decorative painter, awarded the life-time title of Best Craftsman of France, and has his own decorative painting school and business, Atelier Nadaï, in the southwest of France. His best-selling bilingual book, Art & Techniques: Decorative Painting, published by Editions Vial, recently awarded the "Grand Prix du Livre" in France.

The idea behind Historic Scotland's colossal project is to bring back Stirling Castle's Royal Palace to its original splendor; consequently, the painting on the walls and ceilings had to reflect decoration in the Renaissance style. Michel Nadaï, who is a master of trompe-l'œil, was given the wonderful task to create the designs for the apartment walls and ceilings, based on the resource materials provided by Historic Scotland. Traditionally made paints and techniques were used to in order to remain with the spirit of the time.

When asked, French master decorative painter Michel Nadaï said that it was a great privilege to work with John Nevin and his staff on this very prestigious project, and that he greatly enjoyed his experience of living and working in Scotland.

Scotland

2010-07-29T23:10:00.020+02:00

These past few months we had the wonderful opportunity to travel and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland for an extended period of time. During our stay, we experienced Scotland's varied climate, which could mean anything from blizzard, snow, heavy rain, gusts of winds, and of course, the famous mist. But Mother Nature was not always harsh with us, and sometimes offered us warm, sunny days. And perhaps thanks to all this snow and rain, we are now rewarded for our patience and are surrounded by lush, green trees and golden fields of barely!

Our journey began in March, when Michel was offered the opportunity to work with Mr. John Nevin, owner of MacKay Decorators and Nevin of Edinburgh, on the Stirling Castle Royal Palace project. This very big scale project actually consists of refurbishing the Royal Palace at Stirling Castle. John Nevin, owns the largest and most prestigious painting and decorating company in Scotland, with branches in both Edinburgh and Perth, and has earned many awards for his outstanding work.

More photos and updates will follow soon. Meanwhile, you can find out more about the project by clicking on the links below:

Stirling Observer

Heritage Homes Magazine

Stirling Palace Project on Youtube

Have brush, will travel

2010-07-08T22:31:00.018+02:00

It's almost four months that we last wrote on this blog, announcing the loss of our dear friend Pierre Lefumat. And it's around this time, last year, that he was in our studio, offering a Master Class on imitation marble, to a wonderful group of people that will no doubt cherish this experience forever. He will stay in our hearts, and in the hearts of all those persons he touched with his grace and his simplicity.

Pierre always had a positive attitude in life. No matter what challenges he had to overcome, he would move on and he would reach out to others. And he would encourage his friends to do likewise when they were faced with challenges. In this regard, he was exceptional.

So, taking this as example, we move on and continue on our path.

This year, we find ourselves doing quite a bit of traveling for professional reasons. The phrase "have brush, will travel" seems to correspond to us. Since several months, we have had the opportunity to travel to Scotland for a very interesting project, which we will cover in our future blogs. We also had the chance to travel to Finland, where I taught two one-week wood graining and imitation marble courses in June. Trompe-l'oeil was also cover in the second week. These were 2 intensive weeks for the students, as well as for me, the instructor. But the enthusiasm of the students, who were eager to learn as much as possible, and their respect and kindness, made teaching these two classes a wonderful experience. A big thanks to all of you, and to Riikka who organised this successful class for the second consecutive year!

In addition to various photos taken during our trip to Finland, we have included a short video - that's a first for us. ENJOY!

Michel doing a demo on Vert de Mer (Sea Green Marble)

Have brush, will travel
In June, we traveled to Helsinki to teach two one-week courses
on wood graining, imitation marble and trompe-l'oeil

Discovering local products is part of traveling abroad
In this photo, Michel uses Fiinnish beer to prepare his glaze

Michel doing a demo on Feather Mahogany

Michel checking a student's panel

Students gathered around to watch Michel's demo

Finnish turpentine... so, how do you pronounce this...?

Oak panel by Michel

Michel working on his Sea Green marble panel

Michel checking a student's work

Michel's completed Sea Green Marble (Vert de Mer)

Michel's trompe-l'oeil ornament over a grained background,
another subject taught in class

The birch tree is the national symbol in Finland

Samba in Helsinki...!?!
In fact, it was during Helsinki's national day celebrations

The crooners...

Dancers parading in the streets of Helsinki

Pierre Lefumat

2010-03-16T13:23:00.003+01:00

Pour Pierre Lefumat

Aujourd’hui, pour supporter et accepter, je dois m’attacher à toutes ces heures que nous avons passées ensemble.

Parfois à parler et à se disputer pour goûter dans le rire les moments simples de l’Amitié.

Ailleurs, et seulement si l’envie venait ou que le temps s’y prête, pour peindre et rechercher les meilleures occasions pour se chamailler encore.

L’année dernière, c’était chez toi, un rendez-vous d’importance où, dans la promesse des meilleures querelles, on avait décidé d’écrire… ensemble.

Aujourd’hui, je revisite touts ces petits morceaux de temps que tu as dispersés dans ma vie, ainsi et par eux, je sais que je pourrai accueillir le refus.

Je sais quelque part que ce jour est écrit et par tous doit être vécu mais je ne peux m’empêcher d’imaginer demain, seulement nourri d’images, de sourires, d’attentions, de cette générosité particulière aux couleurs d’autrefois, de cette beauté humaine, portée avec la justesse de l’élégance connue de tous et que l’on avait apposée, pour économiser les mots, à ton prénom…Pierre.

Pierre, nous garderons tous de toi cette volonté qui te forçait à courir le monde pour la simple beauté d’un geste de métier dédié à la plus simple humilité.

Aujourd’hui s’en est fini.

Le livre est refermé.

Nous sommes tous orphelins.

Les palettes seront rangées, les brosses devront rester sèches.

La blouse blanche sera suspendue.

Les ateliers seront bouclés et les marbres camouflés,

Aucune couleur ne pourra être prononcée.

Une profession prendra le deuil.

Et, chacun, à son tour, comme il le souhaite, dira…

MERCI.

Michel Nadaï, Pierre Lefumat, Kyoko Nadaï

For Pierre Lefumat

Today, it is the remembrance of all these hours we spent together that will help me bear the pain and accept this loss.

Remembrance of times during which we were just talking, or just squabbling over something, just to taste those simple moments of Friendship.

And at times, and only if the desire came or when the time was right, we would paint and seek for the best occasions to squabble with each other again.

Last year, it was at your home that we had this important rendezvous - guaranteeing another occasion to squabble over something – we had decided to write…together.

Today, I revisit all those little pieces of time that you brought into my life, and through them I can acknowledge this refusal of mine.

Inside of me, I know that such day is written and must be lived by us all, but I cannot imagine tomorrow where I will only be nourished by images… images of your smile, of your attentiveness, of your generosity that portrays the colors of a bygone era, of this inner beauty that you carried with this elegance that so characterized you… and to spare you of all those words, we just need to pronounce your name… Pierre

Pierre, we will keep of you this will that led you to travel the world with the desire to share the simple beauty of a gesture of this craft, dedicated to the simplest humility.

Today it’s over.

The book is once again closed.

We are all orphans.

The pallets will be put aside, the brushes will remain dry.

The ‘blouse blanche’ or painter’s coat will be hanging in its place.

The workshops will be closed and the marbles will be veiled,

No color will be called out.

An entire profession will be in mourning

And, each one of us, in our own way, will say…

THANK YOU.

The completed mural

2010-03-03T12:44:00.008+01:00

Here is the mural that was first completed in my studio and then marouflaged (glued) on to the wall. The mural was 3.40 meters high and 2.50 meters wide.

Photos of completed mural, done at the studio

And voila, the mural in its 'new' settings
after it has been 'glued on' to the wall.

Mural Painting Course Part II / Cours Peinture Murale

2010-02-10T14:47:00.010+01:00

A seascape was the focus of the second part of our mural class, during which students learned how to paint the sky, the waves, the sand, vegetation, etc.

Michel: “Painting a seascape always seems to have a relaxing effect on our students… on me as well! And it also is a joy to teach.”

This section also covered painting a figure, with the study of the human form, the flesh-tone, the portrait, the hair, and the rendering of fabric (drapery).

Michel: “I like to use ‘real’ people for my murals. A big thank you to Celine – merci beaucoup – who was the model for this painting.”

In this section students also had the possibility of exploring how to do a perspective drawing ‘intuitively’. While part I of this course consisted of studying the ‘scientific’ method to render frontal perspective drawings, this part delved into how to do a perspective rendering ‘intuitively’. Still, to succeed in such exercises, a perfect knowledge of the more ‘scientific’ approach is necessary.

As we’re coming close to the end of this 6-week course – and, incidentally, our 5-months course – we would like to thank all those who participated in the complete course and individual modules. It’s only the beginning of an exciting journey that lies ahead for all, and we wish you all the best!

We would also like to thank all our friends who ‘followed’ us in this blog.

Please keep checking our blog during the upcoming months.

Our next 5-months course resumes in the fall, with the Wood graining and Imitation marble module. Class will start on September 27th. Write to us to receive more information at michel.nadai@wanadoo.fr

Michel and Kyoko Nadaï

Students watching as Michel does a demo

Michel adding the shadows

Michel adding finishing touches

"Paysage marin" by Michel Nadai

close up of "Paysage Marin" by Michel Nadaï

Mural Painting course part I / Cours Peinture Murale

2010-01-26T16:07:00.012+01:00

The in-depth approach to perspective allowed participants to have a real hands-on approach to this amazing subject, which is also such an important tool in mural painting. After spending time working on perspective drawings, participants of our 6-week Panoramics and Painted Murals course were then immersed in yet another fascinating subject: framework of the image, the composition, and the use of color.

The painting section of this class allows participants not only to paint, but to also study the techniques of painting the sky, trees, foliage, landscape, architectural elements, study and understand the different planes, etc.

Here are some photos of the first panel covered in class.

Michel preparing his canvas

Michel showing how to paint the background

Michel doing a demo on the lion-head fountain

Work in progress: Mural with fountain, by Michel Nadaï

Close up of mural by Michel

Another close up of mural by Michel

Ferrie, from Holland working on his panel

Perspective

2010-01-06T14:19:00.011+01:00

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of our friends! We wish you a year of happiness and joy, health, success and prosperity!

After our 2-week Christmas and New Year break, classes at Atelier Nadaï resumed on January 4th with the Panoramics and Painted Murals module. This 6-week long program started with an in-depth study on perspective.

Perspective is a fundamental tool for us decorative painters, and this is especially true when you decide to include painted murals in your range of services.

Prior to the Renaissance, paintings lacked accurate spatial representation. Although there was an attempt to represent distance by adding larger figures and objects in the foreground and smaller ones in the foreground, the perspective rules were not really understood. When the method for drawing linear perspectives was developed in the Renaissance, it completely transformed the way artists drew and painted. These methods are still used today and help make our drawings and paintings more realistic.

The hands-on exercises and detailed step-by-step explanations presented during our 6-week Panoramics and Painted Murals module will help our students gain a better understanding of perspective. Once they understood the fundamental principles of perspective, our students will have acquired a very powerful tool that will help give their drawings and murals a much more precise and realistic rendering.

We will be posting photos taken during this 6-week course. But before that, here are a few photos taken in front of our studio on Christmas Eve...

Bright sunset on Christmas Eve

Beautiful rainbow on Christmas Eve!

Trompe-l'oeil course - week four

2009-12-21T16:26:00.018+01:00

Last Friday was the last day of our Trompe-l'oeil class. In the final panel covered in class, I incorporated various new elements such as the drapery, the rendering of a statue inside a niche, and the study of a trompe-l'oeil panel in perspective. This introduced my students to the notion of highlights and shadows done in perspective.

The 4-week ornaments and moldings painted in trompe-l'oeil course is indeed a very intensive program, loaded with information and tons of hands on practice. As students learn advanced techniques, they will put them into practice on exquisite panels that will greatly enhance their portfolios.

A big hand to all of you for having completed this course!

And a very Merry Christmas to all our friends and followers!

May the new year bring you lots of happiness and joy, abundance and prosperity, good health and everything you wish for!

On the last day of our 4-week Trompe-l'oeil class...
we had snow!

And, continuing from our previous 'page'
here is Michel's finished panel

close up of panel

One more 'snow' photo!

Michel giving step-by-step instructions

Another gorgeous panel taught in class
Shown below is Michel's work

Close up of trompe-l'oeil niche

Close up of entablature comprising ornaments,
dentils and moldings

Trompe-l'oeil is all about light and shadow

2009-12-09T14:53:00.111+01:00

We have less than 2 weeks to go in our Moldings and Ornaments painted in Trompe-l'oeil course and I am very happy with the way my students have progressed these past few days! It seems just like yesterday that I was explaining to them the importance of getting their filets or linings right. Today they understand this new 'language' of trompe-l'oeil and are continuing to explore new techniques I'm showing them in class.

Michel giving a detailed explanation during a demo

Michel showing how to tackle the central ornaments

Students watching attentively as Michel adds on
the details that will define the ornaments

Students at work

and another demo...

To be continued...

Trompe-l'oeil moldings and ornaments galore!

2009-12-03T11:20:00.022+01:00

During this 4-week program Michel led the class inside the magical world of trompe-l'oeil which, as described in his book, Art & Techniques: Decorative Painting, encompasses the study of highlight and shadow, imitation moldings, and decorative ornamentations of style.

After teaching the filets, or linings, Michel took the time to explain various architectural molding profiles in detail. The techniques covered in class are similar to studying a new language - like a new set of codes - that will help students create the illusion that will give their painted objects a three-dimensional character.

Michel giving detailed, step-by-step instructions

Students watching closely during a demo

Michel checking student's work

Michel relaxing, as he waits for students
to gather for the demo

Students' panels lined up on our studio's wall

Another demo by Michel -
a decorative ornamentation of style painted in trompe-l'oeil

Michel's panel - work in progress

Ornaments and moldings of style painted in Trompe-l'oeil

2009-11-26T11:45:00.010+01:00

Greetings to you all!

We would like to start this week's blog by wishing all our American friends a wonderful Thanksgiving. Although we don't celebrate this event here in France, we think it's such a great idea to give thanks and simply be grateful about everything we have in life.

This week my wife Kyoko and I are grateful for the wonderful 8 weeks we just spent teaching the wood graining and faux marble course at our studio in Le Passage, France. We had a wonderful, harmonious, fun-loving group that made teaching and learning such a joyful experience. Merci beaucoup to all of you!

And now, everyone's ready for yet another adventure as we explore the magical world of trompe-l'oeil during our 4-week ornaments and moldings painted in trompe-l'oeil course.

This course is an in-depth and intensive program during which students will get the opportunity to really explore the amazing world of trompe-l'oeil thanks to the unique program we have put in place at Atelier Nadaï.

It all begins with a line...

Filet sec - a simple lining...

which then turns into molding profiles...

which then turn into painted moldings...

and which, at the end, looks like this .
Voila! An étude on moldings by Michel Nadaï.

Last day of our 8-week long Wood graining and Faux marble course!

2009-11-20T20:18:00.042+01:00

Today was the last day of our 8-week long wood graining and faux marble course for 2009.

It was a real joy to see how students progressed during those 8 intensive weeks. While the first week was filled with hesitant gestures and lack of confidence, today I look at my students prepare their own glaze, mix their own colors, and handle their countless tools with ease and confidence. The gestures they use to wood grain and paint faux marble have now become second nature. This is thanks to the countless repetition of exercises and drills I had them do in class. A big hand to all of you! You've all done very well, and remember, this is only the beginning of a beautiful adventure in graining and marbling.

Next week, we begin another journey with yet another intensive and in-depth class - our 4-week ornaments and moldings painted in trompe-l'oeil course which will be followed by the panoramics and painted murals course. But, before that, here are a few more things students saw in class .

Let's begin with another bonus photo -
gorgeous sunrise in Agen, taken on our way to the studio

Back to photos of some of the other subjets covered in class

Lapis Lazuli and Malachite samples by Michel

Medicis Breche and mixed campan by Michel Nadaï

Michel doing a demo on pickled oak

Michel's pickled oak panel depicting
the heart grain, the straight grains and the silver grains

Student working on sarrancolin marble

Michel doing a demo on the sarrancolin marble

Close up of Michel's sarrancolin marble

All About Walnut

2009-11-11T12:31:00.020+01:00

As we have seen with the other faux bois studied in class, the étude or the study of each species of wood includes an in-depth approach, covering techniques that will help students understand the structure of the wood, and thus properly imitate its recognizable features, such as its straight grains and heart grain.

Another characteristic of wood, which students saw in class, is the loupe or burl.
Michel selected the loupe de noyer, or walnut burl, to show the techniques used to imitate the burl.

The walnut panel that Michel prepared for class contains the three main elements: the burl, the straight grains, and the heart grain. As they worked on this panel, students were not only able to practice each element separately (before doing their final panel for their portfolio), they were also able to practice graining various parts of the walnut in a specific design layout.

Another fabulous panel added to each student's gorgeous portfolio!

Michel doing a demo on walnut

Michel Nadai's walnut panel
comprising the burl, the straight grains and the heart grain

Close up of the straight grains by Michel

Close up of the walnut burl by Michel

And here's a bonus photo
taken on our studio's patio in Le Passage...
a beautiful rainbow after a morning rain shower

Yellow Sienna, Mahogany and Sea Green

2009-11-04T12:45:00.020+01:00

Before continuing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who are following this blog, and also welcome those who are connecting with us for the very first time.

We will try to update this blog on a weekly basis, to give you an idea on the type of classes and work we do here at Atelier Nadaï.

One word of caution, however - although we try our best to take good photos, please note that the colors don't always correspond to the reality. Photos may at times make the works look more 'orange', so please be patient with us until we figure how to use our camera!

Now, back to our Wood Graining and Imitation Marble course - we've only got two weeks and a half left for this class. It's unbelievable how time flies! One thing is certain, I am very pleased with the way my students have progressed since the beginning of the course.

Here are photos showing some of the subjects covered in class:

Yellow Sienna, Mahogany and Sea Green with Griotte.
Enjoy!

Michel doing a demo on Yellow Sienna

Yellow Sienna panel by Michel Nadaï

Students taking down notes during Michel's demo

Michel doing a demo on Mahogany

Michel with Pascale

Mahogany by Michel Nadaï

Michel doing a demo on Sea Green marble

Michel with Veronica, from Finland

Michel doing a demo on the Sea Green marble

Michel's Sea Green and Red Griotte panel

Oak and Portor

2009-10-28T20:18:00.018+01:00

This week we're back with more photos from our Wood Graining and Imitation Marble class. The heart grain, the silver grain and straight grain of oak as well as the portor marble were among the subjects covered in class.

Students' panels

;

Michel making a demo on the heart grain, silver
grain and straight grain of oak

Michel showing the correct way of using the steel comb

Michel's overglazed oak panel

Michel making a demo on the portor marble

Michel explaining the structure of the portor marble

Michel making another demo on the portor marble

Michel Nadaï's overglazed portor panel

Close up of Michel's overglazed portor panel

Graining Olympix in Blackburn

2009-10-21T15:59:00.023+02:00

This week we're going to post some photos taken during the Graining Olympix, which was held in Blackburn on October 17th and 18th. My wife, Kyoko, and I flew into Manchester on Friday night to attend this event. Then, as we had class on Monday morning, we flew back on Sunday evening.

It was a wonderful event, during which I was very happy to meet my decorative painter friends and colleagues, as well as make new friends. A big hand to John Flemming and Terry Taylor for organizing this successful event. At the exhibition I was very impressed and inspired by the outstanding works that were displayed.

Thank you John Flemming and Terry Taylor for organizing this wonderful and inspiring event! We look forward to attending next year's event!

Close up of panel by Michel Nadai

Trompe-l'oeil molding over Rouge Languedoc

John Flemming showing examples of graining to Michel

John Flemming, Michel Nadai and Marina Hughes

John Flemming, Steve Flemming, Michel Nadai, Marina Hughes, and Jason

Michel answering to a question on moldings

Michel painting a trompe-l'oeil molding over Rouge Languedoc
while people were looking at his other works

Photo time!

Terry Taylor and Michel Nadai

With John Flemming

Close up of trompe-l'oeil by Michel Nadai

The collaboration piece for Salon of Bergamo
by the Dream Team (Benji, Michel and Gert-Jan)

Our friend from Holland, Gert-Jan Njisse

Our friend Benjamin Craig

Michel with our friends Jan and Chantal Lhermytte of Ideefiks,
of Belgium

Graining doors

The fabulous works of Tommy Valentine

;

The famous grained door with violin by Tommy Valentine

People watching Michel doing a demo

Michel during the event

Opening of event

Opening speech by Peter Banks

The organizers, John Flemming and Terry Taylor

Rouge Languedoc marble

2009-10-14T10:48:00.018+02:00

Here are some more photos taken during the Wood graining and Imitation marble course at Atelier Nadaï.

Students watching Michel add the final touches to the Rouge Languedoc marble

Rouge Languedoc by Michel

Close up the Rouge Languedoc by Michel

WOOD GRAINING AND IMITATION MARBLE

2009-10-07T16:40:00.023+02:00

Here are some photos taken during the wood graining and faux marble course . This class is Module I of the Decorative Painter's Complete course, and can be taken individually or as part of the complete course package.

Michel doing a demo on the 'groundwork of white veined marble'

Michel showing how to do the overglaze of the white veined marble

The finished white veined marble

Start of a new 'season' at Atelier Nadaï

2009-09-18T12:52:00.021+02:00

The month of September is known as 'la rentrée' in France, when kids go back to school, and people go back to work after the summer break. It's basically the start of a new season.

At Atelier Nadaï, we also have 'la rentrée' at the end of September, when our school 'reopens' with its annual fall/winter curriculum, 'The Decorative Painter's Complete Course'.

This comprehensive course comprises an in-depth and intensive training in the European techniques of decorative painting - a real must for all serious decorative painters.

To begin with, this program is composed of 3 Modules, which can be taken individually or as a complete course package.

The first Module is the Wood Graining and Faux marble class. 8 weeks of class, with a total of 280 hours (35 per week). Like all the other modules, this is a full-time class, packed with information, training and techniques.

More photos taken during the Master Classes

2009-08-19T09:14:00.022+02:00

Here are few more photos taken during the Master Class I and Master Class II.

We're still trying to figure out how to include photos in our posts, without having them go all over the place. Mmm...not so easy!

Voila ('here you go' in French)!

.Master Class I

Students watching as Michel does demo

Taping time!

Michel doing a demo

Trompe-l'oeil molding and ornaments
over root of oak, by Michel Nadaï

Master Class II

Michel working on his sarrancolin panel

Pierre showing photos of real marble

Pierre Lefumat's panels.
From front to back: Onyx, Breche Medicis, Sarrancolin

Students working on their onyx marble

Students at work

From left to right: Kyoko, Michel, Naomi, Pierre Lefumat
Back left to right: Patricia, Miguel, Kjeld, Rob, Gert-Jan and Bill. Bravo for your excellent work
and thanks for the wonderful time spent together!

Welcome to our blog!

2009-08-18T21:05:00.012+02:00

Welcome to Atelier Nadaï's blog!

It is our pleasure to communicate with you through this blog! We are still 'new' to this tool so please be patient with us as we learn how to use it, hopefully without making too many embarrassing mistakes! I'm actually saying 'we' because this blog was created by my wife Kyoko, in English, as another means of communicating and informing the world about what we do. So, even if the posts are in my name, Kyoko is writing on my behalf.

We will inaugurate this very first post, by writing about the two wonderful master classes that took place in July, in our studio here in the southwest of France.

The first, Master Class I - Advanced Trompe-l'oeil, was a 2-week intensive and in-depth class on trompe-l'oeil. For this class, I had students work on beautiful moldings and ornaments of style over a background of grained wood, which incidentally was root of oak. So, this class was not only on trompe-l'oeil, but also on how to grain this complex root of oak. A wonderful challenge for all the participants who did a great job. This group was composed of American, Dutch and French students all of whom were professionals with many years of experience. Not only were they serious at what they did, they were also lots of fun to teach to. A big thank you to all of you!

The second, Master Class II - Advanced Marble, was a 2-week intensive and in-depth class on imitation marble. For this class, we had the great honor of receiving our dear friend and world renown Master, Pierre Lefumat. Sarrancolin, Green Onyx of Mexico and Breche Medicis were on the agenda for this great class. Pierre Lefumat, as always, amazed us all with his skills and his patience in teaching. We were again blessed by a wonderful group, which this time consisted of American, Danish, Dutch, French and Japanese students. A real international set of students, who like the first group were very serious but also lots of fun. A big thank you to you too!