Natural (whole egg yolk diluted with water, plant juices, rarely - only in frescoes - oil) or artificial (drying oils in an aqueous solution of glue, polymers). Tempera painting is diverse in terms of techniques and texture, it includes both writing in a thin layer, glazing, and thick impasto writing.

tempera paints- one of the oldest. Before the invention and distribution of oil paints until the XV-XVII centuries. tempera paints were the main material of easel painting. The history of the use of tempera paints has more than 3 thousand years. Thus, the famous paintings of the sarcophagi of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs are made with tempera paints. Tempera was mainly easel painting by Byzantine masters. In Russia, the technique of tempera writing was predominant in art until the end of the 17th century.

Currently, two types of tempera are produced industrially: casein-oil (the binder is an aqueous solution of casein with additives) and polyvinyl acetate (PVA, the binder is an emulsion of synthetic polyvinyl acetate resin). Tempera based on PVA is easier to use, diluted with water, does not turn yellow, but its significant drawback is that it tends to crack over time. In this regard, the durability of restoration work performed with PVA tempera always raises serious doubts. When dry, the tempera changes tone and color, the surface of works made in this technique is matte. Dried paint is water resistant, which is why tempera is also used in mural painting. The distribution network offers a wide range of dry pigments for self-preparation of tempera paints from them; tempera, prepared by the artist himself using simple technologies, immediately before using it in his work, is the highest quality and most durable paint material, which is confirmed by centuries of practice.

Tempera on gesso on a wooden base using natural pigments is a traditional icon-painting technique where it is used cooked on yolk or a mixture of yolk with boiled butter or oil varnish. The technique of ancient Russian icon painters found its continuation in the work of masters lacquer miniature(Palekh, Mstyora, Kholuy). Wall paintings have been made on moistened plaster (lime) with tempera since ancient times.

Literature

• Isakson A. Learn to write in tempera // Artist. 1961, No. 1. S.54-56.
• Filatov VV Russian easel tempera painting. Technique and restoration. M., Art, 1961.
• Laktionov A., Winner A. Russian tempera painting // Artist. 1961, No. 12. P.26.
• encyclopedic Dictionary young artist/ Comp. N. I. Platonova, V. D. Sinyukov. - M .: Pedagogy, 1983. - S. 196, 379-380. - 416 p. - 500,000 copies.

Links

• Recipes for making natural tempera paints from minerals

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010 .

Synonyms:

See what "Tempera" is in other dictionaries:

- (Italian tempera, from temperare to mix paints), painting with paints, binder in which there are emulsions of water and egg yolk, as well as vegetable or animal glue diluted in water, mixed with oil (or with ... ... Art Encyclopedia

- (it.). 1) everything that is included in the liquid picturesque colors. 2) a special kind of painting. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. TEMPERA, it., from tempera, any liquid mixture for dry paints. A type of painting with paints, ... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

- [tamper], tempera, female, as well as non-cl. (ital. tempera) (painting). 1. Mineral paints, grated on egg yolk, liquid glue, honey and other emulsions, use. in painting before invention oil paints and again come into use in the latest ... ... Dictionary Ushakov

- (Italian tempera), painting with paints, the binder of which is natural emulsions (whole egg, yolk, plant juices) or artificial (aqueous solution of glue with oil, etc.) ... Modern Encyclopedia Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

tempera- tempera. Pronounced [tempera] ... Dictionary of pronunciation and stress difficulties in modern Russian

tempera- For many centuries in Russia, icons were painted using the technique of yolk tempera (egg tempera or simply tempera). In general, TEMPERA is painting with paints in which the film-forming substance is most often an emulsion of egg yolk in water; ... ... Dictionary of Painting and Restoration

Tempera paint, or as it is also called tempera, is made on the basis of an emulsion binder and pigment. The name comes from Latin word"Tempera", which translates as "to mix".

Tempera paints were used even before their appearance and were widely used. For example, they were absolutely indispensable in icon painting. Their history goes back over 3500 years.

The binder of tempera paints consists of three elements: water, various kinds glue, which varies depending on the type of tempera, and oil. Emulsifying agents include egg white and yolk, gum arabic, dextrin and soap. The adhesive solution, when combined with oil particles, creates an emulsion. In this state, the oil makes the paints elastic and prevents them from cracking.

By its properties, tempera is something intermediate between glue and oil paints. It can also be diluted with water, as well as with oil. And she can work both on paper and on canvas. In principle, they are applicable to any kind of surface, but it is better to use soft and elastic brushes. In terms of shape, flat or round brushes are recommended.

The main advantages of tempera include the speed of its drying, which greatly speeds up the process, and its amazing durability - works made with tempera retain their brightness for many centuries.

Today, tempera paints are manufactured industrially and sold in sets.

Types of tempera paints

Based on the component on the basis of which the emulsion is made for diluting tempera, there are egg, casein-oil and gum arabic tempera, which is also called glutinous. In other words, the name of the paint is derived from the binder used to "mash" the dry pigment.

Egg tempera was especially common in the Middle Ages and was used for a long time even after the advent of oil paints. Egg-based paint dissolves easily, mixes and practically does not change its color when dried, neither brightening nor darkening. Works made with egg tempera retain color saturation and brightness for a very long time.

Casein oil tempera is a water-soluble paint, which consists of the smallest pigments mixed with an emulsion of linseed oil and an aqueous solution of casein. This type of paint involves working on primed canvas, cardboard and wood. After drying, it quickly hardens and adheres firmly to the base. Today it is the most common type of tempera.

Gum arabic, or glue, tempera is based on glue, for example, PVA. She is recommended to work not only on paper, cardboard and plywood, but also on linoleum, plaster, concrete, glass. However, glue tempera should not be mixed with other types of paints.

Tempera paints have been known since ancient times. So the artists called the materials prepared on the basis of dry powder pigments and glue binding them to create their immortal works. The adjective "tempera" comes from the Latin word temperare, translated as "to connect, mix."

Tempera Features

How are tempera paints unique? In the old days, it was mined mainly from minerals, the resulting powder was thoroughly mixed with a sticky substance - egg yolk, the juice of some plants, or oil. Today, tempera paints are prepared on the basis of synthetic dyes and emulsions. Before they were invented (XV century), tempera was the most popular material for creating frescoes, icons and easel art. The style of such painting is unique and original, which is why our people do not lose interest in tempera paints.

Egg tempera paint

Tempera paints based on egg emulsion include chicken yolk, oil and turpentine varnish. The properties and artistic possibilities of paint depend on the proportion of these substances. For example, an excess of oil makes the paint look like oil, and an excess of varnish will make the material applied to the canvas more brittle. In Byzantium and in Russia, egg tempera was widely used in icon painting, in folk crafts, and frescoes were painted on the walls of temples with it. In those distant times, a substance that binds dry pigment was prepared by adding water, kvass, wine or vinegar to chicken yolk. Paints were applied layer by layer, and then covered with drying oil or oil varnish.

Casein and vegetable tempera paints

In addition to the common egg emulsion, tempera was often prepared on the basis of a solution of casein, varnish and oil. Also, tempera paints were made on the basis of vegetable emulsions. For this purpose, gum arabic, a sticky substance made from potato or corn starch (dextrin), or cherry glue were used. Such paints are distinguished by weightlessness of tones and stay fresh longer, and therefore they are readily used in factories that produce materials for painting.

Modern technologies in the manufacture of paints

The new tempera paints are based on artificial pigments and polymers. They are more durable and do not require a varnish coating, because they are not washed off and do not dissolve with water.

Among the popular modern means of painting, tempera paints "Master Class" stand out. The series is made from natural and artificial pigments based on polyvinyl acetate dispersion. paste paint The Master Class series is widely used in painting and design work. As it dries, it forms an indelible

Advantages and disadvantages of tempera paints

How to draw with such material and what subtleties of technique it requires is a topic for a separate discussion. Let us touch here only the pros and cons of tempera, which has not lost its attractiveness for contemporary masters. The main advantage of this material is considered beauty and durability. Unlike samples oil painting, canvases painted in tempera do not change shades, do not turn yellow and do not darken over time. Since tempera paints dry quickly, you don't have to worry that the color layer will change in volume over time, which means that the painting will not peel or crack. At the same time, rapid drying creates certain problems for the artist. Also, the master will have to take into account that when drying, tempera paints change tone - they lighten or darken.

Tempera is one of the oldest paints used in Ancient Egypt. Archaeologists during excavations found unique paintings on sarcophagi, made by analogues of modern tempera paints. There are several types of this paint, but they all have one common feature- the basis of the coloring composition is an emulsion that dissolves with water, however, in the process of drying, the ode evaporates and the tempera becomes resistant to water.

general information

The word "tempera" has Italian roots, in translation it means - to mix paints. Tempera coloring compositions consist of:

• powdered natural pigment;
• synthetic pigment (similar to natural);
• binder - an emulsion of natural yolk, vegetable juices is used, artificial components based on adhesive solution, oils and polymers are also used.

Tempera painting is diverse in terms of techniques, textures, such paints are excellent for smooth writing and impasto painting.

According to statistics, tempera is only slightly inferior to watercolor in popularity. Experts distinguish two features of coloring compositions:

1. tempera of modern production - polyvinyl acetate - has good hiding power;
2. mixes perfectly with watercolors, so you can get new shades and preserve the artistic value of watercolors.

Tempera is more suitable for highly absorbent substrates, as well as for canvases treated with an absorbent primer. After drying, the painting acquires a velvety, matte surface, which in its characteristics resembles gouache, with only one difference - the tempera slightly changes its shade.

It is important! For easel painting tempera is not suitable, but in the history of painting there are cases when the master worked exclusively with tempera paints.

With the impasto technique, it must be taken into account that the paint dries quickly enough, this happens on the palette. It is difficult to mix tempera on a working canvas; such a process is available only when working with oil. It is important to remember that tempera is less malleable than oil, hence when the layer is too thick, the paint will crack.

The main purpose is glazing equipment. Through tempera, you can draw small details. Also allocate the following features tempera paints:

• under a layer of varnish does not change the shade;
• no texture - no brush marks remain on the canvas;
• excellent covering ability;
• does not wash out with water;
• penetrates into the layers of wood, tempera can be removed with sandpaper.

Beginners are wary of using tempera, as it is considered difficult to work with. Yes, to this artistic material you need to get used to, adapt, but training will help overcome any difficulties. If you want to hone your skills, practice on gouache - it is easy to turn it into an analogue of tempera by adding PVA glue.

It is important! If you use tempera paints in combination with watercolors, it is not necessary to buy a large palette. At the same time, each artist selects certain shades individually, based on technique, genre of painting and, of course, personal preferences.

History reference

Until the 15th century, it was tempera that was widely used in icon painting, wall painting, as well as folk art, for example, Palekh products were made exclusively in tempera. The main component is egg yolk, it was mixed with water, wine, kvass or vinegar was added. Such paints were not suitable for impasto technique. As the paint dries, it brightens and becomes matte. After drying, the canvas was covered with drying oil or oil-based varnish.

Sometimes a whole egg was used to prepare tempera, along with protein, the density of the coloring composition turned out to be less, however, it was perfect for frescoes.

Interesting fact! In some Russian cities, old churches painted with tempera paints have survived to this day.

In the 16th century, the famous Flemish artist Van Eyck improved oil-based coloring compositions, after which tempera lost its relevance in painting. Interest in it remains quite high only in Russia and Greece, in these countries artists still work in the old technique. In addition, tempera is relevant in church painting.

At the end of the 19th century, many painters became disillusioned with oil, therefore, they were actively looking for a worthy replacement. Specialists were looking for new components and remembered tamper. However, tempera painting by this time had already outlived its usefulness and could not satisfy the needs of the masters. In this regard, new components are introduced into the composition of the paint, which significantly change its performance. The main change is that instead of a natural emulsion, an artificial emulsion was used. New paint has become widespread in Europe.

Considering that the traditional Russian school of painting uses oil paints more, therefore, until recently, modern tempera has not been properly used in Russia. Today the situation is changing and tempera paints are actively used in painting.

Types of paints

1. Casein oil.

Prepared from an emulsion based on vegetable oil and casein glue, rubbing with a powder pigment. After drying, the tempera becomes more dark shade, but if you use gouache instead of white, the picture will darken much less. It is best to work with elastic brushes with synthetic bristles, kolinsky and bristle brushes are also suitable.

2. Egg tempera.

The binding element is egg yolk. The main sphere of use of iconography. To prolong the period of use, preservatives are added to the paint and packaged in tubes.

Good to know! Today, egg tempera paints are made in Italy and France.

In the process of drying, the tempera darkens slightly. Instead of white, it is preferable to add gouache. If the composition on the palette dries out, it can be diluted with water, while its characteristics do not change.

Tempera works as follows:

• translucent underpainting is performed;
• thick formulations are applied.

You can also work in one layer; a thin brush is used to draw hatching.

3. Gum arabic tempera.

Egg yolk and casein are not the only ingredients used in the production of tempera paints. Also use adhesive compositions of plant origin - gum arabic, dextrin or cherry glue.

It should be noted that such a tempera is inferior to paints based on egg yolk and casein in terms of performance. However, some masters like to work with these compositions. Gum arabic paint has a slight degree of adhesion.

It is important! Gum arabic tempera is not suitable for impasto painting because it cracks.

4. Wax-oil tempera.

A new type of paint that combines the qualities of oil, encaustic and watercolor paints. Contains pigments High Quality, and as a binder, a multicomponent composition of:

• vegetable oil;
• beeswax;
• distilled water;
• resins.

It is comfortable to work with paints, they have a pasty structure. The main advantage of wax-oil paint is transparency, thanks to which complex shades can be created. To create a three-dimensional image, colors are superimposed on each other.

It is important! Due to the presence of wax in the composition of the paint, they remain mobile longer than tempera based on casein, acrylic and polyvinyl acetate.

After drying, wax-oil paint cannot be dissolved with water, such paint is resistant to external factors and aggressive environments. Oil-based tempera mixes well with oil and water-based paints. To speed up its drying, it is enough to add a desiccant. It should be noted that as the paint dries, it changes its shade and darkens. To avoid this, you can add white gouache to the paint.

Work better with bristle brushes.

5. Polyvinyl acetate tempera.

Tempera based on PVA glue is the predecessor acrylic paint. Compared to acrylic, polyvinyl acetate paint is less resistant to mechanical damage. It is mainly used for outdoor painting and decoration painting. The main disadvantage is insufficient light fastness.

Acrylic tempera is the most popular among artists. Main advantages:

• pure color and saturated shades;
• fast drying;
• resistance to mechanical stress.

Acrylic tempera features:

• the paint darkens as it dries;
• after drying, the acrylic brightens, so the lower layers of paint show through.

If you work on canvas, the canvas sags from the water used to dilute the acrylic tempera. On the palette, the paint dries quickly, so it is difficult to wash it off, sometimes you have to work with a palette knife.

The choice of brush depends on the genre in which the master works, as well as the style of the picture. It is best to use synthetic brushes or a palette knife. Acrylic tempera is applied in transparent layers or a thick layer, it is also used for underpainting for further work oil.

Tempera aids

Paints can be diluted with water or other water-based paints - gouache, watercolor, acrylic and tempera paints. If you use wax-oil tempera as a thinner, you get a coloring composition that is close in characteristics to watercolor. At the same time, the paints have excellent glazing qualities and allow you to create original color effects.

Wax-oil tempera can be diluted with pinene, white spirit, turpentine, water - in this couch, after drying, the surface of the painting becomes matte. To achieve a glossy effect, tempera is mixed with varnishes - mastic, damar, and vegetable oil, it is better to work with linen. This type of tempera mixes well with oil paints.

It is important! When varnish is added, the drying rate of wax-oil paint decreases.

Features of work with tempera paints

Tempera paints have good fluidity, flow easily from the brush, form a clear, thin stroke, and, in comparison with oil paints, dry somewhat faster. Tempera hardens as water evaporates from it, at this stage the drying process is considered almost complete.

The smallest pigment particles are securely fastened to the working base, which eliminates the possibility of paint cracking. Compared to gouache and watercolor, tempera adheres more firmly to the canvas, is resistant to mechanical damage and is not affected by water. In this tempera is similar to oil paints. However, in comparison with oil, tempera paints are more difficult to mix and change their shade.

The basis for tempera is covered with a primer, for this they choose an adhesive or emulsion composition, water-based paint is also suitable for acrylic base. Thick cardboard, canvas, wood, plaster are used as a working canvas. Considering that tempera dries quickly, the colors are selected on the palette.

As for brushes, it is better to choose a bristle tool, and for drawing small elements, a core tool.

If you work with modern tempera, you can not adhere to special techniques and techniques in your work. You can work with liquid paints or in pasty technique. If light shades predominate on the canvas and you need to withstand transparent shades, you need to work on white ground. You can achieve the desired shade by glazing. You can cover the picture with the same varnishes that are used in oil painting.

They sell tempera paints in 33 ml tubes, the palette includes 47 shades. Also on sale are sets that consist of 9 and 12 colors.

Tempera paints appeared more than 3 thousand years ago and remained the most popular until the 15th century, when oil paints began to prevail among painters. Byzantine and Slavic masters used tempera, Egyptian sarcophagi were also painted with it. In the 19th century, after disappointment in some properties of oil, tempera began to be actively used again in art. Pictures, handicraft works and, in particular, icons painted with tempera paints were covered with varnish or drying oil to preserve their color. When it came to paintings, they wrote in tempera on primed wooden boards. The walls were also painted with tempera. Many churches and cathedrals in Russia were painted with her in the 15th-17th centuries.

Icon painted with tempera paints

Tempera paints are made on the basis of dry pigments, the binder for which are natural and artificial emulsions: chicken eggs, oils and glue, polymers. Today, tempera is made industrially, using an emulsion of casein, a protein obtained by curdling milk; polyvinyl acetate or PVA, the same glue; as well as on the basis of acrylic (acrylic tempera), or in the fourth way - on the basis of a wax-oil composition.

"The Last Supper" by Leonardo was written in tempera

Modern tempera paints are velvety and matte and do not require varnishing. The peculiarity of artistic tempera paints is that they can be painted using different techniques - glazing, a thin layer or thickly applying paint.

Painting by Svyatoslav Roerich "Spiritual Art". Canvas, tempera. 1934

The advantages of modern tempera paints, of course, is the durability of the tone. When drying, the volume of the paint layer practically does not change, unlike oil paints, in which the process of changing the volume can last a certain amount of time. However, tempera dries quickly and this must be taken into account when working with it.

One of the best tempera paints sold in Russia is tempera "", manufactured by the St. Petersburg Plant Artistic colors"Neva palette". The palette includes all primary colors and is sold as