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A photo of my “original” Tempera Notebook. © Katie Toepp 2020
Welcome to the Tempera Notebook. This blog is my attempt to bring together my notes on process and research for anyone to access. In this blog, you will find bits of my notes on the history of egg tempera, photos and analysis of my process, critique of my work, and suggestions for anyone interested in getting started with this unique medium. As with any blog project, I expect the content to morph and evolve along the way.
In this post, I answer some frequently asked questions.
Why do you paint with egg tempera?
Can I paint with egg tempera?
Is egg tempera vegan?
Who should use this blog?
How do I use this blog?
Why do you paint with egg tempera?
There are many reasons someone might want to use egg tempera. Among them, tempera is free from fumes, uses traditional materials, and has a unique aesthetic.I use tempera for a combination of reasons: I am interested in the medium's history, and egg tempera gives the final painting a unique satin appearance. Most importantly, I am deeply moved by the "alchemical" process of creating paint from raw materials; in an era where art and craft supplies are widely available, I like to remind myself—through the process—of the humanity and history of the practice.
Can I paint with egg tempera?
The short answer is yes! Although the tempera process is ancient, there have been variations across the centuries based on the materials that artists have available. You do not need to invest in powdered pigments. At the bare minimum, you need regular grocery store eggs and water-based paint like watercolor or gouache. You can even find pre-mixed tubes of egg tempera from some art suppliers.
Click here to see a basic tempera recipe.
Is egg tempera vegan?
Although egg-laying is a natural part of a hen’s lifecycle, eggs are an animal product. This means they are not vegan for the same reason that milk, honey, and wool are not vegan. I do my best to shop locally and say informed on my egg supplier; I encourage anyone to use animal products to do the same. Eventually, I hope to look after egg-laying rescue chickens. Until then, I use ethically sourced eggs from Noah’s Pride.
Who should use this blog?
Maybe you’re an educator who wants to bring a new technique to the classroom. Perhaps you’re an artist or hobbyist looking to work with a new medium, or maybe you already use tempera and are looking to compare techniques. Welcome! Many of my posts are for the novice who has little or no experience with tempera, but that scope will likely evolve as with any project.
How do I use this blog?
I have tried to make this blog as transparent and user-friendly as possible. I have included footnotes and technical notes on some pages. I have a also included a comprehensive glossary for artists and non-artists.
If I mention a resource, especially a primary source, I try to make references in the footnotes. You can find all my mentioned resources, plus a few more, in my annotated bibliography post (coming soon).