ABOUT EGG TEMPERA PAINTING

Egg Tempera is an ancient medium dating back to the 1st and 2nd century BC. During the Medieval and Renaissance periods artists used egg tempera for small-scale panel paintings in churches and secular palaces. Egg tempera is more durable than oil paints and provides a luminosity similar to watercolors.

Fayum mummy portrait circa 100–120 AD

(image in the public domain)

Sally Jacobs uses egg tempera which consists of egg yolk, vinegar, distilled water and pure minerals. The minerals are referred to as pigments. Sally's painting process allows this textured medium to pool, puddle, and spread in magical ways. Each color is hand mixed in small quantities. The paint dries quickly so new paint is needed to be prepared each day. Sally paints on clay boards. The clay panel is covered in thin layers of gesso allowing the minerals to absorb into the ground.

Large reproduction prints will show a luminous, colorful grainy quality. They provide the viewer with high quality details of texture and translucence that is unique to egg tempera.

Michelangelo, The Manchester Madonna

(image in the public domain)

Sally Jacobs first studied the ancient practice of egg tempera with a master Russian Iconographer. During her study, she painted a series of liturgical icons, starting with Archangel Michael. Since taking the class by the Russian Iconographer, Sally has used egg tempera in her secular paintings for the past 20 years.

“I love that I am painting with living ingredients. These natural materials give breath to the clay board. As soon as it hits the surface it begins to set. I can build the painting with many layers or simply allow the first marks to remain until the very end. The texture is very chalky. I am always amazed at the luminous colors that can be achieved with this medium. The whole process is very rewarding as I prepare every part of the painting by hand.”

"Two Horses Grazing with Mountains" Egg Tempera, Available in Paper