Affresco ( In English usage, fresco ). Painting done on freshly laid wet plaster with pigments dissolved in lime water. As both dry they become completely integrated. Known as true fresco, this technique was most popular from the late thirteenth to the mid-sixteenth centuries. The common assumption that all mural painting is fresco painting is an erroneous idea. It is true that one can in fact paint on fresh plaster, or intonaco, to make a painting in affresco or a fresco. In true fresco the artist must start applying his colors on the wet (or fresco) intonaco as soon as it has been prepared and laid on the wall. The colors can thus be absorbed by the wet plaster. When it dries and hardens, the colors become one with plaster. Technically speaking the plaster does not dry but rather a chemical reaction occurs in which calcium carbonate is formed as a result of carbon dioxide from the air combining with the calcium hydrate in the wet plaster.

This workshop, specially created for the Faux Finish School, will include step by step tutorial on preparation for fresco. You will be guided through development of the concept and design, building composition based on giornatas, calculating the time and steps, ordering material. You will be taught how to develop the cartoon and make tracings. From concept sketch and color rendering to full scale cartoon and color study...finalizing giornatas layout and making tracings. Wall preparation will be discussed and practiced including plaster selection and application..along with sand and lime mixtures, humidity control and moisture and tools and equipment. Ian Hardwick, a master-plasterer will share his plastering tips. Students will mix the slaked lime plaster need for each day’s painting and apply it to the panels that have been prepared for them. Each participant will paint a panel. On the first and second days, participants will learn and experience hands-on techniques, methods and "secrets" of professional fresco plaster application from the true Olde School English Craftsmen (Ian Hardwick - brings 25 years of experience in plastering trade to this class). Students will learn the technique of attaching today's work (giornata) to the previous day's painting; the distinctive plastering method that allows for larger compositions. Glenn Fischer will guide the class through the nuances of pigment preparation and storing. Together with Ilia Anossov students will explore details of professional fresco studio and scrupulous details of preparation necessary for a successful fresco. They will learn aspects of designing frescoes based on giornatas (painting days), making of a cartoon, transfer techniques, brushes and colors. Each student will be painting in the true fresco technique, working on the wet plaster. The third day will be dedicated to reviewing of the skills acquired in the class. Students will have an option to paint another panel, practice plaster application or both. Be prepared for a fast paced and intensive class - Ilia Anossov, Ian Hardwick and Glenn Fischer will take you on a 3 day journey into a professional fresco studio! Also, you will work on pigment selection and color preparation, pigment grinding and storing ground base colors as well as the use of white and monitoring mixed colors during painting. Other discussions and practice will include: tools and equipment, painting and joining giornatas, steps in painting. Morning, midday, evening differences,"Golden Hour" and drying challenges, plaster behaviors, planning of the painting day, materials for Fresco and where and how to find and buy fresco supplies... Lime, pigments, brushes, etc.

Ilia Anossov was born in Moscow in 1966 He attended several Art Schools (visual arts, architecture, cinematography), private tuition, and apprenticeships. In 1988, he opened his own studio, received scholarship from Helsinki Art Academy was denied the right to go by USSR Government and official Art Union of USSR. Family immigrated to the USA In 1991 he founded first in Russia Non for Profit Art Project oriented to support non union artists in Moscow. as well as participating in church restorations. Took part in combat operations during Communist Coup defeat, august 1991 (unit leader) Guest-artist in Alexey Zaitcev’s play "Judas Iscariot" Alexei Zaitcev is the 1989 Edinburgh Independent Theater Festival Grand Prize for The Best Actor and The Best Play nominee He continued to study ancient Frescoes in Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt. And exhibited at Springfield Museum of Art, Ohio (solo show 45 pieces). Exhibited at Tretiacov State Museum "Second collection" organized by "Literary Gazette", Moscow. Catalog. Exhibited Frescoes at Museum of Integral Art (Terranova Art Found.). In 1996 Ilia formed a collaboration with Glenn Fischer (functional artist, sculptor). Started Fresco studio in Venice, CA. In1997 Exhibited Buon Fresco in various galleries in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Venice. In 1998, together with Glenn Fischer opened a public gallery-studio in Downtown LA, 1129 East 5th Street, #8. Completed several large scale murals at Public and private locations including Grand Central Market Downtown Los Angeles, "Gladstone's 4 Fish" restaurant, Malibu and many other locations. He provided commissioned artwork and art services for the movie industry including Academy Awards, Cable Ace Awards, 11 Nickelodeon Choice Awards, 50th Emmy Awards, and several American Film Institute productions. In 1999, he completed the Albuquerque Fresco (over 400 square feet - largest contemporary Buon Fresco in Western part of the US), Albuquerque, New Mexico. Painting process was filmed by Emmy Award Winner in the field of Documentary - Amy Bowers (ABTV) In 2000, together with Amy Bowers (ABTV) began production of the full length documentary feature on buon fresco technique "Albuquerque Fresco - Inside Look". He is now writing a book on buon fresco technique.