What is fresco painting?

Fresco is an old Roman technique where paint is applied on to wet plaster which absorbs the pigment creating a soft, blurred background. Annie’s Chalk Paint technique emulates this ancient effect. 

Annie was inspired by a book about the ancient Roman garden frescoes in the Villa of Livia outside Rome. 

Annie painted a flea-market, French bedside table and then created a how to for a  keepsake box.  

Faux Fresco Keepsake Box 

You will need 

120ml Chalk Paint in Old Ochre, Aubusson Blue, Giverny, Amsterdam Green, Olive, Versailles, Primer Red, Antibes Green, Arles

1 x 120ml Clear Chalk Paint Wax 

1 x Small Chalk Paint Brush 

1 x Small Chalk Paint Wax Brush 

Detail Brushes

Sanding Pads 

MixMat

Water 

Step 1

Paint the piece with Chalk Paint in Old Ochre and leave to dry. Using a Small Chalk Paint Brush, stipple Aubusson Blue all over, dabbing excess paint on to a MixMat.

Step 2

Whilst still wet and using the same technique, stipple Giverny at the top and Amsterdam Green at the bottom to reflect a landscape. Add more depth with Olive and Versailles.

Step 3

Once dry, take the Coarse Sanding Pad and gently smooth the surface. This will more accurately emulate the texture of fresco plaster.

Step 4

Using a Large Round Detail Brush, Amsterdam Green and a little water for free flowing lines, map out some foliage. Mix with Primer Red, Aubusson Blue and Antibes Green for more green hues.

Step 5

Introduce some fruits and florals using Chalk Paint in Primer Red, Arles and Versailles with a Small Round Detail Brush. Continue to layer more botanicals with your full colour palette.

Step 6

Leave to dry before sanding with the Fine Sanding Pad, being careful not to blur the painted lines. Seal the whole box with Clear Chalk Paint Wax, removing any excess with a lint-free cloth.

This project first appeared in Issue 11 of the Colourist. Buy here