Egg Tempera Painting

There is much to know and learn about egg tempera painting. The process itself requires craftmanship as both the panels and paint are made from scratch. The painting technique is gradual and deliberate. The depth of color is achieved with many translucent layers.

The panels are first sized with Rabbit Skin Glue (RSG).
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After the backs are then painted with alkyd cabinet paint.
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Portrait linen is adhered to panels with RSG.

Linen is trimmed and  6 or more layers of RSG true Gesso is applied to the panel.
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Panels are sanded and polished.
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The Image starts with a charcoal Drawing.

Red, yellow bole is applied to areas that will be gilded.
Gold leaf is then applied with either oil size or water gilded.

The Image is developed with many layers of translucent egg tempera which is water, egg yolk and pure pigment. The painting must cure for approximately 3 months; it is then polished and finished with a fixative and often a cold wax.