Describe the fresco painting technique and list some common materials used in this medium. What is the disadvantage of using this technique and how did artists work around this issue?
The fresco painting technique is a mural painting method that involves applying paint onto wet plaster on walls or ceilings. This technique has been used for centuries and is known for its durability and long-lasting quality.
The process of creating a fresco starts by preparing the wall or ceiling surface with multiple layers of plaster, known as the arriccio and the intonaco. The artist then paints on the wet intonaco layer, allowing the pigments to merge with the plaster as it dries and creating a chemical bond that makes the artwork become part of the wall. This "buon fresco" technique requires the artist to work quickly before the plaster dries.
Common materials used in fresco painting include natural pigments, such as ochre, sienna, and umber, which are mixed with water and applied onto the wet plaster. Brushes made of natural hairs, usually hog or ox, are commonly used to paint on the surface. In some cases, artists may also use a technique called "secco fresco," where they paint on dry plaster instead of wet, but this method is not as durable as buon fresco.
A disadvantage of using the fresco painting technique is the limited time an artist has to complete their work. Since the plaster needs to be wet for the paint to bond, artists must work fast before it dries. This restricts their ability to make corrections or apply layering techniques commonly used in other painting methods.
To work around this issue, artists often create detailed preparatory drawings beforehand and transfer them onto the wet plaster using various techniques. For instance, they may use a grid system to accurately transfer the drawing or employ pouncing, where they perforate the outlines on the paper and dust charcoal or pigment through it onto the wet surface. By carefully planning and preparing their designs in advance, artists can ensure a smoother execution of the fresco within the limited working time.