How to Paint With Tempera Paint on Canvas

Are you looking for a new medium to express your creativity? Do you want to try painting on canvas, but don’t know where to start? Look no further than tempera paint! This versatile medium is perfect for beginners and experts alike, and can create stunning results on canvas.

But how do you use tempera paint on canvas? It’s not as simple as just slapping some paint on the surface. There are techniques and tips that can take your painting from amateur to professional. In this article, we will guide you through the process of painting with tempera on canvas, from selecting the right materials to mastering different brush strokes.

Whether you’re looking to create a beautiful piece of art for your home or just want to try something new, this article will give you all the information you need to get started with tempera paint on canvas. So let’s dive in and unleash your inner artist!

What is tempera paint?

Tempera paint is a type of water-based paint that has been in use for centuries. It consists of pigment mixed with a binder made from egg yolk, water, and sometimes other ingredients like oil or vinegar. This type of paint dries to a matte finish and can be layered easily to create different effects.

One advantage of tempera paint is that it dries quickly, which makes it ideal for artists who want to work quickly or need to apply multiple layers. It also adheres well to many surfaces, including canvas, wood, and paper.

While tempera paint is often associated with traditional art techniques, it can also be used in more contemporary ways. For example, artists may mix it with other mediums such as acrylic or oil paint to create unique textures and finishes.

History of Tempera Paint

Tempera painting dates back to ancient Egypt and Greece, where it was used for decorating pottery and creating murals on walls. During the Renaissance period in Europe, tempera became popular among artists for its versatility and ability to produce vibrant colors. In fact, many famous works from this time period were created using tempera paints.

Variations of Tempera Paint

There are two types of tempera paints: egg tempera and casein tempera. Egg tempera is made by mixing powdered pigment with egg yolk as the binder. Casein tempera uses casein protein (found in milk) instead of egg yolk as the binder. While both types share similar properties, there are some differences in terms of texture and consistency.

Advantages of using tempera paint on canvas

Using tempera paint on canvas offers several advantages over other types of paints. One advantage is that it dries relatively quickly compared to oils or acrylics, allowing artists to work more efficiently. Another advantage is that it can be easily layered to create texture and depth.

Another benefit of using tempera paint on canvas is its versatility in terms of color mixing. Tempera paints are available in a wide range of colors, and they can be mixed to create custom shades and hues. Additionally, tempera paints can be easily thinned with water, making them ideal for creating transparent washes or glazes on canvas.

Matte Finish

Tempera paint also offers a unique matte finish that can add a different quality to an artwork than glossier paints like oil or acrylics. The matte finish can lend a sense of depth to the painting, especially if layered appropriately.

Non-Toxic

Tempera paint is also non-toxic which makes it ideal for use in schools and other settings where safety is a concern. It’s easy to clean up with soap and water, so there’s no need for harsh chemicals or solvents.

Preparing a canvas for tempera painting

Preparing the canvas properly is essential when working with tempera paint. Here are some steps that should be followed:

1. Stretch the Canvas: If you’re using unstretched canvas, you’ll need to stretch it yourself before beginning your painting. This will help prevent warping or sagging during the drying process.

2. Prime the Canvas: After stretching the canvas, apply a layer of gesso primer to prepare the surface for painting. Gesso helps seal the fibers of the canvas and provides a smooth surface for paint application.

3. Sanding: Sanding between coats creates an additional layer of smoothness so that each new coat will adhere better than it would without sanding.

4. Allow Time for Drying: Once you’ve primed your canvas, allow it ample time to dry before starting your painting.

Tools and materials needed for tempera painting on canvas

To create a tempera painting on canvas, you’ll need several tools and materials:

1. Canvas: Select a pre-stretched or unstretched canvas that is suitable for use with tempera paint.

2. Brushes: Tempera paints can be applied with a variety of brushes, depending on the desired effect.

3. Paints: Tempera paints come in tubes or jars and are available in many colors.

4. Palette: A palette can be used to mix different colors of paint before applying them to your canvas.

5. Water: Water is used to thin the paint as necessary.

6. Gesso primer: Use gesso primer to prime the canvas before painting.

7. Sandpaper: Sandpaper is used for sanding between coats during the priming process.

Mixing and applying tempera paint on canvas

Mixing and applying tempera paint on canvas requires some skill and technique. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Mix your Colors: Using a palette, mix your desired color by adding water when necessary.

2. Apply Paint to Brush: Dip your brush into the mixed color, then remove any excess by wiping it against the edge of the palette.

3. Apply Paint to Canvas: Start at one corner of the canvas and apply the paint using even strokes across the surface.

4. Repeat Layers as Necessary: Allow each layer to dry completely before applying another layer if needed.

Creating Textures

Tempera paints can also be used to create different textures by varying brush strokes or mixing in other mediums like sand or sawdust.

Techniques for creating different effects with tempera paint on canvas

There are various techniques artists can use when working with tempera paint on canvas:

Sgraffito Technique

The sgraffito technique involves applying a layer of paint to the canvas and then scratching away parts of it with a sharp tool to reveal the layer beneath. This creates an interesting texture effect.

Layering Technique

By layering thin coats of paint on top of each other, artists can create depth and dimension in their artwork.

Wash Technique

Using a wash technique involves diluting the paint with water to create a transparent layer that can be used for shading or glazing.

Caring for a finished tempera painting on canvas

To ensure your tempera painting on canvas lasts for years to come, there are several things you should do:

1. Allow time to dry: Give your painting ample time to dry before framing so that the colors don’t smear or smudge.

2. Avoid direct sunlight: Display your painting in an area that doesn’t receive direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause fading over time.

3. Keep it clean: Use a soft, dry cloth or brush to remove any dust from the surface of your painting periodically.

4. Store properly: If you need to store your painting, make sure it’s in a cool, dry place where it won’t be exposed to moisture or humidity.

Special considerations when using tempera paint on large canvases

When working with large canvases and tempera paints, there are some special considerations to keep in mind:

1. Support Structure: Make sure that the support structure (such as stretcher bars) is strong enough to hold the weight of the canvas and layers of paint.

2. Drying Time: Large canvases will take longer to dry than smaller ones because there is more surface area exposed. Be patient and allow plenty of time for drying between layers.

3. Workspace: Make sure you have enough space to work comfortably and that the workspace is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling any fumes from the paint.

4. Use Proper Brush Sizes: Use larger brushes for larger canvases to get even coverage. Smaller brushes may lead to uneven paint distribution which can result in streaks or smudging.

In conclusion, painting with tempera paint on canvas is an accessible and versatile technique that allows artists of all levels to experiment with color and texture. With the right materials and techniques, anyone can create stunning works of art using this medium.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Paint With Tempera Paint on Canvas

Can you paint with tempera on canvas?
While it is possible to use tempera paint on canvas, it may not always be the best choice. Tempera paint has a similar consistency to fluid acrylic and can drip down if applied on a canvas that is on an easel.

What is the best way to apply tempera paint?
I will be using the dry brush technique for painting. To do this, I dip one side of my brush into the paint and leave the other side untouched. Then, I hold the brush parallel to the table.

Do you have to mix tempera paint with water?
To prepare for paint pouring, you need to mix water and glue with the tempera paint to make it more fluid. It’s best to use easy-to-squeeze bottles when painting with kids to avoid spills. Also, the first color you add to the paint cup will generally be the most prominent on the canvas.

What do you use water for with tempera paint?
Both tempera paint and watercolor paint are soluble in water and can be made thinner and more transparent by adding water to them.

What are the disadvantages of tempera paint?
The primary drawback of using tempera paint is that it requires multiple thin layers to be applied, which can be time-consuming. Additionally, tempera paintings typically cannot achieve the same level of intense color saturation as oil paintings.

Can you use tempera paint instead of acrylic paint?
Tempera paint is suitable for multiple craft projects, including papier-mâché and finger-painting, while acrylic paint is a versatile medium for canvas or paper painting. If you don’t mind getting messy, acrylic pouring is also a fun project to try.