Here’s what our former students have to say about Aaron Cohen and Stucco Italiano.

Erika Bartlett
Bellingham, WA
September 2008: “I am writing to extend my warmest thanks for my experience in the Venetian Plastering class held in late August. I learned so much from our three days working– not only from Aaron’s instruction, but also from my classmates. I would definitely recommend this class to anyone. Also, as a student with a bit less experience, I felt completely comfortable. Everyone was really approachable. I will keep in touch as to my progress. Thank you again!”

Grant Johnson (A.K.A. MUDMAN)
Cawston, B.C. Canada
June 2008: “Really enjoyed the session. Look forward to other events.Got a great job next with lots of variety for using the various plasters. Will have to keep you posted.
Two showers, tub (tadelakt), kitchen, and feature living area, fireplace. Again. Many thanks to everyone for feeling at home.”

Elodie McGuirk
Azusa, CA

May 2008: “I wanted to thank you for your wonderful authentic Venetian plaster products as well as the recommendation of Pavel to do work for       us.” He did a beautiful job putting the plaster finish on our fireplace as well as fauxing in the woodgrain on our garage doors. I will forward photos of    both as soon as the house has its furnishings in it. It will be a pleasure to endorse and recommend your products as well as Pavel’s work to our friends and neighbors. I have already told our decorator about you both. We are hoping other work will come Pavel’s way when folks see what he can do. My husband applied your Intonachino plaster to our range hood and it looks fabulous as well. Just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with the authentic Venetian plaster in our home.”

Jim Johnson
Coquitlam B.C. Canada
May 2008: “I attended the class you ran at Pac West on Friday and Saturday (May 2nd and 3rd).” I enjoyed your class very much and I finished off my boards at home when they dried. They came out looking very good. I found it very interesting learning the techniques and seeing the attractive finishes that can be achieved.”

Loni Clifford
Malaga, WA
April 2008: “I loved your class, your energy, your talent, your patience and your willingness to teach. Thank you.”

Scott Edwards
Salmon, ID
February 2008: “New stuff, new people. Learning things I knew nothing about.”

Alison Zaca
McKenna, WA
February 2008: “I felt that the class was well rounded. I am a novice and I found the instruction easy to follow. I am new at this, so I appreciated how patient the instruction was and the encouragement.”

David Gibson
Coeur D’alene, ID
November 2007: “A great class. A lot of hands on. Professional yet personal.”

Cindy Amos, Decorative Painter
Seattle, Washington
December 2006: “I have had my own business for a few years, focusing mainly on color planning and faux painting with various paint techniques. I wanted to take things to the next level, so learning about plaster finishes and new materials and techniques would benefit my business, as well as add more interest and variety to the body of work I do.

Aaron’s class did not disappoint. Not only did we have over 20 finished, professional samples to add to my portfolio, but we were working the whole time, making good use of the week. The instruction was organized, fully explained and easy to understand and follow. The work room was spacious and well equipped, facilitating a creative environment. Aaron is very knowledgeable about his product and his craft. It was a joy to spend the week with him and now consider him a good resource for products and information. I would encourage those wishing to learn architectural finishes to consider investing in a week with Aaron.”
Mary C. Engel-Bader, How Great Thou Art Finishing Studio
Albuquerque, New Mexico
September 2006: “As a contractor in California and now in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I have taken several classes from leading artists in the field of decorative painting, fine finishes, textures and murals. I found Aaron’s instructional style to be most helpful, creating a true learning environment. Aaron was fully prepared for the class; for example, he had all the materials, product and supporting documents for us to follow, which allowed us to move along at a comfortable and confident pace.
Aaron was patient and never jumped too far ahead until all students were ready. This created an atmosphere of calmness, which is needed when striving to learn so many finishes in just a few days. There were a couple of students with almost no prior finishing experience, and I was impressed at Aaron’s ability to work with the different levels of students.
Aaron’s knowledge of each product that was used and real-world experience in the field allowed students to ask questions regarding product information, technical business operations and application techniques.”

Lita Jans
Ashland, Oregon
September 2006: “Thanks for the fabulous class this past week. You taught us so much in a short period of time. Please tell Kay Lynn, Chris and Paul thanks for me, too. You all work together as a great team.
I have been showing my samples to friends and family. The most enthusiastic response yet came from my 16 year old daughter and her friend. They aren’t afraid of some exuberant color. (And if they hadn’t liked them, I know they would have dissed them just as vigorously. But they loved ‘em. The wilder the better.)
Thanks a bunch!”

Julie Kirk, Decorative Finisher
La Quinta, California
September 2006: “I enjoyed the class so much!! You did a great job teaching; God knows it’s not easy!”

Cassandra Wallstrum, Architectural Finishes
San Diego, California
September 2006: “I just wanted to thank you for the awesome class, and let you know I truly think you are one of the best teachers I have had… and I’ve had a few… You made every one feel very comfortable and at ease with the product… Teaching is truly an art and you’ve got it.”

Shannon Kaye, Decorative Painter
San Francisco, California
August 2004: “Thanks so much for the time and attention you gave to the Architectural Wall Finishing class in Seattle.
I especially appreciate your willingness to share tips and suggestions based on your own professional experience.
The product training and advice for actual job site situations was invaluable. I feel confident and excited about recreating these finishes for my clients. Oh, and lunches were great too!
www.shannonkaye.com
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