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About Our Venetian Plaster Classes

Welcome to Picasso School of Venetian Plastering and our Venetian Plastering Course!

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Whether you are just starting out or looking to add a high-demand specialty to an already established trade, our Venetian plaster classes, Venetian plaster training, and Venetian plaster courses are designed to meet you where you are. We welcome students from all backgrounds and experience levels, including beginners, professional painters, drywall finishers, wallpaper hangers, and licensed contractors from across the United States and around the world.

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Our training center and showroom is based in Stuart, Florida, making it easy to reach from virtually anywhere.

We are located just 35 minutes from West Palm Beach International Airport and 55 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, so planning your trip is straightforward no matter where you are traveling from. Students regularly come to us from across the country and internationally, drawn by the quality of instruction, the depth of the curriculum, and the reputation of our founder and lead instructor, Bill O'Malia.

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If you are ready to learn one of the most sought-after decorative finishing skills in the industry, you are in the right place.

Picture of Bill Smiling
Image by Wolfgang Hasselmann

Hello, my name is Bill.
 

Are you a beginner, professional drywall finisher, house painter, plasterer, or a wallpaper hanger that would like to take your skills to the next level offering your clients additional services​ creating beautiful Italian finishes and would you like to boost your income?

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My job is to take you there and teach you several different hands on techniques in Contemporary, Mediterranean, Tuscan, Old World & Abstract finishes working with different tools and materials imported from Italy.

 

My goal is to make sure you feel confident at the end of your Venetian Plaster course and that you are ready to start doing some of the finishes you learned right away in class.

Image by Wolfgang Hasselmann

Our Showroom & Training Center

Picasso School of Venetian Plastering is proud to operate a state-of-the-art showroom and training center in Stuart, Florida. This fully equipped facility was purpose-built to give students the best possible learning environment, with everything they need to practice authentic Venetian plaster techniques and decorative Italian finishes under one roof.


Our location is easily accessible for students traveling from anywhere in the country or abroad. We are approximately 35 minutes from West Palm Beach International Airport and 55 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, making Stuart a convenient destination no matter where your journey begins.


We invite you to visit, ask questions, and see the facility for yourself. Our team is happy to walk you through class options, upcoming schedules, and everything you can expect from your training experience.


Picasso School of Venetian Plastering
7809 SW Ellipse Way #D-17
Stuart, FL 34997
(954) 397-3107

Image by Wolfgang Hasselmann
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Venetian Plaster Classes, Training, Courses & Lessons

Our Venetian plaster classes, workshops, and training courses are designed to serve a wide range of students, from first-time beginners to seasoned trade professionals ready to expand their service offerings. We work with professional drywall tapers, painters, wallpaper hangers, plasterers, and general contractors, as well as painting and drywall companies looking to diversify their business and increase revenue. Hotels and hospitality organizations also benefit from our training programs by equipping their in-house staff with the skills to handle decorative Italian finishes, eliminating the ongoing cost of hiring outside specialty contractors.

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Professional Trades Ready to Expand Their Skills and Boost Their Income

If you are a painter, plasterer, drywall finisher, general contractor, or wallpaper hanger and you are not currently offering Venetian plaster and decorative finishes to your clients, you are leaving significant money on the table. The demand for high-end decorative wall finishes continues to grow, and professionals who can deliver these results command premium pricing. The good news is that you already have the foundational skills. Our training builds on what you know and takes you into a specialty that sets you apart from the competition.


At Picasso School of Venetian Plastering, you will master a variety of stunning finishes using authentic materials imported directly from Italy. From classic Venetian plaster to sophisticated decorative Italian techniques, every finish you learn opens a new door to higher-value work and a stronger bottom line. The investment you make in training here has the potential to pay for itself many times over with your very first project.

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What You Can Expect From Our Classes

A Better Way to Learn — Professional Sample Boards Built for Real-World Use


At Picasso School of Venetian Plastering, every detail of the learning experience has been thought through, including the tools you practice on. Unlike most Venetian plaster schools that have students work on heavy, thick wooden sample boards that are costly and cumbersome to ship home, we use lightweight PVC foam boards measuring just 1/8 inch thick and 18 by 26 inches. These professional-grade boards are easy to transport in a standard artist's briefcase available at any Michaels or Hobby Lobby, and they are durable enough to hold up for years of use as client presentation pieces.


The decision to invest in higher-quality sample boards comes down to one thing: the impression they make. When you sit down with a potential client and pull out a clean, polished set of finish samples, the quality of your presentation boards reflects the quality of your work. These boards look sharp, travel well, and make shipping home far more affordable for out-of-state students.


A Comprehensive Curriculum Covering the Most In-Demand Finishes


Throughout your training you will learn to apply a wide range of Venetian plaster and decorative Italian finishes, including Contemporary, Old World, Mediterranean, Tuscan, Modern, and Abstract styles, as well as stunning metallic finishes that replicate the look of mother of pearl and silk. Many of these finishes can be learned quickly and confidently, meaning you can realistically begin marketing them to clients as soon as you return home.


Other finishes in the curriculum require a deeper level of practice before you will feel ready to offer them professionally, and that is perfectly normal. The beauty of working on sample boards is that you can continue practicing at home, even on the walls of your own house, until your confidence matches your skill.


At the close of each training day, every sample board you have created is reviewed together. You will document all the steps and materials used directly on the back of each board, giving you a detailed, permanent reference you can rely on for every future project. Nothing is left to memory.


What You Will Learn


Hands-on preparation and surface readiness, Abstract finishes, Venetian plaster and marble finishes, Marmorino and Travertino finishes, Custom hand-finished textures, Polishing and burnishing techniques, Decorative metallic finishes, and much more.


While mastering these techniques on sample boards is an excellent foundation, stepping onto a real wall or ceiling for the first time is a different experience entirely. Bill's detailed, practical instruction ensures you leave training not just technically capable, but genuinely prepared for the real work ahead.

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Materials & Tools

Picasso School of Venetian Plastering is pleased to work with The Decora Company & Eco Wall Coatings that are distributors in the USA that sell Venetian Plaster, Decorative Materials & Tools. Their products are top of the line imported from Italy from San Marco & Nova Color. 

EcoWall Coatings Logo

Founded in 2011 by Raymond Hoafat, together with his wife Marilyn and son Ray Ray, Eco Wall Coatings was built on a simple but powerful vision: to provide the highest quality Italian plasters while delivering exceptional service and professionalism.

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Learn More >>>

The Decora Company Logo

The Decora Company LLC is part of the larger Decora Group, which carries out decoration work and material supply in more than ten countries.  We have worked with world renowned clients such as Wynn, Venetian, MGM, Disney, Marriott, Starwood Group, Credit Suisse and many others. 

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Learn More >>>

Are You Ready to Expand Your Skills?

Private Venetian Plaster Training — A Personalized Path to Mastery

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For students who want a deeper, more focused learning experience, our exclusive private Venetian plaster training course offers an unmatched level of personal instruction and one-on-one attention. If you have ever felt that a large group class setting moves too fast or does not allow enough time to truly absorb what you are learning, this course was designed with you in mind.

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Strictly Limited to Three Students

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This private Venetian plaster course is intentionally restricted to just three students, ensuring that every participant receives Bill's full attention throughout the entire five days. There are no distractions, no waiting your turn, and no one-size-fits-all instruction. The curriculum is tailored to your experience level, your learning pace, and the specific skills you want to walk away with. This is hands-on, in-depth Venetian plaster training at its most effective.

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Learning That Goes Far Beyond the Classroom

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From the very first day, Bill documents your progress through photos and videos so you can see exactly how you are applying finishes and working with the tools. You will also be encouraged to capture video of Bill demonstrating the same techniques, giving you a direct side-by-side comparison that accelerates your understanding and helps you self-correct with precision. These videos become an invaluable personal reference library you can revisit long after the course is complete, helping you identify areas for refinement and reinforcing everything you learned.

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Bill will also walk you through how to bid jobs as you are starting out, taking the guesswork and stress out of pricing your work so you can approach your first clients with confidence.

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Support That Never Stops

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What truly sets this private course apart is what happens after you leave. Unlike most schools where your education ends the moment the course wraps up, Bill remains a resource for every student long after training is complete. He has dedicated countless hours over the past decade supporting former students with technique questions, project guidance, and professional advice whenever they need it. Many students from years ago still reach out regularly, and Bill is always available to help. That level of ongoing commitment is rare in this industry, and it is a cornerstone of what makes Picasso School of Venetian Plastering worth every dollar.

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When you invest in private training here, you are not just paying for five days of instruction. You are gaining a long-term mentor who is genuinely invested in your success.

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5-day Venetian plaster course. Limited to 3 Students | Personalized Instruction | Ongoing Support Included.

Special promotion normally $3,500.00. Sale price now $2,800.00. $700.00 Savings​

Call Today before the Course is Sold out.

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Click onto the class schedule to see other class specials and prices.

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Class Pricing

Questions?

Throughout the years, I have built a strong relationship with many of my students who often share their work with me. They feel that they can rely on my support whenever is needed, a level of assistance that is often missing in most schools. It is incredibly fulfilling to observe their growth after I have guided them and as I notice their ongoing progress. They also appreciate the assurance that I will always be available to help them.

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Enroll in our Venetian plaster courses now by calling  954-397-3107  or complete the inquiry form below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended number of training days I should complete?
I highly recommend the 5-day Venetian class to enhance your learning experience. The additional days of training will introduce you to more unique finishes refine your skills, and help you earn extra income when you return home.

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Many students that attended my 3 or 4-day Venetian plaster course expressed that they should have chosen the 5-day option, as they really enjoyed working with the diverse materials imported from Italy.

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This extended format offers in-depth insights and ample practice time in the studio with your preferred finishes.
 
All of my students that took the 5-day Venetian plaster course told me it was a good thing they selected the few extra days of training because it takes about 3 days till they start feeling more comfortable working with the tools and applying the different materials. 

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At my School, even beginners will learn intermediate and advanced finishes, while professionals it will elevate your skills to new heights and it will allow you to make a lot more money.

Upon completing the Venetian plaster course, beginners will receive their Certification. For more information about the Venetian plaster classes, feel free to reach out to Bill (954) 397-3107.

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What factors contribute to the lower prices from other Schools that provide Venetian Plaster Classes?

Their main objective is to enroll you in their class so they can sell you their materials and tools, allowing them to offer you their classes at a much lower price because they are mostly distributing companies and that is their main focus is to sell you products.

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On the other hand, my company does not sell products or tools; I obtain my materials from the companies listed above, and you'll receive a discount when you mention my company if you decide to purchase their materials & tools.

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What differentiates my School is that you are my Number 1 priority and i am dedicated to providing you with comprehensive education and sharing the expertise I've gained from over the years of creating elegant finishes.

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My goal is to surpass your expectations with exceptional training, ensuring that by end of my Venetian plaster course, you feel confident and be ready to start earning money immediately.

Please know that teaching these classes is not my main source of income; my primary earnings come from applying beautiful finishes in my clients homes, commercial spaces & hotels.

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I offer Venetian plaster classes in-between my work schedule because I genuinely enjoy making a difference in people's lives passing on my knowledge to my students with the finishes i have learned and have created over the years.

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What are we learning in the class?
1. Preparation

2. Hands On Training

3. Faux Finishing

4. Venetian Plastering

5. Custom Hand Finished Textures

6. Creating elegant, unique finishes with different materials and tools.

7.  Polishing, burnishing

8. Working with Decorative Metallic Finishes

9. Marmorino and Travertino Finishes

10. You will learn Contemporary, Modern, Mediterranean, Old World, Tuscan, Spanish and Abstract Finishes in several different decorative materials and Venetian Plaster lime products.


What kind of clothes should I wear or bring for class?
Comfortable shoes, no flip flops or open footwear, work clothes you will not mind getting dirty because you will get dirty. Bring a change of clothes if you like to protect your seats in your vehicle and be more comfortable when you leave. I have a nice clean restroom. Please bring a Notebook because you will be taking a lot of notes.


What is included in the Class?
Coffee, tea, juice, pastries, soft drinks, water, and snacks during the day. All the sample boards and materials you will be working with, and the tools will be signed out and returned at the end of each day.
 

Lunch is not included but you are more than welcome to bring your own and put it in the refrigerator or feel free to go out for lunch because some people have only certain foods they like to eat.


Who should attend?
The classes are designed for everyone, homeowners, decorative painters, drywall finishers, plasterers, and artists.


Why is your School and Classes different from others?
I am a perfectionist and I always go beyond my client and students’ expectations. I tell everyone that I hope you have thick skin because if I see you are not doing something right after I have explained and showed you in detail, I will let you know over and over if you are doing it wrong. Will you yell at me? Of course not. 😜

 

I put my heart into my work and training, and I want you to leave feeling excited and looking forward to getting back home and start ordering materials and tools and practice more and even take on some jobs right away with some of the finishes I will teach you so you can start making money right away.


Can I bring a friend?

Yes, if they are paying for the training.

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