Tempera colours painting is a timeless art form that has been used for centuries, from the ancient world to the Renaissance period. Known for its vibrant, matte finish and remarkable durability, tempera painting is a unique medium that allows artists to achieve intricate detail and a luminous quality. If you are a beginner eager to learn how to master tempera colours painting, this guide will walk you through the essential steps, from understanding the basics of tempera paint to applying it on canvas and creating your own masterpieces.
What is Tempera Colours Painting?
Tempera colours painting is a technique that uses pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, traditionally egg yolk, to create vibrant and durable paints. Unlike oil paints, which take time to dry and allow for blending, tempera dries quickly, making it ideal for artists who prefer precision and fine detail. Tempera has been favored throughout history for its ability to produce sharp, luminous, and long-lasting artworks.
The Essentials of Tempera Painting
Before you begin, it is important to understand the key components of tempera painting, which consist of the pigment, the binder, and the medium.
Pigment: This is the coloured powder that gives tempera paint its hue. You can purchase premixed tempera paints, or you can buy pigments and mix them yourself with your binder.
Binder: The most common binder used in tempera painting is egg yolk, although other binders such as gum arabic or casein (milk protein) can also be used. The binder holds the pigment together and allows it to adhere to the painting surface.
Medium: This refers to the substance that dilutes the paint to the desired consistency. Water is the most common medium used with tempera, but sometimes a small amount of vinegar or a specific oil medium can be used to adjust the texture.
Step 1: Gathering Your Materials
To get started with tempera colours painting, you will need a few essential supplies:
Pigments: You can choose from a wide range of pigments, from traditional colours like ultramarine blue and Venetian red to modern hues. Pigments come in powder form, and you will need to mix them with your binder.
Egg yolk (or an alternative binder): If you're using egg yolk as your binder, you’ll need to separate the yolk from the egg white. If you prefer a vegan or non-egg binder, you can use gum arabic or casein.
Brushes: A set of high-quality paintbrushes with fine tips is essential for tempera painting. Brushes with natural bristles work well with tempera, as they hold the paint better than synthetic ones.
Palette: A flat surface for mixing your paints is important. You can use a traditional wooden palette, a ceramic dish, or even a glass surface.
Canvas or Paper: For a smooth finish, use paper or a specially prepared board. Tempera works best on a rigid surface, as it can crack if applied to flexible canvases.
Step 2: Preparing the Paint
The next step in mastering tempera colours painting is preparing your paint. If you’re using powdered pigment, you will need to mix it with your binder and medium to create a paintable consistency.
Mixing the Pigment and Binder: Begin by placing a small amount of powdered pigment on your palette. Add a few drops of water to the pigment to make a paste. Next, break open the egg and separate the yolk. Gently whisk the yolk in a small bowl until it becomes liquid and slightly frothy. Slowly combine the egg yolk with the pigment paste until it forms a smooth, consistent mixture.
Adjusting Consistency: To adjust the thickness or thinness of the paint, add small amounts of water. If the paint is too thick, it will be difficult to apply smoothly, while too much water can make it too translucent.
Creating Multiple Colours: Repeat the process for different colours. You can experiment with mixing various pigments to create custom hues, or you can purchase premixed tempera paints.
Step 3: Understanding the Techniques
Now that you have your tempera paint ready, it’s time to explore the techniques that make tempera colours painting unique.
Layering: One of the hallmarks of tempera is its ability to build up multiple layers of paint. Because tempera dries quickly, you can apply one layer on top of another without waiting long between applications. This creates a smooth, almost polished finish and allows for intricate details to emerge.
Fine Details and Precision: Tempera painting is known for its precision. Artists often use very fine brushes to apply small, detailed strokes. The quick-drying nature of tempera makes it ideal for fine lines and detailed textures, so take your time with this technique.
Glazing: To add depth and richness to your painting, you can use glazing techniques. Apply a thin, translucent layer of paint over a dry base layer to create a luminous effect. This is particularly useful when painting portraits, as it gives skin tones a radiant quality.
Blending: While tempera dries quickly, it is still possible to blend colours by working quickly. However, blending is more challenging than with oils, so focus on creating sharp lines and using layering to achieve smooth transitions between colours.
Step 4: Applying the Paint
Now that you have prepared your paints and are familiar with the techniques, it's time to begin painting on your chosen surface. Follow these steps:
Prepare the Surface: If you’re using canvas, make sure it is primed. Tempera works best on a smooth, rigid surface, such as a wooden panel or paper that is specifically designed for tempera.
Sketch Your Design: Use a pencil to lightly sketch the outlines of your composition on the canvas. Keep the lines subtle, as tempera paint can cover them, but it’s better to have some guidance.
Apply the First Layer: Begin with a light wash of your base colour. You can use a larger brush for this initial layer to cover the entire surface. Let this layer dry completely before applying further layers.
Build Layers: Apply subsequent layers of paint, gradually adding detail and depth. Use finer brushes for intricate details. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next one.
Finishing Touches: Once you have completed your painting, you can add final touches such as highlights, shadows, or additional glazing to enhance the richness of the work.
Step 5: Drying and Preservation
Once your painting is complete, allow it to dry thoroughly. Tempera can take longer to dry than oil paints, especially if you’ve applied several layers. To preserve your work, it’s a good idea to frame it under glass or use a protective varnish to ensure its longevity.
Conclusion
Mastering tempera colours painting may seem challenging at first, but with practice, you can create vibrant, detailed works of art that showcase the unique qualities of this ancient medium. By understanding the fundamentals of tempera, preparing your paints properly, and utilizing layering and precision techniques, you can bring your artistic vision to life. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, tempera colours painting offers endless opportunities for creativity and expression.
