A few years ago I enjoyed the privilege of studying under Ilia Anossov, a master of traditional "true" fresco painting.

This method requires both the building up of successive layers of plaster in ever-creamier applications; and, most dramatically, the complete painting of one's subject while the plaster is still wet.

The final stage is the itonaco stage, on which the actual painting is done, first in undertones of umber and terra verde to construct all the tones and forms.

It is only late in the day, when the painting is all mapped out monochromatically, and as the fresco reaches its glorious last stage, that the true colors are laid on top. It was exciting, a mix of urgency and total focused calm, to be painting the final colors in near darkness, as the studio was enveloped in nightfall.

This is a portrait of Kizi Dunham, a young friend from northern California.

Portrait of Kizi

by J Michael Walker, 2005 True Fresco, 22" high x 22" wide