Laura Thompson Frank Rekrut
Frank Rekrut and Laura Thompson began their careers in the beautiful Niagara region of Ontario, Canada. In 2010 they moved to Florence, Italy where they now have a studio in the historic centre of Florence where Frank’s great grandfather and great uncle were both sculptors.
Life in Florence, Italy provides constant inspiration through the people, the architecture, the art and the history and also allows for interaction with other artists and artisans who value the traditional approaches to their craft.
Frank and Laura are both alumni of The Florence Academy of Art and it is the academic training from life in the traditional methods and techniques combined with their 34 years of experience which has provided a solid foundation for the development of their works and for their teaching.
Most interested in exploring the human figure, Frank combines his own aesthetic with his strong academic training, the result of which is an interesting balance in a diverse variety of subjects and themes with a strong emphasis on figurative work.
Laura enjoys painting all subjects in a diversity of styles with her main focus of interest being figurative original works and portraiture.
Frank and Laura have both exhibited at The Robert F Kennedy Centre for Human Rights for their interest in seed sovereignty. They have both been finalists at international competitions including MEAM (the European Museum of Modern Art) and ARC in New York.
Frank has had the honour of having his portrait bust of Harriet Tubman at the National Historic site for the Underground Railroad in Ontario, Canada and has also recently completed a life size bronze for the Niagara District School Board for the new Harriet Tubman Public School. Frank also has a sculpture in the permanent collection of the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, Spain -MEAM.
Both of their works may be found in both public and private collections throughout Canada, USA, Italy, Spain, Russia and many other countries internationally.
Photo Gallery
Frank's work on display in the collection at MEAM (Museum of Modern Art) in Barcelona, Spain
Frank sculpting Harriet Tubman for the Harriet Tubman Public School in St.Catharines, Ontario
Frank's work featured in Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine
Frank and Laura's works featured at MEAM's International Art Competition
International Artist Magazine featured Laura's works and painting process
Fun to discuss my series of portraits of farmers from around the world for the Slow Food Movement with actor Jeremy Irons
Discussing art with one of my collectors -Matteo Renzi, former Prime Minister of Italy, at Princess Giorgiana Corsini's gardens. (see her waving in the bacground))
Student Testimonials / The FLorence Studio Reviews
Highly Recommended!
What an incredible week! I really can’t thank Laura enough. She taught me so much in such a compressed timeframe and with such passion, enthusiasm and insight. Laura answered all the questions I could have asked before I needed to ask them. She helped me spot when something wasn’t quite right - not only did her hawk eyes catch where I’d gone wrong, she could explain to me why I’d made the mistakes I had, and the skewed logic that one can recognise and correct only with years of experience.
Although I had just 6 three-hour sessions across the week, what I learned was invaluable. It was so fulfilling and joyful to paint again after such a long time. Laura is such a wonderful teacher!
I hope to have the opportunity to return to the studio for another course/project in the not too distant future.
Deborah
Great Experience
It was my birthday and my husband good-naturedly indulged me in both a sculpture class and an oil painting class. This is how we met Frank Rekrut and Laura Thompson, owners, resident artists and instructors at The Florence Studio. Laura is a gifted world renowned oil painting artist. She is also a gifted teacher. Her three hour workshop will wet your appetite to pursue oil painting. The classroom explanation on mixing colors before we stepped in front of the easels was not dry or tedious (we did have some champagne too!) but well presented and hands on. Neither of us had ever used oils and have limited art experience, especially my husband and we loved it. From there we painted our copies of the Girl with a Pearl Earring. Laura answered our questions and was very encouraging. In this light-filled, beautiful studio, I found myself wishing I could stay much, much longer under her tutelage. I would highly recommend Laura’s class and if you were ever in Florence for an extended stay, to take many classes from her. She is an amazing teacher as well as a very gracious and lovely person.
Laura’s husband Frank, is a sculptor. His great-grandfather and great uncle were sculptors in Florence as well. Frank’s works are exhibited all over the world including a life size tribute to Harriet Tubman in Canada where she brought many enslaved people to freedom. My husband (musician) and Frank immediately hit it off discussing a statue in the studio Frank had done of Neil Peart, the drummer for Rush. Like the Harriet work, it is amazing.
We set to work sculpting our 11” tall copies of the human torso. Surprisingly it was not hard to do like you would think. It totally helped that Frank, like his wife, is helpful, patient and encouraging. We had a great time and Frank even brought me out a delicious birthday doughnut with a candle. They are very kind and we felt a kinship with them. We were able to bring our sculptures back to the U.S. in our checked luggage (bubbled wrapped and carefully arranged and padded with clothing). I do want to mention Rabbit, one of the pet bunnies that quietly roam the studio spaces. Very sweet and seemed to cotton to my husband. If you are in the great Renaissance city of Florence, experience the world of art in a tangible way. These two workshops are the best. You will not be disappointed.
Best Florence Experience
Laura is just the most amazing person you will meet. Frank is equally awesome but I spent my time with Laura learning the basics of painting and it was by far the best part of my trip to Italy. You absolutely must MUST attend their sessions it’s highly informative and will inspire you to get into art. (My biggest regret is I didn’t take pictures of the place and with them :( .. sounds silly but they are by far the nicest and most interesting people ) I highly recommend buying the supplies from them as well it’s amazing quality. I’m going to come back to Italy only to attend their course for at least two weeks. BIG THANK YOU to this lovely couple for such a lovely session.
Great Teaching and Great Experience
Irini and I spent a week learning the basic techniques required for still life painting in oil. We were (are) complete beginners. Laura is a great teacher and we learnt so much (which we need to re-enforce!). She was very patient and encouraging at all steps. Laura definitely made oil painting less daunting. All in all a very, very good experience. In addition to the teaching Laura and Frank are delightful and welcoming people. They have a great set up in the heart of Florence. Thanks so much Laura and Frank!
The Best Studio!
The studio is a beautiful place and the art instructors are fantastic! It was my home in Florence during the workshop with Cesar Santos! And Laura and Frank (and the little rabbit Leo) are amazing!
Alexander
Amazing Experience
I was in Florence with my husband for a conference. I saw this 3 hour painting session and thought i would give it a try. I haven't painted for a long time and wanted to get back into it. As soon as Frank met me at the door and Laura welcomed me while she finished the class before mine, I was hooked. It felt like home, they are an amazing couple artistically and personally. I learned so much and plan to go back in the future.
A transformational experience. Really!
I somewhat reluctantly signed up for an introductory session at The Florence Studio, with the thinking that I had no visual talent but Laura Thompson's talk convinced me that I would understand things like colors, shadows, perspective while learning to paint. It was difficult for me to start as I never painted before and the sight-sizing was something brand new to me. With Laura's encouragement and teaching I got over the initial trepidation and began to actually enjoy the process which is inspiring. That was in 2017 and I took more sessions when I returned in 2018, again coming away from this family-feeling art studio with an uplifting feeling. It is not an exaggeration to say it changed my life in many ways, not the least of which was doing something that was difficult for me at the age of 75, as I never painted or sculpted in my life. The following year, 2018 I again did ten sessions and worked with Frank on sculpting and Laura on painting. Frank is an encouraging, warm and gifted teacher. I worked on a torso and a skull with Frank and came away, again, feeling uplifted. I go back to Firenze again this year, 2019 ,and I will work again at this studio, providing they have space. This is truly a must-do for an exploration into art. It widened my world and Laura was right: I DID see the world differently afterwards: shadows, perspective, colors. With two such talented artists and gifted teachers, I recommend this studio wholeheartedly. I absolutely look forward to my next sessions.
Great Experience
I've been painting for a long time and decided to take Laura's 3 hour class while in Florence. I was surprised at how much I learned and it surpassed any previous experience with an art instructor. I am thrilled that it will bring new life into my paintings and am grateful for the opportunity. I wish I could take more classes from her.
Very highly recommended
What an incredible week! I really can’t thank Laura enough. She taught me so much in such a compressed timeframe and with such passion, enthusiasm and insight. Laura answered all the questions I could have asked before I needed to ask them. She helped me spot when something wasn’t quite right - not only did her hawk eyes catch where I’d gone wrong, she could explain to me why I’d made the mistakes I had, and the skewed logic that one can recognise and correct only with years of experience.
Although I had just 6 three-hour sessions across the week, what I learned was invaluable. It was so fulfilling and joyful to paint again after such a long time. Laura is such a wonderful teacher!
I hope to have the opportunity to return to the studio for another course/project in the not too distant future.
Kristin B
Still Life Oil Painting Experience
I LOVE this studio!!! Always remember that this studio is run by two fantastic artists and one curious and adorable bunny named Leo!! I had the honor to take a workshop in Still Life Oil Painting with painter Laura Thompson and it was an awesome experience!! She is a great teacher who knows how to direct and redirect students during their learning process. She was there to offer her teaching methods and extensive knowledge as well as constructive criticism. I took a 2 week workshop. I learned the "sight size" technique, how to block and layer the painting with patience as well as how to see and create "value" when using color. In 8 sessions I completed one Still Life painting. In the two remaining days of my stay, I (and the teacher) discovered how much I had learned and was able to sketch a second still life in one day and learned to work 'alla prima' with oils - completing a second still life in my last day. Now back home in Miami, Florida I can understand better and see how I can improve my paintings. I look forward to applying my new knowledge and return again - hopefully soon - to learn more!! Thank you Laura and Frank - and of course little Leo for the warm welcome!!
Learning to sculpt
I visited three times to complete my first portrait sculpture and learn to cast it under Frank's tutelage. It has been a wonderful discovery and made for a very meaningful time for my first time in Florence. The studio is now a home from home to me as Frank and Laura welcome me with open arms, warmth, pride and Aperitivo throughout the day. And when I had a ghastly cold? I'd arrive each morning to find fresh lemons and eucalyptus honey bought just for me. I would not hesitate to recommend booking in some time at the studio with them to discover the art that lies in your finger tips under their thoughtful and professional guidance.
Our initial immersion...
LOVED this place! Cannot recommend enough.
Partner and I visited and each chose a different taster class;
sculpture and painting. Laura and Frank, the two owners who looked after us, were truly fantastic. They were kind, loving and made us so welcomed that we didn't want to leave. In fact we overstayed our allotted time by quite some way with no complaints at all. We laughed, enjoyed some drinks with food, spoke for hours and learnt something, all while making our masterpieces. We left, much wiser and content with our achievements for the day and genuinely feeling we had made friends with both Laura and Frank.
Personalised Instruction
I had 2 days in Florence and wanted to learn the basics of oil painting, the Sight-Size method, use of color, and sculpture. I thought this was a lot to ask for, and was very pleasantly surprised when Laura and Frank designed the perfect projects for me to get experience in each of these areas in such a short time (two 3-hour sessions). The instruction was very personal and targeted, so I really learned a lot. Laura and Frank were incredibly friendly and encouraging. Thanks a lot!
A Personal Art Academy Experience
Attending Laura's painting courses and Frank's sculpting classes was a refreshing experience that made me think of new ways of using artistic material and got me out seeing and exploring the beautiful city of Florence.
You have to go here!
I went with my best friend on this amazing painting holiday to The Florence Studio. I can honestly say that I loved every single minute. It wasn't just because I got to spend a week in Florence. My group were the nicest people and we all got on famously. Laura and Frank were the perfect hosts. They not only gave us fantastic facilities within which to work and organised group nights out every night to some fantastic restaurants which was great for not only the people on their own but for us all as a group. We all got to know each other so much quicker. Laura's teaching was intuitive and caring and I even came out with a pretty decent painting! I would thoroughly recommend this painting holiday. Book it today and I guarantee you will not regret it for one second.
Creative and joyful
Had a fantastic time here last year doing a still life art course. The teaching was superb, the atmosphere relaxed - we learnt so much. Laura could not have been more generous with her teaching and her patience. Her able assistant, Frank (talented sculptor and her husband) was equally charming and they both made us all feel very welcome into their home/studio - even sharing home made apple cake and prosecco. So pick up your paintbrushes and treat yourself to an art course with these lovely people. Florence is pretty good too.
Excellent tuition in the heart fo Florence
Laura is an incredible artist. She teaches oil painting in an inspiring and structured way, whilst you are surrounded in the studio by her beautiful paintings. She provides all the materials you need, so no worries about what to bring, and everything is ready for you to start each morning. Her teaching is clearly presented and she guides and supports her students towards achieving wonderful results. Everyone in the group I attended felt they had learnt a great deal, and had their own personal masterpiece to take home with them. Frank, Laura's husband, is a brilliant sculptor, but I did not have the opportunity to learn from him on this occasion. They are a lovely couple, who make you feel one of their artist family.
Painting
I was privileged to be one of the first students to study painting at the newly expanded Florence Studio in Florence, Italy. The studio was inviting with high ceilings and two large windows that opened onto the street below providing natural lighting and fresh air. We were greeted by the proprietors of this lovely environment; Laura Thompson, a painter and Frank Rekrut, a sculptor. They are two of the most magnanimous and beneficent people you will ever meet!
Easels, lighting, paints, brushes, and everything else you would need was provided. Fresh bottles of water greeted us each morning. The adjoining room provided an area for coffee, snacks and impromptu lectures or slide shows. At the end of the day, we shared our experiences, the lessons we learned, the trials and tribulations we encountered and overcame
Learning to paint in a wonderful location
The Florence studio is run by two artists Laura Thompson and her husband Frank Rekrut, Laura is a painter and Frank a sculptor, I have been on one course already and will be back in October for another. They have just expanded their studio, Both are lovely people and so talented it makes me , at least, envious. Laura is such a patient and understand teacher as is Frank (although I'm not into sculpting Yet). the location of the studio is very central. Frank and Laura will happily help to find somewhere to stay to fit your budget. Besides a great learning experience the course I was on was full of the nicest people. So if you where wanting to go solo don't hesitate, you will make friends in art.
Isabella Baldwin
10 months agoI was only able to be in Florence for the weekend and managed to book a one-day en plein air watercolour course with tutor Tom Byrne. What an INCREDIBLE experience! From the booking process through Laura who could not be more accommodating to the quality of the instructor and space. This has been the most special and incredible day, I am so lucky to have found the Florence Studio and can’t wait for a day in the future to come back. Grazie mille!
Jane V Farley
11 months agoAbsolute treasure of an art studio for workshops and classes in Florence! The very best experience!! Thank you Laura and Frank! See you again soon!
A Must-Do Florence Experience!
Shellie_J, Sep 2022
Frank and Laura are not only incredible artists but beautiful people, we were blessed with the opportunity to learn from them.
An amazing experience!
What a perfect experience. I cannot promote this experience enough, Laura and Frank (and Leo the rabbit) are so welcoming and incredibly talented people. The painting class gives you everything you need to start your painting journey, and is in such a fabulous location.
Hannah_A,
Baylee_Y, Nov 2019
They are able to meet the needs of any experience level. Lots of individual attention. Excellent instruction! Was a Wonderful Experience!
Outstanding Barbara B, Oct 2019 I throughly enjoyed this experience. Such a great instructor and host. I really enjoyed being in the studio. Thank you so much for the warm reception and teaching me how to paint.
Loved it!!
I truly enjoyed my art class in Florence!! The art instructor, Laura, was a wonderful teacher. I hope to do a class with her in the future.
Incredible experience!
Gorgerous studio in the heart of Florence, I had an amazing day of sculpting where I learned so much! The artists are incredible and I had one on one instruction and advice for the day, I would love to go back and study there for longer! I highly recommend for anyone interested in learning the tips and tricks from incredible artists 😊
Sculpt like a Master
A wonderful way to spend a day in Florence. if you have an extra day in Firenze after the tours of the must see’s, do this class. It is great fun and Laura and Frank are really helpful and kind.You will be surprised by the result and as a beginner I was pretty pleased with my torso sculpture.Thoroughly enjoyed my morning. Highly recommended.