A fresco painting is made by painting on wet plaster.The paint and plaster are completely integrated when they are dry.You may think only a Renaissance artist can do this style of painting, if you have heard of it.You can make a gorgeous fresco painting if you know how to mix and apply the plaster and paint at the same time.
Step 1: A drawing of your design can be created on a piece of paper.
Just sketch the outline of the design you want to create for your fresco painting, this drawing doesn't need to be very detailed.Make sure the paper you use is thin and easy to poke holes in.The official word for this drawing is a cartoon.If you don't have access to a large wall, you can make your fresco painting on a canvas.
Step 2: Attach the paper and trace the design on the canvas.
To poke tiny holes in the outline of your drawing, use a thin pin or needle.Put this paper over the canvas.To create a trace of the outline on the canvas, rub a stick of charcoal or sifted powdered paint along the perforations.You can create rough borders for the area of the canvas that you will need to apply plaster to.The traditional way to make a fresco painting is through charcoal tracing.You can draw your design directly onto your canvas if you don't want to go through the hassle of perforating and tracing.You can buy art supplies at art supply stores.
Step 3: Decide on the colors you want to use to paint the drawing.
Before the plaster completely dries, you need to paint your fresco painting quickly.It is much less likely for you to make a mistake during the actual painting process if you decide which colors to use and where.
Step 4: To mix plaster, mix 2 parts plaster of Paris powder to 1 part water.
The water should be poured into a container.You can sprinkle the plaster of Paris powder into the water as you go.Slowly stir the water and powder together.Depending on the size of your canvas, you may need to make a larger batches of plaster.To find out how much plaster you should make for your canvas, check the manufacturer's instructions on your plaster of Paris.Gloves are used to mix together plaster.If you mix the plaster of Paris with your hands, it will get onto your fingers.It will be very difficult to remove.
Step 5: To apply the plaster, use a spackling knife or plasterer's trowel.
After you mixed the plaster, you need to do this quickly to make sure it doesn't set before you can paint it.You traced the area on your canvas and spread the plaster evenly.There is a coat of plaster on the canvas.Place a layer of plaster inside your drawing.You should only apply plaster to the area you are painting.Do not coat the entire canvas.
Step 6: Allow the plaster to dry for 20 minutes.
It is enough time for the plaster to dry to the consistency you will need for fresco painting.The plaster needs to be dry and wet to blend with the paint.
Step 7: Use long bristle brushes to apply paint.
When applying your first coat, softer brushes are the best.Flat brushes made of sable hair are the best for best results.You can find these types of brushes at art supply stores.You can get different sizes of brushes.You can apply the paint in different levels of detail.
Step 8: If you want to apply your darker tones, first.
Use brown or dark green to create the "under-painting" of your design, such as dark areas or areas in shadows.Make sure the areas you want to paint have a darker tone.You can't get rid of a bad color in fresco, so make sure you plan out the tones you use.
Step 9: You can add the rest of the color to the painting.
You will fill in the spaces that you didn't paint with darker colors.After applying the base color, work on middle-ground colors.The final step is to add the fine details to your painting.It is possible to paint over the dark tones you have already created; the paint will blend slightly and create a dark version of the color you are adding to the canvas.It's important to do this as quickly as possible.The plaster will be too dry to make a fresco painting by this point.
Step 10: It's a good idea to put your painting aside for at least 24 hours.
You can hang the painting if you give it enough time to dry.Give the plaster 4 weeks to completely set before attempting to make any changes to the painting.