tempera Definition
a method of painting in which pigments are mixed with a water-soluble binder such as egg yolk, and typically applied to a wooden panel or canvas.
Using tempera: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tempera" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The painting was done in tempera.
Example
Tempera is a popular medium for icon painting.
Example
The artist used a combination of tempera and oil paints.
tempera Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for tempera
- distemper
- egg tempera
Phrases with tempera
tempera grassa
a type of tempera that uses a mixture of egg yolk and oil as a binder, resulting in a more flexible and durable paint film
Example
The artist preferred to use tempera grassa for his portraits.
a technique of painting where pigments are mixed with a water-soluble binder and applied to a wooden panel
Example
The museum has a collection of tempera on panel paintings from the Renaissance period.
a technique of painting where hot wax is applied to a fabric, followed by layers of tempera paint, and then the wax is removed to reveal the design
Example
The art class experimented with tempera batik on cotton fabric.
Origins of tempera
from Italian 'tempera', meaning 'a mixture in proportion'
Summary: tempera in Brief
'Tempera' [ˈtemp(ə)rə] is a painting technique where pigments are mixed with a water-soluble binder such as egg yolk and applied to a surface like a wooden panel or canvas. It is often used in icon painting and can be combined with other mediums like oil paints. Variations include 'tempera grassa,' which uses a mixture of egg yolk and oil, 'tempera on panel,' and 'tempera batik,' a technique using hot wax and tempera paint on fabric.