Egg tempera by JRJ

Egg tempera by Phil Schirmer

Egg Tempera by Ucello


Egg Tempera by Andrew Wyeth

A Workshop by Jon Rader Jarvis

Egg Tempera is a simple and direct medium that can create luminous surfaces richer in color and transparency than almost any other medium. Students will learn how to mix their own pigment and medium combinations based on surface and use. We will explore painting surfaces: board, panel, paper and canvas, and cover a full range of techniques from ancient to contemporary.

Chapter Contents:

Painting surface: Boards, mounted canvas, paper and alternatives
Grounds: Gesso, Oil, Acrylic, gold leaf, flake white (Crementz or lead white), and tinted grounds
Dry pigment: Sources, precautions
Making Egg Tempera paint: Pigment, Egg, and peculiarities
Tools and Equipment: painting knives, containers, muller and glass plate, others
Safety: Hazardous materials, fire, others
The Medium: Egg Yolk, egg-oil, commercial products
Drawing materials: WC and Oil crayon, carving and scraping tools
Varnishes: Wax and none
Presentation: Frame float, glass covered
Alternatives and Future use: Giclee printmaking, simple means

COURSE GOALS AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The student will learn to make or use the materials and techniques of egg tempera painting. This class offers practical information for working in egg tempera.

CLASS CONTENTS: Projects for this class require additional time to prepare media and painting surfaces. Each demonstration will explain the practical ways to use the materials and techniques of egg tempera painting. Individual assistance and positive criticism will be provided. Class discussion is encouraged.

Introduction
Learning the basics of egg tempera painting and how to use them -- these are the necessary skills for any egg tempera painter. Since we don't, as a rule, make our own paint or prepare our own canvas, egg tempera painting is different. This class will explain what options are available so that artists make choices from knowledge not ignorance. If you would paint with egg tempera, you need this information.

We study basic materials and what goes together to make egg tempera painting. Paint recipes are included. These educational tools will show you how to improve the materials you use, the intensity of the colors and longevity. This class will provide a recipe book and bibliography that you will use for your entire career in art.

We begin with old media and forms, and progress to the present day use. Then we will try to predict what the future will bring.

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS: Bring note making materials and questions. A materials list will be provided at registration. The greater the class participation, the greater the material covered and depth of content.