Carolina d'Ayala Valva photo
Grotesque-is defined as the decorative art of combining human and animal forms with scrollwork and foliage. Like stringing pearls- urns, acanthus leaves, cherubs and other fanciful designs are stacked in a linear design or expanded horizontally knitted together through scrollwork. The work of Carolina d'Ayala Valva is synonymous with grottesca... and her vibrant colors are achieved through the use of egg tempera paint.
Carolina d'Ayala Valva
Carolina was born in Italy, but grew up in Brazil. She eventually ended up back in Italy where she and husband Valter Cipriani have an atelier, L'Artelier, located in the center of Rome.
Carolina d'Ayala Valva photo
Can't make it to Rome? Carolina will teach an intense four day workshop at Vigini Studios in San Antonio Nov. 8-11. Nicola and Leslie Vigini are opening their studio for this wonderful event!
Carolina d'Ayala Valva photo
Her attention to detailed shading and use of layered tempera takes her work to a master level.
d'Ayala photo
Carolina's work is now available in book form!
She will be signing copies the night before the workshop begins.
Art+Works photo
A timeless technique, this is a detail from an arabesque done by 18th c artist Giovanni Volpato.
...and others carry on the tradition..Mario Bresciani of Brescia, Italy is shown building the layers of paint to create the luminous finish.
I will be attending Carolina's workshop in November and hope to bring back some of the knowledge these masters hold in their hands! A few slots are left for the workshop....want to join me?
