Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio, WA

Intro to Egg Tempera: Materials & Techniques

August 6-9, 2026

Tuition: $675 + $35 Materials Fee

Skill Level: All Levels

​Discover the luminous beauty of egg tempera—one of the oldest and most refined painting mediums, cherished by Renaissance masters like Botticelli, Fra Angelico, and Piero della Francesca. In this immersive 3–4 day workshop, students learn the complete traditional process from the ground up.

 We’ll begin by preparing true gesso panels and making toned silverpoint paper. From there, you’ll grind and emulsify pigments with fresh egg yolk, mix your own tempera paint, and explore the subtle layering, glazing, and fine brushwork that give this medium its unmistakable radiance. Students will also learn drawing-transfer methods, underpainting approaches, and how to create the distinctive luminosity, precision, and quiet poetry that egg tempera is known for.

 This workshop welcomes both absolute beginners and more experienced painters. Beginners will start with blending exercises, simple forms, and guided practice studies, with all references provided. Advanced students may choose to create a master copy of a Renaissance painting, work from their own curated reference options in class, or use their own personal reference (with prior approval). Students submitting their own photos should send them ahead of time; key things I’ll be looking for are strong light and shade, clear form, and whether the image is suitable for egg tempera’s precision-based approach.

 Perfect for anyone who loves drawing, craftsmanship, and the meditative rhythm of slow, deliberate work.