The lost art of fresco painting resurrected by local artist

Oleg Poletayev art work at Gallery On Seventh MILFORD — Oleg Poletayev, PA will be the featured artist at Gallery on Seventh during July 5th through August 2nd. Meet the artist and friends and enjoy refreshments during his opening reception on Saturday, July 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. Poletayev, born in the Ukraine and currently residing in Pike County, is a Veneciano and Marmorino artist as well as a Venetian plaster installer and faux technique painter. He challenges his creativity, utilizing his skill as a Venetian plaster installer, in his latest collection of paintings showcasing this month at Gallery on Seventh. Poletayev states, “Have you ever marveled at the beautiful glowing plaster walls of Italy? These ancient walls that grow more beautiful with age were plastered with a technique the Italians call, “Decorative Stucco”. The term “Venetian Plaster” is what we in the USA use to refer to the same process.” “In Venice it is impossible to use heavy marble stones or blocks to erect walls as it was used to fabricate buildings in other parts of Italy. Buildings in Venice had to be constructed as lightweight as possible and still finish walls to give their buildings the same enduring elegance…and so “Venetian Plaster” was born”. The technique consists of hand applying several layers of plaster to the wall, with the last few layers creating the decorative effect. These decorative layers were of plaster made of powdered or ground marble or limestone, thinly applied to create a wall finished that had visual depth, richness, cool touch and the natural elegant essence of stone or marble. Over time as the carbonation reaction to air crystallized the lime finish returning the plaster to its original state of stone, the finish created a wall that was stronger than any painted surface.” Along with Oleg’s showcased Marmorino paintings, he will have his portfolio showing completed rooms of his plaster installations, decorative faux finishes and other creative installed constructions. Come meet this very talented European artist on Saturday, July 12. Gallery on Seventh, is at 113 Seventh Street, Milford. The entrance is directly on Seventh Street around the corner from the Old Lumberyard Shops parking complex. Phone 570-296-6082.