Follow the same steps as in the fresco, but allow the Plaster of Paris to dry.For some variety, try drawing on the plaster with chalk pastels. Usually a secco is a watercolor painting. Colors will not be as bright or last as long as on a fresco. Pin the corners of the fabric onto the wood plaque to display the fresco.Ī fresco-secco is a fresco where the color is applied to dry plaster that is sprayed with water to simulate wet plaster.Avoid bending the painting as the newspaper is pulled away.(See the package of Plaster of Paris for drying time). The pigment in the paints will seep into the plaster, creating long-lasting color. While the Plaster of Paris is still wet, paint a picture using watercolors.Add a little more Plaster of Paris to cover the fabric, except for the margin. It is okay to leave some textured swirls and bumps in the plaster. Avoid spreading the mixture to the edge of the material – leave approximately half an inch around the edge. Immediately pour half of the mixture onto the fabric screen and spread.Never allow Plaster of Paris to go down a sink drain. The result should be the consistency of pancake batter. To a quarter cup of water, add half a cup of Plaster of Paris and stir with the craft stick.Cut a piece of burlap or screening approximately 6” x 8” or 8” x 10”.Either watercolor paints or chalk pastelsĪ fresco is a watercolor painting done onto wet plaster so the pigment becomes part of the dry plaster.

Optional: Wood plaque and pins to mount the final artwork.Disposable container for mixing (yogurt cup, etc).Materials for Textured Drawings & Paintings While parents and children may be most familiar with molding figurines or paperweights with Plaster of Paris, creating a “canvas” for artwork is relatively simple. Working with Plaster of Paris can be a bit messy, but children who are ages eight and up can explore this medium as a new drawing or painting surface.

Drip effect plaster art