The art of murals has its origins in ancient Egypt, but it has evolved into a form of street art, contemporary art, and even a kind of fine art. It can be as simple as painting on a wall, or as complex as an entire building covered with art.

Modern forms of mural painting

Modern forms of mural painting are found in a variety of places. Aside from being an art form, they are also effective in bringing attention to social and political issues. They can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in homes, schools and hospitals.

Murals are painted on both canvas and tile. In addition, there are a variety of techniques and styles. The most famous of these is fresco.

Fresco is a type of painting that uses a rapid application of a mixture over a large surface. It is often done on plaster or other material. Many of the materials used for mural paintings in the Middle Ages are rich in detail and testify to the technical ability of medieval artists.

Fresco mural

Fresco mural painting is a traditional form of expression used by many cultures in the Americas. It is an ancient technique that involves sifting, washing, and drying crushed marble, sand, or other abrasive materials. Once applied, the finished result is a permanent part of the wall.

In the United States, fresco is rarely taught. Skowhegan is one of the few places in the country where this tradition is still alive. A group of alumni passed the medium on from generation to generation and ensured that Skowhegan would always have a knowledge of this rare practice.

During a 10-day fresco intensive on campus, students spent a considerable amount of time learning about the techniques, materials, and history of this ancient practice. The students were allowed to pick their own fresco from any culture, time period, or subject.

Encaustic painting

If you’re looking for an art medium that can be used for murals and other decorative works, encaustic painting could be a good choice. It’s relatively low-risk and produces luminous, textural surfaces.

The ancient Greeks were known for their use of encaustic. Their customs influenced Egyptian artists who adopted the technique. They used beeswax to make the pigment. These materials were then burned into the surface using fire. Eventually, they began to be displaced by oil painting.

During the 18th century, amateurs revived encaustic painting. By the 19th century, mural painters began exploring its possibilities. In the 20th century, artists such as Brice Marden and Lynda Benglis made it one of the most popular mediums in modern art.

Tempera painting

Tempera painting is an ancient form of painting that has been revived several times. It is a technique that allows you to create intricate details with a relatively easy process.

Tempera was a popular painting medium in the ancient world, as well as in medieval and Byzantine times. It is also used today in theatre props, window paints, and for many crafts.

Tempera is a mixture of egg yolk and a pigment. The emulsion of egg yolks and linseed oil is the best known combination. There are other options, such as poppy oil and a mixture of egg whites and gum.

It is also often combined with encaustic paint, which is a pigment suspended in wax. Both tempera and encaustic paint can be applied to paper, canvas, or other absorbent surfaces.

Porcelain enamel

Enamels add depth, color and texture to porcelain. They are applied to ceramics, glass, stone, metal and many other materials. The process involves fusing powdered glass to a metallic substrate. As the enamel layer builds up, it forms a permanent bond between the substrate and the enamel.

Porcelain enamel was developed in ancient times to embellish precious objects. It was also used on decorative figurines and on small sculptures that were affixed to metal bases. By the XNUMXth century, porcelain enamel had gained a more technical role.

This technique spread across the Silk Road and into the western Mediterranean Sea. Some of the earliest archaeological findings of cloisonné enamel are found in the Assyrian Empire. However, enameling was not widely practiced in Egypt.