A gold-backed lily in three hours. In Andrea’s Florence studio, you’ll create a Florentine lily from scratch using traditional techniques, then take the finished artwork home.

I love the hands-on process—gilding and tempera in a real working studio—and I love that it ends with a souvenir you made yourself, not just something bought.

One heads-up: this is a studio class, so it’s not time outdoors or a walking “see-the-sights” experience.

Key highlights to know

• Gold foil gilding: You’ll place gold foil and then remove it only inside the lily edges for a glowing background.
• A guided, step-by-step workflow: Andrea teaches each stage before you move to the next one.
• Small group setting: Limited to 4 participants, so you’re not lost in the crowd.
• Beginner-friendly: No prior art experience is required.
• Take-home masterpiece: You leave with the painting you created.

Why a Florentine Lily Painting Class Works in a City of Art

Florence can be a lot at once. The churches. The museums. The crowds. This class gives you a different angle: instead of looking at art, you practice the kind of making that built Florence’s visual language.

The star here is the Florentine lily, a symbol that shows up again and again around the city. You won’t just copy a pretty picture—you’ll follow a clear sequence of traditional methods, from shaping the lily to adding gold to finishing with color. That’s why this feels like a real souvenir. It’s personal. It’s physical. And it turns your trip into a story you can hold.

There’s also something calming about the pace. For three hours, you focus on one subject, one technique chain, and the steady guidance of Andrea, who has 25 years of experience. One of the best compliments people can give a class is that they leave relaxed—and here, that’s the vibe: you’re kept moving, but you’re not pressured.

Meet Andrea in His 3rd-Floor Studio (22 Via Enrico Petrella)

Your meeting point is straightforward: 22 Via Enrico Petrella, buzz the doorbell for Bacalini, and Andrea will let you in. The studio is on the third floor, and there’s an elevator, which makes getting there easier than many “old building” locations in Florence.

Because the class is small (up to 4 participants), this is the rare activity where you’re not fighting for attention right when you arrive. You can ask questions early and settle in.

Also, you’ll appreciate the language setup. Andrea teaches in English, Spanish, and Italian, so you’re more likely to get the fine details of each step, not just the general idea. That matters most during techniques like gilding and tracing, where the exact sequence influences the outcome.

The class ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t have to plan a complicated second location. You can pair this with museum time either before or after.

The 3-Hour Process: Carving, Dusting, Gilding, Tempera Color

This is the real heart of the experience. The class is built like a mini workshop: you learn the “why,” then you do the “how,” step by step.

First, Andrea explains the origin of the painting techniques you’ll use and reviews the materials. You’ll see how each tool plays a role. Then you start shaping your lily.

You begin by using a small prop to carve the lily shape directly onto your canvas. Next comes dusting: you trace the shape using the dusting technique. After that, you’ll connect the design using pencil—joining the dots that form the image. It’s a practical way to get a clean outline without needing advanced drawing skills.

Then the fun part: gilding. You’ll work with gold foil. The method is simple to describe but satisfying to see done: you place gold foil on your painting, and then you remove it only within the edges of the lily design. That “lift-out” step creates the look of a gold background with the lily clearly defined by the edges you’ve prepared.

Finally, you choose the color you want for your lily and apply it using the tempera painting technique. Tempera is forgiving for beginners because it lets you build color in a controlled way. You’re not expected to be an artist by the door; you’re expected to follow a process and make choices.

By the end, your painting is ready to take home. The result isn’t just decorative. It’s proof you learned the sequence—carving, tracing, gilding, then coloring—rather than just sitting and watching.

What You’ll Make: Your Customized Florentine Lily Souvenir

The point of a workshop is the end product, and here you get one that actually feels like it belongs in your trip photos and your home.

Your painting is customized in two main ways. First, you choose the color for your lily. Second, the final look reflects your own execution of the steps, especially the gilding edge work and the way your lily emerges against the gold. Even if your starting drawing is simple, the gold-background effect creates that unmistakable “Florence” look.

And because you created it in a local studio with guided instruction, it carries more meaning than a mass-produced postcard frame. It’s a gift you can give without worrying it’s generic. People tend to react well to something that looks like traditional technique, but was made by hand.

If you like souvenirs that don’t just take up space, this is the kind that earns a spot. It’s art you participate in, not an item you passively acquire.

Price and What You Actually Get for $141.61

Let’s talk value, because the price—$141.61 per person for a 3-hour class—can look steep if you compare it to a basic “craft” workshop. But you’re not just buying instruction. You’re buying a materials-and-process package that includes everything you need to finish.

What’s included:

• All materials and tools: canvas, pencils, brushes, glue, tempera, paints, props, and gold foil
• A full 3-hour interactive class with step-by-step guidance
• Your painting to take home

That combination changes the math. Gold foil and the tools for working it aren’t just a tiny add-on. They require preparation and careful handling, which is why having a teacher who can guide the technique matters. Here, Andrea leads the steps and keeps you from stumbling at the exact moment something can go wrong—like where the foil removal edges land.

Also, the group size (limited to 4) improves the value. With fewer people, the instruction is more personal. You’re more likely to understand what you’re doing before you’re asked to do it.

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys one “hands-on” experience over buying five smaller souvenirs, this price starts to make sense fast.

Small Group, No Art Skills Needed: Who This Fits Best

One of the best parts of this class is that it doesn’t assume you’re artistic. The activity is suitable for everyone, and you don’t need any prior skill or experience to try it.

That’s important because gilding can sound intimidating. In practice, the class turns it into a sequence of doable steps. You’re not expected to freestyle. You’re expected to follow the workflow Andrea teaches.

This is also ideal for:

• People who want a quieter activity during a busy Florence itinerary
• Travelers who like structured experiences with a clear outcome
• Anyone hoping to learn traditional techniques, not just make something pretty
• Couples or small groups who want a shared activity with a concrete result

There’s one age consideration: it’s not suitable for children under 10. If you’re traveling with a younger kid, you’ll need to plan a different activity.

Tips for Looking Sharp During Gilding (and Staying Comfortable)

Even with clear instruction, you’ll be doing hands-on work. So come ready to get a little involved.

Wear something comfortable that you don’t mind potentially getting small stains on. The class includes glue, tempera, and the whole gold foil stage—so treat it like a studio day, not a sightseeing day in your best outfit.

Plan your day with a bit of breathing room. Because it’s a 3-hour class, you’ll want to avoid rushing to another appointment immediately afterward. You’ll probably want time to pack your painting safely once you’re done.

Also, bring your patience. One of the most helpful things Andrea brings to the table is encouragement paired with clear teaching. That combination helps when you hit the moments that can feel technical—like tracing the lily steps and managing the gilding removal edges. If you feel unsure, it’s normal. The class is built to walk you through it.

And because the languages offered are English, Spanish, and Italian, you can relax knowing you’re not likely to be stuck translating basics on the fly.

Booking Timing and Practical Planning

The activity runs for 3 hours, with starting times depending on availability. That’s useful if you want to schedule it around your museum hours or pick a time when Florence feels less chaotic.

You’ll also like the flexibility options: free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s a reserve now & pay later option. That helps if you’re still juggling flight changes or deciding between two possible activities.

Should You Book This Studio Class?

Book it if you want a Florence experience that’s hands-on, guided, and actually leaves you with something meaningful. The combination of traditional steps—carving and dusting, then gold foil gilding, then tempera color—makes this feel more like learning a craft than doing a simple souvenir project.

Skip it if you’re only interested in outdoor sightseeing or you want a tour with multiple locations and views. This is purpose-built for the studio. You’ll trade street scenes for focused making, which is great when you want a break from walking all day.

If you’re traveling with friends who enjoy arts and want a shared activity that ends in a take-home masterpiece, this is a strong choice. And if you’re traveling solo, the small group format (up to 4) helps you feel included instead of awkwardly waiting your turn.

FAQ

How long is the Florence painting experience?

The class lasts 3 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $141.61 per person.

Where do I meet Andrea?

You meet at 22 Via Enrico Petrella. Buzz the doorbell labeled Bacalini, and Andrea will open the door.

Is the studio hard to reach?

The studio is on the third floor, and it has an elevator.

What will I create during the class?

You’ll create a customized Florentine lily painting, including a gold background using a gilding technique.

What techniques do you learn?

You’ll learn how to carve the lily shape on the canvas, use a dusting technique, outline the image with pencil dots, apply gold foil using gilding, and finish with tempera painting in a color of your choice.

Do I need prior art experience?

No. The experience is suitable for everyone and you do not need any prior skill or experience.

Is it suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 10.

What languages are available?

Andrea teaches in English, Spanish, and Italian.