Egg tempera

We use egg tempera technique in icon painting. It is an ancient technique which has been used since as early as 4th Century. Some say even 1st Century. Many painting made in those early days has been preserved and we can still enjoy their beauty. Some more damaged and darkened some still vivid with most details almost untouched by ageing.

Painting made in egg tempera last even longer then oil painting.

To prepare your paint using egg tempera you need egg yolk, wine (white wine vinegar or lager) dry pigments and water.

Egg and wine will be your binding medium.Crack egg shell and place egg on your hand. Make sure all white runs down your hand and you only have yolk in a skin left. Be careful skin can break. Place your hand above small jar and break a skin. All yolk should run down a jar. Add exaclty the same volume of wine onto a jar. Mix thoroughly. Store in a fridge. Medium should be good to use for at least one week.

Share