With great sadness, we found out this month, that Doyle L Self II, founder of “The School of Italian Plaster’ has passed away at age 57 from cancer.

On projects, David & I, always have our iPods on, listening to music, podcasts or an audio book.

While applying imported Italian Venetian Plaster on a large wall, “The Prayer” with Josh Groban & Charlotte Church came on… and truly moved me. I was reflecting back on Doyle Self and how much I love the Italian Art!

Doyle’s passion for imported Italian Venetian Plaster and the historic Italian Finishes, inspired me to share, my experience, with the Talented & Charismatic Doyle Self. He changed my Life!

In August of 2005, I took my family to Atlanta, so I could meet Doyle & Linda Self, and attend their “School of Italian Plaster”.  I fell in love with Italian Venetian Plaster, the Italian Finishes and their dramatic history. Doyle knew so much about this Art. He would become my mentor and teacher with these remarkable plasters. His knowledge of these finishes was well known around the world. Everyone knew Doyle, he was always available to share his knowledge.

At their peak, Doyle & Linda Self, had schools in Atlanta, San Diego and Dallas. As exclusive distributers in the states, for Safra Plasters from Verona, Italy, they were riding… a wave of Italian Magic!

But, years later as the economy turned bad in Italy and here in the states too. Downsizing began and the eventual closing of the Safra Plasters in Italy and the School of Italian Plasters in the states.

But the impact Doyle Self had on this Art and fellow Artisans, was huge! His Inspiration and Passion for the breathtaking Italian Finishes, that are still blessing the walls and ceilings throughout Europe for hundreds of years, will never be forgotten…

Thankfully, Doyle had many DVD’s from the School of Italian Plasters, that share his knowledge of the Italian Art.

His style of teaching was fun. He loved to laugh and was joking all the time in class.  He would go… “Children, Children, time to get back to Class!“

Doyle lived life hard though, always looking for a new opportunity. He was a man of faith, former painter, former railroader, that lived his life out in front. Taking chances and unafraid to try something new.

Doyle, peace be with you!  Thanks for sharing your passion with the world…

Doyle Self II and Mark Nordgren

Linda Self & Mark Nordgren

Doyle Self – School of Italian Plasters

Doyle Self

Doyle Self – School of Italian Plasters

Linda & Doyle Self – School of Italian Plasters

Mark Nordgren and Shayna & James Kirkpatrick – Instructors at the School of Italian Plaster

James and Shayna Kirkpatrick – Instructors at The School of Italian Plasters

Doyle Self – School of Italian Plaster

Mark Nordgren – School of Italian Plasters – Bella Faux Finishes

The above board became this stunning Italian Finish on a project, Impossible to Describe the effect! – Bella Faux Finishes

Doyle Self – Mark Nordgren – School of Italian Plasters – August 2005

Mark Nordgren – School of Italian Plasters

Below, are pictures from this trip. It is still one of our favorite family adventures. Little did David know, that this would change his life forever too…

Michael, Kathy and David Nordgren

The Chop – Atlanta Braves Game – David, Kathy & Michael Nordgren

Kathy, Michael & David Nordgren

Bella Faux Finishes – Italian Venetian Plaster – Italian Finishes – Faux Finishes