- Training Graphic Design
The fresco artist practices his art in large spaces
The role of the fresco artist
Who doesn’t know Michelangelo’s famous fresco, The Creation of Adam (40 metres long by 13 metres wide) on the vault of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican? Inspired by the Book of Genesis, this work is probably one of the most famous by the Florentine painter and one of the best known in the world.
The definition of fresco in the dictionary states that it is a “pictorial process consisting of using water-based colours on the fresh plaster of a wall or masonry surface.
So there you have it: fresco painting is an art form!
The fresco artist paints for a place, his monumental painting is linked to the wall, created in a place and for this place. Fresco artists specialise in monumental urban paintings. This particular mural painting technique is a large-scale pictorial composition that tells a story or represents a setting.
They need to know how to prepare a support, imitate an old patina and a wide range of materials, and design and paint a picture (landscape or decorative scene). The frescoist is the person who restores decorations, frescoes or walls to their former glory. They can also create frescoes from scratch (indoors and outdoors) for private individuals, local authorities and schools.
Skills and qualities
Whether they start out with vocational training (diploma in building finishing) or training in the plastic arts, decorative painters combine technical knowledge with artistic qualities.
They use different techniques and know how to imitate materials such as wood, metal or marble. They have technical knowledge and know how to prepare a surface and imitate an antique patina for a decorative motif.
Career and development opportunities
In France today, there are 217 art professions divided into 83 specialities. Fresco artist is one of them.
It is accessible with a Bac 2 (L2, DU, etc.), or with a Master’s degree (Beaux Arts diploma, professional Master’s degree, research Master’s degree, etc.) in the plastic arts sector (painting, sculpture, engraving, etc.). The Concept Art Illustrator course will open the doors to this profession.
Few professionals make a living exclusively from this profession, but you should be aware that the market for the restoration of historic monuments is a major source of job opportunities. The success of a fresco artist depends very much on the reputation he or she manages to acquire and on his or her ability to find a niche corresponding to a demand that is always changing according to fashion.
Salary and career opportunities
With a few years’ experience, it is possible to take over or set up a business. The median salary is €1,700 gross.
