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Published on November 11, 2007

The US-based Italian recently conducted two workshops for the Central chain of department stores that encouraged 20 participants - all good customers - to pick up brushes again for the first time since their school days.

Caroli also exhibited her amazing floral paintings as a part of Central's 60th-anniversary celebration.

Returning to class were Khunying Tipyavadi Pramoj, Dararat Mahadamrongkul, ML Devindhra Devakula, Hathaithep Therathada, Prapa Hetrakul Srinualnad, Chulita Areepipatkul, Yada Panich, Ladawan Charoenrachapak, Panya Apinyanurak and Songkat Boonyasai.

Composition is crucial, Caroli reminded them.

"There are thousands of ways to compose a picture. Let your imagination fly. Forget what you have learned. Think your own way, and don't be afraid."

The three hours passed quickly, but no one left disappointed.

Silpakorn University fine-arts alumnus  Songkat, who hadn't painted in more than a decade, created a wonderful lotus, but he wasn't thrilled with it.

"As a Silpakorn graduate I'm really embarrassed by it," he laughed. "But I learned a lot from Arianna. It's good to be painting again because I'm taking part in an exhibition next year that will have works by alumni who are all over 60 years old."

Central chief Yuwadee Chirathivat, who conceived the workshop idea, also painted a fabulous lotus, in a vase with a powerful black background.

"I like painting, but it's been such a long time since I last did this," she said. "I started again last year with Arainna and it was really fun and relaxing. She's an amazing artist, so I thought it would be great to hold a workshop for my customers."

Prapa, publisher and editor of the Daily News, had to abandon her favourite hobby because she was too busy with the newspaper but, standing next to her fresh canvas, with its dominant magenta theme to match that of the Daily News, she was delighted to be painting again.

Central has displayed the workshop creations in front of the events hall at its Chidlom branch, where an "Arianna Caroli & Her Classroom Party" was held.

All of the "students" received a book printed just for them, featuring their own art and photos from the workshops - and Caroli's autograph.

Tanaporn  Tangcharoenmankong

The Nation