Guest Host · June 7, 2026 · Material Memory Studio
Tempera & Distemper
Painting with Animal Protein Binders
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.
Who This Is For
Workshop Details
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
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.
Reserve Your Spot
Open to painters, mixed media artists, material researchers, and anyone curious about historical painting methods. Small group, intensive studio setting. All materials provided.
Register on LumaSunday, June 7, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Material Memory Studio, Seoul