Painting with an egg yolk as a base? It may sound strange, but that's pretty much what tempera is!

Using colour pigment and an egg, you can start almost immediately with this painting technique. The fact that it has survived for so long indicates its popularity and success. It's one of the oldest painting methods, having survived since ancient times and the Middle Ages. And now it's time for you to get started!

What does tempera mean?

The word "tempera" comes from the Latin 'temperare', which means 'to mix' or 'to mix properly'. Tempera refers to the process of mixing colour pigments with a water-soluble binder, such as an egg yolk, to create paint. This technique is particularly known for fine, detailed paintings known for their brightness, durability, and matte finish.

What is egg tempera?

Egg tempera is a painting technique in which pigments are mixed with egg yolk as a binder, resulting in a fast-drying, matte paint. It is known for its durability and capacity for fine details. This technique was particularly popular in the early Renaissance for panel paintings. But even now, artists and hobbyists still use it.

Making your own tempera

Yes, you can make tempera yourself using a fairly simple method. Vaessen Creative takes you through the process step by step:

1. Separate the egg: Separate the yolk from the egg white. The yolk is the part you will use.
2. Prepare the yolk: Gently pierce the yolk with a toothpick or fine needle and let the contents drip into a small container. Try to keep the membrane intact to keep the egg white out.
3. Mix with water: Add a few drops of water to the egg yolk and mix well; the rule is to mix one part water with one part egg yolk. You can use a scale for this to weigh the egg yolk and then add the same weight of water. Optionally, add a drop of vinegar.
4. Add pigment: Slowly add the pigment to your egg yolk-water mixture. Keep stirring until you have a smooth, homogeneous paint. Use colour powders or make your own powder from (chalk) pastels.
5. Adjust the consistency: Add more egg yolk mixture if the paint is too thick. If it's too thin, add more pigment.
6. Create your masterpiece: Once you're satisfied with the paint, you can start painting your artwork with your homemade paint. Tempera dries quickly, so only mix what you need. Ensure you work on a surface suitable for tempera, such as a prepared panel or special paper.

Still not entirely clear? Watch the video below for a more detailed explanation.

Recognizing tempera

Tempera paintings can be recognised by several specific features, including:

• Matte finish: Tempera has a characteristic matte and velvety appearance without the gloss often seen in oil paintings.

Fine details: Tempera's composition allows artists to achieve extremely fine details, resulting in very precise and sharp lines and textures.

• Vibrant colours: Tempera paintings are often bright and vivid because the pigments are well preserved in the egg yolk binder.
• Quick drying: Tempera dries rapidly, allowing for quick layering without much colour blending on the canvas itself.
• Texture: Because tempera is hard and relatively brittle, fine cracks or craquelure may sometimes appear in the paint layer, especially if the surface is somewhat flexible.

These characteristics make tempera distinctive, especially compared to oil or acrylic paint, giving works created with this special paint a unique and recognisable appearance.

Why tempera is beloved

There are several reasons why artists and crafters love using tempera and take the time to make it themselves. Below, we've listed some of these reasons:

• Durability: Paintings made with egg tempera are highly durable. The paint chemically binds with the surface, forming a hard, long-lasting film that, if stored properly, can keep colours bright for centuries.
• Colourfastness: The colours remain vibrant because the egg yolk binder effectively protects the pigments from fading.
• Quick drying time: Egg tempera dries rapidly, allowing artists to work in multiple layers without long waiting times.
• Fine details: The fast-drying nature and consistency of the paint enable artists to paint extremely fine details, which is ideal for realistic and meticulous artworks.
• Environmentally friendly: Egg tempera is eco-friendly and non-toxic, as it’s made from natural ingredients like egg yolks and pigments.
• Control over the medium: Artists can adjust the thickness and texture of the paint by varying the amount of water and egg yolk they use, providing versatility in the painting process.

Ready to explore the fascinating world of tempera? With just eggs and colour pigments, you can create beautiful artwork with a rich history and unique appearance. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting, tempera offers endless possibilities for creativity and expression.

Get started and discover the benefits of this ancient painting technique for yourself. With its quick drying time, vibrant colours, and fine details, you'll soon fall in love with tempera. So grab your brush and be inspired by the magic of this unique medium!

Want to learn even more about painting? Check out these blogs:

Fresco

Impasto

Painting with oil paint

Painting with acrylic paint