O M A Y ' s    S T U D I O

2.  Figures sketched in Photoshop and Illustrator.

5.  First 'Fresco Day' done.  Notice how vibrant the colors still are when wet.

FRESCO TWO:    Charlestown Showdown

                            36" x 24"

        My goal with this was to get the chemical bond between the 2 layers correct - the 'secret' is to make sure the surface that will receive the plaster is very wet (like 2 days of keeping it wet) so that the chemical reaction bonds the two layers.  I also wanted to practice the ratio of distilled water to plaster to get the consistency right, I would have to say that the plaster is on very heavy on this piece.  Lastly, I wanted to try different tricks with texture on the surface, so I suppose the thickness of the plaster was useful in that regard.

     I also wanted to limit the color to 4 or 5 pigments to create a 'washed out' appearance.  I wanted multiple light sources.  Finally I wanted to create a little "psychological tension"  (I love that phrase!) in the subject matter.  My wife suggested I lose the raccoon seen in the original sketch if I ever want to be taken seriously.  I think she was right.  

     The plaster work over Wonderboard was much better than the first fresco.  The overall detail is still lacking due to the small 36" by 24" format, I am discovering that a fresco almost has to be large to get the effect I'm hoping to get.  That will be pursued in Fresco #4.  

      The chronological  summary in pictures is below.  The overall time for the job was about 60 hours.

4.  Details added to cartoon.

3.  Charcoal sketch, with raccoon.

6.  Second 'Fresco Day'  done.  The first days work has been curing for 4 weeks and revealing suprises.  The bottom is still fresh, wet, and with vibrant pigments.

7.  Top and Bottom cured.  Notice hown the intensity of the pigments faded.  The texture and relief areas give it a 3D 'pop', especially when lit from above at night.  The chemical reaction and bonding was very good compared to Fresco 1.

1.  This is the original photo

8.  Done.  Charlestown Showdown hanging in the studio.  Chained twice so it doesn't fall off and kill someone!