However, the different approaches may be looked at as being essentially similar in their broad outlines. It must be rough enough to hold the following layer. Think of the scratches as burrs which will extend up into the next layer, anchoring it to the scratch coat. It may consist of 1 or several coats, and may include both the arriciato and the arenato. It is fully detailed, and in color, if possible.
Fresco is essentially a transparent medium.
Everything shows through in the finished painting. This will allow the student to concentrate on the techniques, which are new, and sometimes very difficult, without worrying too much about drawing and painting. It is imperative to have your cartoon and colors prepared before the final coats of plaster are applied, because the plaster will be drying - and time spent doing something else is lost painting time. Tracing An exact tracing is made of the cartoon, and perforated with holes, using a pin or a dressmaker's needle-wheel. It is left in one piece, if the fresco is to be done in one day.