I simply adore a beautiful hand painted wall whether it be in the form of a mural, fresco, or faux technique. I like the thought of making your wall a piece of fine art and the wonderful muted colors that add an ancient classical appeal.
Many people ask 'what is the difference between a mural and a fresco?' To the layman, a fresco and mural is the same thing – artwork done on the wall! But here is a difference.....it is the technique.
A fresco is a painting executed upon freshly laid, or wet lime plaster. The painting literally becomes a permanent part of the wall through the process of applying pigments, usually made of ground stone or sand, onto the wet plaster. The colors, which are made by grinding dry-powder pigments in pure water, dry and set with the plaster and become bound to the wall. Although time consuming and messy, the use of raw pigments creates a wonderful texture which looks softer and more translucent than any other paint effect.
The Sistine chapel ceiling, renowned fresco work created by Michelangelo, is the most well known fresco in the world.
The word mural originates from the Latin word murus or "wall". A mural is artwork executed directly on a wall. It is quick to paint and details can be added or removed at any time. The materials are easy to find and relatively cheap. Murals are mostly painted in oils, tempera or polymer colors.Usually it is either applied directly onto the surface, or painted on a canvas which is then fixed or cemented onto the wall. More rarely, a mural is painted onto panels that become part of the wall.
I have gathered some images of beautiful examples that may help you decide on a style if you are considering hiring a muralist....... but I am not an expert at telling the difference between fresco paintings and murals especially as they appear in pictures. So please, all you experts, these images are for you to enjoy, not for me to be tested on.
Are you thinking of beautifying the wall of your home with some interesting art work?
The first mural designers were prehistoric cavemen who decorated their caves with a wide variety of paintings depicting hunts and other aspects of daily life. It's natural to want decorated walls. I can see my cave now!
The frescoes are by Pietro Longhi (1702-85).Sagredo Palace in Venice.
The fresco technique has been employed since antiquity and is closely associated with Italian Renaissance painting. Roman frescoes were the primary method of interior decoration.
via pinterest....source unknown
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Murals were among the most popular types of art in all classical civilizations, including those of Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. Public murals were also a popular form of early Christian art.
The soft muted colors of classical murals create fabulous backdrops for your antique furnishings.
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A mural is any large painting on a wall. However a primary characteristic of a fresco is that the paintings, though often done in parts, are generally related by a common thread that tells a story.
via Pinterest
Make your interiors soar to new heights with a fabulous mural.
....... or simplistic, a well executed mural ages your interiors.
via Pinterest
Imagine this room without the mural.....now do you see what a difference these fabulous wall treatments make!
Via Pinterest
While I am all behind small, do it yourself projects, mural painting should be left to the professional (unless you yourself are very artistic). I have seen too many horrible attempts that ruin instead of enhance a space. That being said, a bath is a good place to try your hand at painting a mural.
Frescoes by Johann Wenzel Bergl, Austria
The word fresco is derived from the Italian word for fresh.
The painting must be completed within an 8 hour time period, and changes cannot be made after completing the task.
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Add style to a room and show off special interests with a mural or decorative wall scene.
The major benefit of frescoes over murals is that it is possible to remove the artwork from the wall or ceiling and convey it to another location – especially if you plan to relocate or remodel your home.
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I like the pastoral nature of this mural.........but without the actual nature. No critters allowed.
I like the pastoral nature of this mural.........but without the actual nature. No critters allowed.
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via Pinterest
Mural come in all styles from elegant to a more rustic version like that above in the Chateau de Vallin.
Murals can cover the entire wall or be done in sections or panels.
Fresco paintings actually become a part of the wall, which makes very old paintings like this in an historic apartment in Venice, Italy, easy to restore in comparison to murals.
Designer Ferragamo's dining room mural portrays Diana and her hunting party.
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Framing murals gives your room the look of an art gallery.
The art of fresco largely died out as new colored pigments were developed and the use of canvas became widespread.
The perfect mural for this lovely room. The scene through the window actually becomes part of the painting.
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A fabulous mural painted on the underside of a beautiful stairway.
I love this mural and wish I knew who to credit it to.
A child's room is another lovely place to attempt your own mural painting. Stick to soft themes and muted colors for best results.
Pascal Amblard painting wall mural
There are many qualified muralist for hire today that can create magic in your home.
Every once in a while, a trend emerges but certain classical themes will always be a constant.
Oh what a good mural and faux finished ceiling can do for a small space. Now imagine this bath with just painted walls. It would look so much smaller.
I love this whimsical mural that still keeps it classical and elegant.
I have always thought that walls painted mural style or fresco style warm up a space in a way that nothing else can.
And don't forget the impact of a mural or fresco used on your outdoor entertaining area. Isn't this glorious?
You might also like my blog featuring primitive colonial murals!
Click here to see the previous post
This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer
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