Which technique involves applying paint on a wet surface?

The technique that involves applying paint on a wet surface is fresco. This method is characterized by the application of water-based pigments onto freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the paint to become an integral part of the wall surface as it dries. This technique has been utilized in many historical works of art, such as the murals in the Sistine Chapel, where the pigments bond with the plaster, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting colors.

In contrast, impasto involves applying paint in thick layers so that it stands out from the surface, creating texture, but does not specifically require a wet surface. Glazing refers to the technique of applying a thin, transparent layer of paint over another dry layer to achieve depth and luminosity, and encaustic involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added, applied in a solid form rather than on a wet surface. Each of these techniques has its own unique properties and applications, but fresco is distinct for its use of wet plaster as the foundation for the paint application.