Some of the earliest pieces of artwork in existence were created using tempera paints. Frescoes and wall paintings found throughout Europe, Africa and even the Americas were created using this versatile painting medium.
Tempera defined
Unlike other painting mediums which are classified by what the pigment is suspended in (e.g., acrylic, oil), tempera paints are defined by the surface it dries to become. Tempura paints dry to a hard, sandy, almost rocklike finish.
Traditional tempera
Traditionally, tempera paints were created by mixing a salve (something that dries hard and chalky) made of egg whites with pigments (usually ground flowers or insects).
Artist's tempera
Today, tempera paints can be made in larger quantities than before since the chemical compounds used to create them are more abundant than ground wildlife and egg whites. High-quality tempura paints today are created from pigments derived from minerals and salve made of slow-drying compounds such as talc and gypsum.
Student's tempera
Often referred to as "poster paint," student's tempera are a less-expensive alternative. They are created by mixing cheaper pigments with an adhesive mixture much like wood glue.
Making your own
If you'd like to try to create your own tempera paint, it's really not hard. Mix any powdered pigment (you can find some at your local art store) with an adhesive mixture that includes wood glue. This is one way to overcome the fact that commercial tempera paints come in a very limited selection of colors.
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