What is Egg Tempera?

Egg Tempera is created from the yolk of a traditional hen’s egg mixed with dry pigment or water colour. It is a versatile medium and can be over painted with further applications of oil paints or acrylics.

Egg Tempera goes way back…

This technique was universally used in the Renaissance era; and even as far back as ancient Egypt. Artists soon replaced it when oils were discovered as a medium.

New interest was expressed around 1844 and there was a revival with the medium around 1920 to 1930 when it became a favourite for miniature work. Oil glazes were popular and when applied over egg tempera a brilliant tonal glow was produced.

Egg Tempera is flexible…

It is applied by brush with fine or broad strokes, or splattered, sponged and stippled. The medium is said, by some, to be tedious but also tempting.

So be tempted.

1. The egg is carefully cracked, not breaking the yolk sac and poured from one shell to the other half. The point of a knife is used to remove the remaining globs of yolk, (it is advisable to have a bowl underneath for this procedure.)

2. The yolk is placed on a paper towel and moved gently back and forth; this removes any white particles that may cling to the yolk.

3. Make a break in the sac by using a pin point then the yolk is gently squeezed into a glass/plastic container. A small amount of water is added and stirred with a spatula, the sac is discarded. Ensure that the mixture is not too thin or thick but slightly creamy.

4. A second container is covered with a fine cloth (held securely with the fingers or clamped with an elastic band.)

5. A hollow is dented in the centre of the cloth and the egg-water mixture poured in. This mixture can then be stored overnight in a refrigerator.

The cloth should strain any particles of sac or globs of white.

The medium is born!

Egg Tempera produces sheen when applied correctly…

Either powdered pigments or water colours may be mixed with the egg solution to create the paint. Use a good quality, primed board or water colour paper; black pastel paper provides a strong background tone for your painting .The amount of water used depends on the transparency or opacity that the artist requires.

Sable brushes are the best choice for a fine, smooth application of painting in this age-old medium.

The fact that you have read this article suggests you have been tempted, so why not take up the challenge and begin to paint in Egg Tempera?

About Aileen McLeod

Art is a passion with Aileen with writing not far behind. She has always loved to paint/write and share her knowledge. Aileen has taught at a Private School (Sydney Australia) where they now have an annual Aileen McLeod Art award.

She has been a guest on National TV pertaining to her art and writing and has been the recipient of various art prizes including a European Award for Porcelain Painting.

Some of her Picture Books have been published online with Writer's Exchange and her art/craft articles have been published in an Australian Craft monthly magazine and interviews included in some major magazines.

Aileen completed a writing course with Wring for Success and some of her contributions have been used for other students interest.

Aileen enjoys to write about life's experiences and hopes to publish her own book at some future date but is aware that many more unforseen incidents are ahead in her life's journey.