How to Paint on a Freshly Plastered Wall with Watercolor

The art of fresco goes back some 10,000 years, according to artist Lucia Wiley. In fact, the first historical use of watercolors was on fresh plaster. To create frescoes that will stand the test of time, you must work with freshly applied plaster. Wiley, one of the world's premier muralists, recommends applying plaster fresco in four layers. The fourth layer, or the intonaco, must be applied in sections roughly 7 inches wider than the area the artist will paint that day. The 7-inch border will keep the fresco fresh and in prime condition to receive paint.

Watercolor palette
Brush
Cup
Pigment
Water
Table

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a cup with clean water. Keep it on a small table placed near your work area.
- 2
  Apply a small blob of color pigment in a well on your watercolor paint palette. Only apply one pigment per well.
- 3
  Dip your watercolor brush in the cup so it touches the bottom of the cup. This contact will open the bristles of the brush and help it absorb water.
- 4
  Press the brush into a well on your watercolor paint palette to transfer the water it holds. This well is your mixing station for each color or combination of colors. Make one well for each color you intend to prepare.
- 5
  Run the brush across the top of one of the blobs of pigment. Then dip the brush into the water well. Stir it around to dilute the color. Keep brushing pigment and adding color to the well until you get the color saturation and/or combination you desire.
- 6
  Apply the mixed paint to the fresh plaster. In hot, dry areas, the fresh plaster can be painted up to 12 to 16 hours after application. In cool, humid areas the plaster may be painted for up to 18 to 22 hours.

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