Fresco secco is a painting technique where pigments are applied to dry plaster, allowing for greater control and vibrant color saturation compared to traditional wet fresco methods. This approach is especially useful in contemporary work as it enables artists to achieve the brightest hues possible, with each layer building on the last without the risk of bleeding or blending into wet plaster. As an underlayment for cold wax medium, fresco secco creates a richly textured, absorbent base that enhances the depth and luminosity of subsequent wax layers, capturing light in unique ways.
 

Inspired by artists like Jasper Johns and Lucas Thorik, I've been seeking a way to push the boundaries of color and three-dimensionality in my work. I want my pieces to have a physical presence, to invite viewers not just to look but to lean in, perhaps even sneak a touch if they dare. This technique allows me to create rivers and valleys of texture, vast metaphors for life, loss, joy, and the unpredictable journey we all find ourselves on.
 

By layering cold wax, pure pigments, and oil paint over the fresco secco base, I can achieve unparalleled depth and vibrancy. The textured surface catches the light differently depending on where you stand, drawing you into its peaks and recesses. I want my work to feel like a conversation, a tactile experience that rewards curiosity, inviting the viewer to trace their fingers over the rough peaks or glide over the smooth, polished hollows, connecting them physically and emotionally to the piece.
 

— Cait.Jewell

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