What is fresco painting, and what surface is involved?

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Multiple Choice

What is fresco painting, and what surface is involved?

Fresco painting is the technique of applying pigment to wet plaster, a method known as true fresco. The artist lays down fresh lime plaster and, while it’s still damp, applies pigment mixed with water. As the plaster dries, a chemical bond forms between the pigment and the plaster, creating a durable, integrated wall surface. This approach often requires working in sections, since you have to complete a walkthrough before the plaster dries. This is different from painting on dry plaster (fresco secco) where pigment sits on a dry surface and isn’t chemically bound, and from painting on oil on canvas or pigment in emulsion on wood panel, which use entirely different binders and supports.

Fresco painting is the technique of applying pigment to wet plaster, a method known as true fresco. The artist lays down fresh lime plaster and, while it’s still damp, applies pigment mixed with water. As the plaster dries, a chemical bond forms between the pigment and the plaster, creating a durable, integrated wall surface. This approach often requires working in sections, since you have to complete a walkthrough before the plaster dries. This is different from painting on dry plaster (fresco secco) where pigment sits on a dry surface and isn’t chemically bound, and from painting on oil on canvas or pigment in emulsion on wood panel, which use entirely different binders and supports.

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