Casting Texture – Secco-Fresco 05 | Dec

My recent artwork has been influenced by Antonio Gaudi. I’m applying texture
elements within my paintings. These photos are a glimpse into my process.

The first photo is a detail of the completed American Beauty painting.

The second photo is an in-progress photo of American Beauty showing the
decision making as to where pieces of plaster casts should be placed in the
composition.

As in American Beauty there can be over 25 handmade plaster casts in each
painting. Some large area pieces for the background, then going to smaller
floral medallions and sometimes each petal or leaf is cast separately.

As seen in the third photo these casts are made by pressing usually organic
objects into clay then pouring plaster into the clay and pressing linen into
the wet plaster. When the plaster dries you can then peel the linen and
plaster cast away from the clay.

These pieces are generally very thin as shown in the last photo.

I cut each piece to fit into place. Then I adhere and fortify these casts
with modeling paste (marble dust and adhesive). After a drying period and
added sealer I can then paint or gild the secco-fresco.

Voila! New art beginnings!

~ June