From a Classical Painting Studio in Florence, Italy

The Florence Atelier Journal

Portrait commission guides, collector notes, and classical art lessons from a traditional painting studio in Florence, Italy.

Guanghui Hou Classical Realist Painter & Instructor

Collecting & Commissions

For Collectors

Practical guidance for commissioning a portrait and choosing original paintings for the home.

Classical realist oil portrait painted in Florence by Guanghui Hou

Collecting & Commissions

How to Commission a Classical Oil Portrait in Florence, Italy

A clear guide to choosing the subject, size, references, presentation, and next steps for a personal portrait commission. July 2026 7 min read Read Article

Original classical still-life painting available from a Florence art studio

Collecting Original Art

How to Choose an Original Painting for Your Home

How to choose a painting by atmosphere, scale, light, framing, and the feeling you want the work to bring into a room. July 2026 6 min read Read Article

Portrait Commission Guidance

Portrait Commission Guides

Start with the complete guide, or go directly to the question most relevant to your portrait.

How to Commission an Oil Portrait Subject, format, references, private proposal, review, framing, and delivery. Oil Portraits from Photographs Choose references with useful light, expression, clarity, and character. Family Portrait Commissions Plan the people, relationships, scale, composition, clothing, and setting. Pet Portrait Commissions Preserve the expression and character of a dog, cat, horse, or companion.

Classical Art Education

For Artists & Students

Clear introductions to atelier drawing, observation, and traditional painting methods.

Academic drawing study demonstrating classical art training in Florence

Drawing & Painting Study

Classical Drawing Classes in Florence: What Students Learn

An introduction to atelier training in observation, Bargue drawing, charcoal, value, form, and the transition into oil painting. July 2026 7 min read Read Article

Classical portrait study used to explain the sight-size drawing method

Classical Technique

The Sight-Size Method: A Guide for Classical Drawing Students

A practical explanation of sight-size setup, observation distance, comparison, correction, and common student mistakes. July 2026 8 min read Read Article

Florence Studio

One practice, two ways to enter.

Collectors can discover paintings made to live with. Students can study the observation and craft behind them.

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