Fresco is the one of the oldest techniques of painting, dating back to 1600’s BC. This technique is believed to have been born in Minoan culture.  It is a method of mural painting where the artist paints either buon on freshly laid wet lime plaster or secco on dry plaster.  In the buon technique, water is the vehicle for the dry powder pigment to merge with the plaster.  The alchemy of the plaster and pigment becomes an integral part of the wall.  In secco the pigment lies on top of the plaster therefore is less durable.

Ali Cavanaugh has created a painting technique she calls modern frescoes. Above and below are pieces from her 2018 collection.  She paints with watercolor pigments on bright wet kaolin clay.  Her meticulous layer technique makes the portraits look back-lit and iridescent, or they dissolving into a nebulous watery form.   Her portraits sway from the hyper-real or conscious reality to the watery realm of the unconscious.

I love her explanation of her process:   I strive to paint not only the delicate features of the external person but to capture the tender unseen presence that transcends the understanding in the depth of a soul. In my experience in working with the people who I paint, I repeatedly discover the profound mystery of existence. This I believe is the one of the reason that artist do art and we as spectators view their pieces- to ponder why we are here.

P.S. Please share.

*Aries – Moon

This week it is time for you to do a deep dive into your unconscious and/or emotions.  The Moon card arrives when you need to rescue information that was in the dark.  To tap into this it could be as simple as sitting in the dark and wandering with your mind, or taking a more complex step into the wilderness to uncover your expansive unconscious under the stars.

Taurus – Queen of Wands

The Queen of Wands wants you outside in nature.  The wilderness is calling you by name to come and play in the woods, park or garden.  Unleash your inner nymph or satyr.
Continue reading Tarotcast Week of September 2, 2018 →