Guest Host · June 7, 2026 · Material Memory Studio

Tempera & Distemper by Jan Dickey

From NYC

A one-day hands-on workshop introducing distemper and tempera — two luminous and decorative methods of painting using natural animal protein binders that predate oil painting and are still practiced by artists today. Participants will learn to prepare panels, make their own gesso and paints from rabbit skin glue, casein, and egg yolk, and apply these non-toxic materials in exercises inspired by medieval and Renaissance methods, exploring historic techniques that remain relevant for contemporary practice.

Register on Luma

260,000 KRW · Limited to 10 participants

Who This Is For

PaintersMixed media artistsMaterial researchersArt studentsTraditional technique enthusiastsAnyone curious about historical painting methods
Jan Dickey in his New York studio

Workshop Details

Format
1-day intensive hands-on workshop
Duration
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (lunch break 12:30–1:30, lunch not provided)
Participants
Approximately 10
Instructors
Jan Dickey
Availability
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Location
Material Memory Studio · Mullae-dong, Seoul
Language
English
Fee
260,000 KRW
Focus
Distemper (animal glues) & Tempera (egg & casein)

Session Flow

10:00–10:30

Introduction & Historical Context

Brief overview of distemper and tempera — material properties and historical use. Safety and handling of natural materials.

10:30–11:30

Rabbit Skin Glue Gesso

Demonstration: preparing rabbit skin glue size and mixing gesso (RSG + calcium carbonate). Students apply initial coats of gesso to panels. Discussion of drying, sanding, and surface quality.

→ Hand-made gesso panels

11:30–12:30

Egg Tempera Preparation

Separating egg yolk, mixing yolk with water and pigment. Introduction to the pigment palette: Green Earth, Iron Oxide Red, Yellow Ochre, Ultramarine Blue, Titanium White.

12:30–1:30 · Lunch

Lunch Break

1:30–3:30

Painting in Egg Tempera

Setting up a working palette. Students work on pre-primed panels — developing a small composition from sketches or reference material. Focus areas: building color through thin layers, brush handling and mark economy, drying time and surface behavior. Individual feedback and technical guidance from the instructor.

→ Egg tempera painting on panel

3:30–4:00

Closing Discussion

Review of student work. Observations on surface and color. Notes on storage and continued practice. Q&A.

What You Take Home

Painted panels in egg tempera — a small composition developed from your own sketches
Hand-made gesso panel — prepared from rabbit skin glue and calcium carbonate
Hands-on knowledge of preparing gesso, priming panels, and making paint from raw materials
Understanding of distemper and egg tempera — material properties, surface behavior, and historical context
Notes on storage, continued practice, and pigment-to-binder ratios

About the Host

Jan Dickey

New York-based painter, curator, and art writer. Jan's practice bridges contemporary art with traditional methods — exploring pigments, binders, and surfaces as both material and subject. His work spans painting, material research, and historical techniques.

Links

@jan.dickeyjandickey.com

From a Previous Workshop

Reserve Your Spot

Register on Luma

260,000 KRW · Limited to 10 participants

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Sunday, June 7, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Material Memory Studio, Seoul

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