Texes Art EC-12 Practice Exam

What is fresco primarily known as?

1. A technique of painting on canvas

2. A method of digital illustration

3. A technique of painting on walls covered with moist plaster

4. A style of sculpture

The correct answer is: A technique of painting on walls covered with moist plaster

Fresco is primarily known as a technique of painting on walls that are covered with moist plaster. This method involves applying pigment mixed with water directly onto freshly applied plaster, which allows the colors to bond with the wall as it dries. This results in a durable and integral artwork that can last for centuries. The moisture in the plaster facilitates a chemical reaction that helps to fix the pigments, making fresco a unique and enduring form of mural painting. This technique has been used historically in various cultural contexts, particularly during the Renaissance, where artists like Michelangelo and Raphael excelled in creating large-scale frescoes that adorned the walls of churches and public buildings. The other choices refer to different mediums or styles that do not align with the characteristics of fresco. For example, painting on canvas is a separate method widely utilized in easel painting, while digital illustration pertains to contemporary digital tools rather than traditional techniques. Sculpture is an entirely different art form focused on three-dimensional objects, which contrasts with the flat surface application seen in fresco painting.