Jose Mariscal Paneque

31 may - 6 june 2027

Seven days of pottery, creativity and inspiration in the Italian countryside.

Join us at Giulietta Studio for an immersive pottery experience with José María Mariscal Paneque, an internationally recognised ceramic artist and master of wheel throwing and crystalline glazes.

Set among flowers, nature and the quiet beauty of the countryside near Bergamo, this special workshop brings together expert tuition, hands-on practice, exceptional food and the relaxed atmosphere of Italian country living.

Whether you are looking to refine your existing skills or push your practice in new directions, José will guide you through a week of demonstrations, individual guidance and focused exploration at the wheel.

THE MASTERCLASS

Throughout the week, José will adapt the programme to the group’s experience and progress, working closely with each participant to develop technique, precision and confidence.

You will explore:

  • The fundamentals of wheel throwing — centring, opening and raising the walls with greater control and efficiency.

  • Belly forms, plates and rounded shapes — exploring volume, proportions, symmetry and balance.

  • Moon jars and closed forms — developing refined shapes and learning to throw bottles, tall vessels and narrow-necked forms.

  • Throwing off the hump — discovering an efficient approach to making smaller pieces.

  • Trimming and finishing — refining your work and preparing selected pieces for firing.

  • Wheel-thrown textures — exploring different ways to bring surface, rhythm and character to your forms.

  • Crystalline glazes — learning from José’s distinctive approach to one of the most fascinating areas of ceramic glazing.

A special highlight will be the opportunity to glaze one or two selected pieces using crystalline glazes, with the aim of having them ready for the final kiln opening. These pieces will give you a tangible memory of the techniques explored during the workshop.

The programme remains flexible, allowing time to revisit techniques, tackle individual challenges and explore more advanced forms as the group develops.

MEET YOUR TEACHER

José María Mariscal Paneque has shared his knowledge through workshops and masterclasses across the USA, Europe, Australia and beyond, teaching both wheel-throwing techniques and the intricate art of crystalline glazing.

He was one of the organisers of Cristalls 2013, the first crystalline glaze convention in Spain, where he presented innovative approaches, including his celebrated Galaxy Effect.

His combination of technical knowledge, experimentation and artistic vision makes this a special opportunity to learn directly from an experienced master.

A WEEK AT GIULIETTA STUDIO

THE STUDIO

Our workshops are about more than pottery. They are an invitation to slow down, exchange ideas, discover new skills and enjoy a week surrounded by nature, food and creativity.

A typical workshop day runs from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Each day includes:

  • Hands-on pottery sessions and demonstrations.

  • A freshly prepared lunch shared at the farm.

  • An Italian aperitivo, a drink or gelato to close the day.

  • Daily transport between the hotel and studio.

The week also includes a welcome dinner, a Sunday flower workshop, a kiln opening and a goodbye brunch.

There will be time to enjoy the surrounding area, with optional trips to Bergamo, Milan or Lake Garda for those who would like to explore beyond the studio.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Seven days of teaching and demonstrations.

  • Clay and workshop materials, tools, etc

  • Two finished pieces, glazed and fired using José’s glazes.

  • Freshly prepared lunches every workshop day.

  • A welcome dinner and goodbye brunch at the farm.

  • Daily Italian aperitivo, drinks or gelato.

  • A Sunday flower workshop.

  • Daily hotel–studio transfers.

  • Packing materials to take your work home safely.

ACCOMMODATION

Seven nights in a private room at Hotel Marelet, just five minutes from the studio.

Accommodation: €770 per person.

Your room is reserved from the afternoon before the workshop begins, with checkout on the final day. Daily transfers to and from the farm are included.

If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay, you are welcome to arrange additional nights directly with your chosen accommodation.

STUDIO LOCATION

Giulietta Studio — Flower Farm & Pottery Studio

Via Castolda 51
24047 Treviglio, Bergamo, Italy

Located in the countryside near Bergamo, our studio offers a welcoming setting where ceramics, flowers, food and nature come together.

Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Optional excursions and train tickets are arranged separately.

WORKSHOP PROGRAM

Day 1 — Introduction to Wheel Throwing

  • Introduction to the workshop, materials and techniques.

  • Demonstration of the fundamentals of wheel throwing: centring, opening and raising the walls with greater control and efficiency.

  • Practical throwing session with individual guidance.

Day 2 — Belly Forms, Plates & Rounded Shapes

  • Exploring volume, proportions, symmetry and balance.

  • Demonstrations and practical exercises focusing on belly forms, plates and rounded shapes.

  • Developing control, consistency and a deeper understanding of form through practical work at the wheel.

Day 3 — Moon Jars, Closed Forms, Trimming & Bisque Firing

  • Exploring moon jars and rounded, closed forms.

  • Trimming and refining previously thrown pieces, preparing selected works for firing.

  • Evening: Loading the bisque kiln and starting the bisque firing.

Day 4 — Closed Forms & Crystalline Glaze Masterclass

Morning — Wheel Throwing

  • Learning techniques for throwing bottles, tall vessels and narrow-necked forms.

  • Exploring the challenges of creating balanced, refined closed forms.

Afternoon — Crystalline Glaze Masterclass

  • An introduction to crystalline glazes: what they are, how they work and how they are prepared.

  • Preparing two different crystalline glazes, with insights into Jose approach to this fascinating glazing technique.

Day 5 — Throwing, Glazing & Crystalline Firing

Morning — Advanced Throwing Techniques

  • Introduction to throwing off the hump as an efficient approach to making smaller pieces.

  • Further throwing practice, with individual guidance and time to develop personal projects.

Afternoon — Glazing & Preparation for Firing

  • Applying crystalline glazes to selected bisque-fired pieces.

  • Learning about glaze application and preparing the work for the crystalline firing.

Evening — Crystalline Glaze Firing

  • Loading the kiln and beginning the crystalline glaze firing, following your approach.

Day 6 — Trip Day: Culture, Landscape & Inspiration

  • A relaxed day to explore the surrounding area, enjoy the local culture and find inspiration beyond the studio.

  • A curated PowerPoint presentation on crystalline glazes for participants to explore at their own pace, deepening their understanding of the process and reflecting on the techniques, discoveries and creative possibilities experienced throughout the week.

Day 7 — Flowers, Kiln Opening & Farewell

  • A relaxed flower workshop and creative session.

  • Opening the kiln, subject to the firing and cooling schedule, to discover the results of the crystalline glaze process.

  • Sharing observations and reflecting on the work produced throughout the week.

  • Farewell brunch and closing session.

Please note: The firing and kiln-opening schedule will be coordinated with you to allow sufficient time for safe cooling and the best possible results. The final kiln opening will depend on the actual firing and cooling times.

BOOK YOUR PLACE

16 places only. Seven days of pottery, crystalline glazes and Italian countryside living.

An opportunity to learn from a master, develop your ceramic practice and become part of a creative community in a beautiful and inspiring setting.

If you have been looking for a workshop that combines serious ceramic learning with a memorable experience in Italy, we would love to welcome you.

Questions and bookings:
info@daterracotta.com

Cancellation policy: More than 90 days before the workshop: full refund. Between 31 and 90 days: 50% refund or transfer to a later workshop, subject to availability. Within 30 days: non-refundable. If the organisers cancel, including due to insufficient bookings, a full refund will be provided. Accommodation is subject to the hotel’s cancellation terms.

Seven days. Sixteen places. One unforgettable week in Italy.