View and Register for available and upcoming classes here
Please send us an email (info@fauxbrushes.com) with your inquiries. Sign up for our email list to stay alert to new classes just becoming available.
Pierre Finkelstein has been teaching decorative painting techniques since 1987. He is dedicated to teaching faux finish using the latest mediums and technology available for techniques such as faux marble, woodgraining, trompe l'oeil, stenciling, gilding, patina, stonework, plaster and more.
Pierre's classes and teaching procedure
Pierre Finkelstein teaches the techniques that he uses on his own jobs in his NYC business, Grand Illusion Decorative Painting Inc. He shares his experiences with the students in an open forum and bases his information on real job site situations.
Pierre, himself, spends up to 80% of his time "on the ladder". He's happy to teach those with limited experience. His teachings are efficiency-based techniques that will make you money. Classes are usually 3-5 days long.
Faux Marble: Don't be afraid of marbleizing! Watch as Pierre simply dissects the most challenging marbles and gets fantastically believable results with fewer steps. Some examples of marbles: Black and Gold, White veined Carrara, Sea Green, Yellow Sienna, Rouge Royal, Napoleon, Yellow Flower, African Breche and Violet Breche. Make money with marble!
Woodgraining: Can you match this wood? The next time a client asks that question, you will have a better answer after completing Pierre's woodgraining demo/interactive class. See the classics: Maple, pine, mahogany, burl, and more. Don't pine over it - sign up!
Trompe l'oeil: Trick the eye even faster with Pierre's efficient striping system for faux molding or other linear projects. With the right tools, striping can be a breeze as well as stunningly believable with instruction and practice. Ornamentation is discussed during longer classes.
Pierre Finkelstein is dedicated to teaching the tradition of fine European decorative painting. His classes are designed to efficiently give a comprehensive explanation of the following elements of decorative painting:
Standard teaching procedure:
- Instruction on the correct use of color
- Correct hand positioning and hand movement with the brushes
- How to properly hold and use tools
- An explanation of the characteristics of marble types, wood essence, and all other natural finishes
- A series of drawings performed as practice exercises
- Overview of technical information including different types of glazes, (oil vs. water)
- Preparing your own glaze with any available products, (oil, acrylic, etc.)
MIDAS Metall® Applicator Training: MIDAS Metall® supports its applicators by requiring a level of training before using the 2-part, unit-based, cold-metallization system. The products must be stored, mixed, and applied in a specific and regimented way. The learning curve would be too challenging and expensive without training. MIDAS Metall® is committed and invested in the success of its applicators. Learn more here
Call for requests!
Please fill out this Survey if you are interested in Online or In Person training with Pierre Finkelstein. Please send us an email (info@fauxbrushes.com) with your requests for the specific classes and ideal location. Sign up for our email list to stay alert to new classes just becoming available.
Online Classes Available Now
Upcoming Classes
Skip to content
