Introduction to Egg Tempera Painting Workshop with Eiko Matsuura
This course aims to introduce learners to the traditional process of egg tempera painting and support them in creating a small egg tempera artwork from an original pencil motif. Learners will develop skills in drawing and transferring a design, making an egg-yolk medium, making verdaccio and mixing dry pigments safely, applying thin controlled layers, and using hatching and cross-hatching to build colour, tone, detail, and highlights. They will also gain an understanding of the materials, drying process, and care to produce a smooth and durable egg tempera surface.
Age group and abilities to be taught
- 18 years and above
- Suitable for all abilities
Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught
- Draw the motif in pencil as the starting design for the painting
- Transfer a simple design onto true gesso board
- Separate egg yolk and make a fresh egg tempera medium
- Mix dry pigments safely and consistently with the egg medium
- Use the verdaccio techniques to establish tonal values and an underpainting before applying colour
- Add egg tempera in thin, controlled layers using hatching and cross-hatching techniques
Course outline for the day
Morning
- Learn basic information of egg tempera
- Draw the motif
- Transfer the image
Afternoon
- Learn how to make egg tempera medium
- Learn and apply the verdaccio underpainting technique
- Feedback
- Cleanup
What you need to bring with you:
- An apron
- Two empty jam jars
- Kitchen towel
- Sable brushes (at least two good quality brushes: recommend 9 Rosemary & Co Pure Squirrel SER 42 and 0 Rosemary & Co Kolinsky Sable SER 22) www.rosemaryandco.com
- Old small brush to mix pigment
- Palette (ideally ceramic)
- A4 drawing paper
- Graphite pencil and eraser
- Small spoon
What we will provide:
- True gesso board
- Dry pigments
- Tracing paper
- Eggs
- Vinegar
- Water
- Apple
- Masking tape
- Bird’s feather
Methods of assessing outcomes
- Individual feedback from tutor
Booking information
- To book please use the ticketing system below. Alternatively, please call the Gallery on 0121 236 4353 during opening hours to book over the phone. Bookings can also be made in person at the Gallery.
- Booking is essential. Payment in full is required at the time of booking to secure a place.
- Payments are non-transferable and non-refundable.
- Places are limited to 10 people per workshop unless stated otherwise. Allocation will take place on a first-come first-served basis.
- All workshops run from 11.00am – 4.00pm with a 40 minute lunch break, unless otherwise stated. Tea and coffee will be provided, participants need to provide their own lunch.
- Please inform the RBSA Gallery when booking of any health conditions or additional needs as some workshops might not be suitable.
- A valid student ID must be provided to receive a student discount.
Cancellation Policy
- If you, the customer cancels your booked workshop, we are unable to offer you a refund.
- In the event of under-subscription, workshops may be cancelled or re-arranged. We will give you as much notice as possible if this happens and you will be able to transfer to another course or receive a full refund. The RBSA is unable to refund additional expenses, such as travel and accommodation.
- If you are booked on a workshop and do not attend on the day, a refund will not be given.
Continual Professional Development (CPD) and Copyright
- We welcome bookings from people attending for Continual Professional Development (CPD). However, our workshops are not designed as CPD. If your employer is paying for the course or you require more details about what you expect from the course, please contact the Gallery in advance before booking.
- The workshop content and any information provided (e.g. handouts, guidance notes, etc.) are the intellectual property of the artist delivering the workshop. They should not be used or reproduced without permission from the artist (e.g. copying handouts to use in any classes workshop attendees might deliver themselves afterwards).
Other information
- The workshop will take place in the RBSA Gallery, floor 1. The space will be closed to visitors and will only be used by workshop attendees. However, staff and volunteers will need to walk through the space at various points in the day to access the staff office, which is located on the same floor.
- Attendees can leave their materials in the workshop space during their breaks but the RBSA will not be responsible for any loss or damages.
- Please bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, there are a number of cafés and sandwich shops within walking distance of the Gallery.
- Please bring an old shirt or apron to help protect your clothing.
- The continuous redevelopment work in the city centre has caused increased traffic, delays, and diversions in and around the City Centre. Therefore, please allow yourself plenty of travel time, plan your route, and check your parking arrangements.
- If you are travelling by car, please ensure your car is clean air zone compliant, or charges may occur.