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Faux Painting Schools-Certified by Whom?
Do you want to become a certified faux painter or are perhaps considering hiring one? It may be interesting to note that there are Certified Decorative Painters and then there is everyone else. If the training was at a faux painting school in the United States and a certificate was awarded, then this is almost certainly a certificate of completion. Many of these faux painting schools offer high quality training and produce very capable faux painters. However, the outstanding title of "Certified Decorative Painter" will not be achieved by the vast majority of these faux painters. This coveted title can only be achieved by those demonstrating mastery of decorative painting in Europe. England and France are both notable countries for producing Certified Decorative Painters.
In Europe, a decorative painting apprentice will study all aspects of the art form under the tutelage of a master. It requires many years of devoted study to become prepared for the rigorous testing process that is required to obtain a certification or mastery. This period of study is rarely completed by an apprentice in less than seven years. The success or failure of a prospective apprentice reflects directly on the master. Rigorous preparations must be made to meet the high standards required for certification. The utmost is craftsmanship must be met with an undying devotion and love for the art. Drive and determination must be met with a mastery of techniques and skills, a comprehensive knowledge of tools and materials as well as experience and expertise for real world applications.
National Certification for Decorative Painters is not possible in the United States. Very few faux finish painters here in the US have or will ever achieve a Certificate of Mastery for Decorative Painting in Europe . Honor and admiration are due to the few individuals that have achieved this accomplishment. Does this reflect poorly on our home grown faux painters? Not really. Qualified artists abound, as do novice painters attempting to be professionals. Discretion should be used in considering the value of a certificate from a faux painting school. As in any trade, a higher value should be placed on a portfolio of completed work and references from satisfied clients. A fancy piece of paper is just a fancy piece of paper, no matter how impressive it may appear.
As for the potential student, a certificate of completion from a good faux painting school will look nice on the wall but will not substitute a quality education. The certificate may well get you in the door of a client but the results of your expertise will speak much more loudly. Many of the best artists never went to a formal school. They have taught themselves the craft and have earned real world experience and respect. In fact, a number of these artists have opened their own schools and now share their unique knowledge as masters in their own right. Certificate or not.
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