Egg-tempered paint, or egg tempera, is a painting technique that dates back to the days of ancient greece. The organic nature of this paint, which uses egg yolk to bind the pigment and cannot be stored once it is mixed, puts the painter in constant interaction with its consistency and color. Once dried and cured, the paint is highly permanent and does not change color as opposed to oil which yellows and darkens with age. Although egg tempera was the medium of choice during the early Renaissance, it fell out of popularity after the introduction of oil based paints. Many layers are applied in order to build up an image and some painters still prefer this technique because the layers of interacting colors set upon a reflective gesso has a subtle, luminous effect. This course will give an introduction to the methods of preparation and use of egg tempera, including applying traditional gesso to panel, mixing and balancing the consistency of the paint and pigment, and various application methods of the paint.

Class price includes $30 materials fee which provides students with materials for further exploration.