After Newman I, 2025. Egg tempera and oil paint on panel. 10 5/8 x 24".

Tempera and Distemper: Painting with Animal Protein Binders

Workshop | Available

All Levels
2/20/2026-2/21/2026
10:00 AM-4:00 PM EST on Fri Sat
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$375.00

Tempera and Distemper: Painting with Animal Protein Binders

Workshop | Available

This two-day hands-on workshop introduces students to the world of distemper and tempera–two luminous and decorative methods of painting using natural animal protein binders that predate oil painting and is still practiced by artists today. Participants will learn to prepare panels, make their own gesso and paints using rabbit skin glue, and egg yolk, and apply these non-toxic materials in exercises inspired by medieval and Renaissance methods, exploring historic techniques that remain relevant for contemporary practice.

Day One:

  • Lecture & Demo: Historical Context
  • Practical: Preparing RSG Gesso Panels
  • Painting in Distemper

Day Two: 

  • Demo: Egg Tempera Preparation
  • Practical: Painting with Egg Tempera


       

  • A 1 hour (12:30–1:30 PM) lunch is included in this class. Please bring a snack or a lunch or feel free to support any of our local businesses.

    This class will be taught by visiting artists, Anna Gregor and Jan Dickey.

    View Anna Gregor's work: https://www.atgregor.com/
    View Jan Dickey's work: https://www.jandickey.com/ 

  • All supplies for Tempera paint making and associated demos will be included.

    Students must bring these items for personal use:

    • Small paint brushes & one medium gesso brush

    • Pencil and eraser

    • Active sketchbook and figure drawings or compositional sketches for reference

    • Apron or work clothes


    Participating students will be able to take their custom made paint home!