What is the primary goal of the sgraffito painting technique?

The primary goal of the sgraffito painting technique is to reveal a layer of color beneath the surface. This technique involves applying a layer of wet paint and then scratching through it to expose the underlying layer of contrasting color. This method not only provides a visual depth and texture to the artwork but also allows for intricate designs and patterns to emerge as the artist manipulates the top layer.

In contrast, blending colors seamlessly is more characteristic of techniques such as glazing or wet-on-wet, where the focus is on creating smooth transitions between hues. Creating flat, two-dimensional images is often associated with styles and techniques that prioritize graphic elements over depth and texture, such as certain forms of printmaking or digital graphics. Applying a thick layer of paint for texture is more aligned with impasto techniques, which focus on the physical properties of paint rather than revealing layers below.