#

Fresco word comes from the Italian word which means fresh. It is an oldest form of technique which involves thorough knowledge of arts, mediums and techniques. It also involves drafting skills, understanding of compositions, traditional techniques and history of styles and requires strong organizational skills.

It is a form of mural painting wherein earth pigments are painted directly on fresh and wet lime plaster. Water is used to settle the plaster due to which it becomes an integral part of the wall. This art is ideal for creating murals because of its monumental style, durability and matte surface. In this, Buon fresco pigment is mixed with room temperature water on a thin layer of fresh and wet plaster. This plaster absorbs the pigment and after few hours the plaster dries and reacts with the air.

Fresco painting does not permit the blending of colors like oil painting. It provides clear shining color and its durability makes it ideal for majestic and decorative murals. This technique is particularly appropriate for dry climates.

In Indian, ancient and medieval have been preserved in rock-cut cave temples. The frescoes on the ceilings and walls of Ajanta Caves depict the Jataka tales that are the stories about Buddha's life. Other ancient and medieval frescoes include Bagh Caves, Ellora Caves, Badami Cave Temples and other locations.

Fresco is a good way of painting on the walls as it is much easier to paint on a wet plaster than a dry one due to the reason that dry plaster paint usually sinks as compared to the wet plaster. Since, in case of the web plaster the paint can be spread much easily. The paint joins with the plaster and the color on the plaster doesn't rub off. If kept clean and dry, the color on the fresco stays bright for a long time. It is also known as the green method of painting as it does not involve usage of any dangerous chemical.

Some general directions about fresco are that one should avoid passing light colors over dark colors and vice-se-versa. In case, any issue is faced then the particular section is washed. If possible some plaster is applied and then it is painted over. Alternatively, the next day the plaster can be knocked down and the entire process can begin again. The colors in fresco should be decisive and bold as when observed from a distance. The weaker colors are comparatively not visible. Fresco lightens gradually when it dries. For an approximate outcome of the artwork it takes three weeks' time.