Michelangelo's work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is just one example of frescoes in history.
Let children be a part of history by helping them to complete a fresco art project. Combine an art lesson with historical facts on the classic masterpieces. The oldest frescoes date back to 1600 B.C. in Greece. One of the most famous examples of this technique is Michelangelo's work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Fresco paintings are works of art painted on wet plaster. A chemical reaction occurs between the drying plaster and the paint, which preserves the color. Kids can witness the lasting power of frescoes for themselves by taking part in making their own piece of history.
Instructions
1. Cover your workspace with newspapers to protect the area from spills.
2. Mix two parts plaster of Paris with one part water in a bowl. Apply the mixture to the cardboard using a sponge paintbrush. Coat the cardboard completely.
3. Load a paintbrush with acrylic paint and begin to paint on the still-wet plaster. Rinse the brush in a cup filled with water before you dip it in the paint to avoid contaminating the paint with plaster.
4. Allow the completed fresco project to dry.
Tags: ceiling Sistine, ceiling Sistine Chapel, fresco project, Michelangelo work, Michelangelo work ceiling, , work ceiling