Tempera Painting: A Comprehensive Guide to Techniques, Materials, and Best Practices

Tempera painting is one of the oldest known painting methods, predating oil painting by centuries. Known for its luminous, matte finish and archival qualities, tempera offers a unique aesthetic and a rewarding artistic experience. 

I. Introduction to Tempera

• Definition: Tempera, derived from the Latin word "temperare" meaning "to mix" or "to moderate," refers to a paint made by combining pigment with a water-miscible binder, typically containing an emulsifier. This emulsifier helps to keep the pigment and water-based liquid combined.

• Historical Significance: Tempera played a crucial role in art history, particularly in early panel painting, illuminated manuscripts, and icons. Artists like Giotto, Duccio, and Botticelli extensively used egg tempera.

• Characteristics: Tempera paint dries quickly to a matte, durable, and luminous finish. It is known for its vibrant colors, fine detail, and archival permanence. However, it can be brittle and prone to cracking if applied too thickly.

II. Types of Tempera

While the term "tempera" is often associated with egg tempera, it encompasses a broader range of emulsions. The following are the most common types:

• Egg Tempera: The most traditional and renowned form of tempera. It utilizes egg yolk (or whole egg) as the binder.

  • Egg Yolk Tempera: Uses only the yolk, producing a strong, vibrant paint.

  • Whole Egg Tempera: Uses the entire egg, resulting in a more flexible and less brittle film.

• Casein Tempera: Employs casein, a milk protein, as the binder. It is more opaque than egg tempera and can be sanded and varnished.

• Gouache (Opaque Watercolor): A water-based paint consisting of pigment, a binding agent (often gum arabic), and an opaque filler (such as chalk). While technically classified as an opaque watercolor, it shares characteristics with tempera.

• Acrylic Tempera: In modern times, acrylic polymers are sometimes used as binders in tempera-style paints. These "acrylic temperas" offer greater flexibility and durability than traditional forms but lack some of their unique aesthetic qualities. They should be more accurately referred to as acrylic paint.

III. Materials and Resources

• Pigments:

• Dry Pigments: Preferred for their purity and control over color mixing. Available in various forms, including powders and grains. Mineral pigments and synthetic pigments are viable.

• Pre-Ground Pigments: Convenient for beginners, these pigments are already ground and ready to mix with the binder. Note that the pigment loading may not be optimal.

• Binders:

• Egg Yolk: Fresh eggs are essential. The yolk should be separated carefully and prepared for use.

• Whole Egg: Requires a method for preserving the egg mixture, such as adding a small amount of vinegar or alcohol.

• Casein: Available as a dry powder; it needs to be mixed with water and an alkali (such as ammonia or borax) to dissolve.

• Gouache Binders: Gum arabic (natural gum) or other commercial options

• Support/Ground:

  • Panels: Rigid supports, such as wood panels (prepared with gesso), are ideal for tempera painting to minimize cracking. MDF (medium-density fiberboard) panels are often preferred.

  • Paper: Heavyweight, high-quality paper (watercolor paper or illustration board) can be used for gouache or casein tempera.

  • Canvas: Not typically recommended for traditional egg tempera due to its flexibility, but canvas can be used with acrylic or gouache tempera.

Brushes:

• Fine, Soft Brushes: Sable, nylon, or synthetic brushes in various sizes are needed for detailed work.

• Round Brushes: Useful for applying thin layers and creating cross-hatching effects.

• Flat Brushes: Suitable for applying broader washes and creating smoother surfaces (primarily for gouache and acrylic tempera).

• Palette:

  • Glass Palette: Ideal for easy cleaning and color mixing.

  • Ceramic Palette: A good alternative to glass.

  • Palette Paper: Disposable palette paper can also be used, especially for casein tempera.

• Mixing Tools:

  • Palette Knife: Essential for grinding pigments and mixing paints.

  • Mortar and Pestle: For grinding dry pigments, if needed.

• Other Materials:

  • Gesso: For preparing panels. Should be high-quality acrylic gesso or traditional gesso based on rabbit skin glue and chalk.

  • Distilled Water: For diluting and cleaning.

  • Vinegar or Alcohol: To preserve egg tempera.

  • Varnish (Optional): For protecting the finished painting (use carefully, as varnish can alter the matte finish). Damar varnish is often used.

IV. Tempera Techniques

Egg Tempera Techniques:

• Preparation of Egg Yolk Emulsion: Separate the egg yolk, remove the membrane, and mix it with distilled water and a preservative (vinegar or alcohol). The ratio depends upon the specific recipe used.

• Mixing Paint: Combine the egg yolk emulsion with ground pigment to create the tempera paint. It is best to mix small batches as needed.

• Application: Apply tempera in thin, transparent layers (glazes). Tempera is not suitable for impasto.

• Cross-Hatching: Build up tones and values by applying overlapping strokes of color. This technique creates a luminous and textured surface.

• Underpainting: Create an underpainting using a monochromatic or limited color palette to establish the composition and values.

• Layering: Tempera is built up through many fine layers of paint which give it an ethereal and luminous quality.

• Casein Tempera Techniques:

  • Preparation of Casein Emulsion: Dissolve casein powder in water and an alkali, such as ammonia.

  • Mixing Paint: Combine the casein emulsion with pigment.

  • Application: Casein tempera can be applied in thicker layers than egg tempera.

  • Sanding: Casein tempera can be sanded once dry to create a smooth surface.

Gouache Techniques:

• Mixing Paint: Gouache is available in tubes or pans. Dilute with water to achieve the desired consistency.

• Application: Apply gouache in opaque layers. It can be re-wetted and reworked, like watercolor.

• Layering: Gouache can be layered to create depth and dimension.

• Dry Brush: Use a dry brush technique to create texture and detail.

• Acrylic Tempera Techniques:

  • Mixing Paint: Acrylic tempera can be mixed with water or acrylic mediums to adjust its consistency and properties.

  • Application: Apply in thin, even layers.

  • Blending: Acrylic tempera dries quickly, so blending may require the use of retarding mediums.

  • Underpainting: Acrylic tempera is useful for creating underpaintings, providing a stable foundation for other layers.

V. Best Practices

• Proper Surface Preparation: Thoroughly prepare the support with gesso to create a smooth and stable surface.

• Thin Layers: Apply tempera in thin, even layers to prevent cracking and ensure proper adhesion.

• Prevent Contamination: Use clean brushes and mixing tools to avoid contaminating the paint.

• Workspace Management: Create a well-lit workspace with good ventilation.

• Archival Materials: Use archival-quality materials to ensure the longevity of the artwork.

• Experimentation: Explore different techniques and materials to discover your own unique style.

• Documentation: Keep detailed records of the materials and techniques used for each painting.

• Proper Storage: Store tempera paintings in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

VI. Conclusion

Tempera painting offers a rich and rewarding experience for artists seeking a unique and historically significant medium. By understanding the different types of tempera, mastering the necessary techniques, and adhering to best practices, artists can create beautiful and enduring works of art. Whether working with traditional egg tempera, casein, gouache, or modern acrylic tempera, the key is to experiment, practice, and develop a thorough understanding of the materials and processes involved. This guide provides a solid foundation for embarking on the journey of tempera painting and discovering the timeless beauty of this venerable art form.