Introduction to Acrylic and Tempera Paint
Acrylic paint is a fast-drying synthetic and water-based painting medium made from petroleum and natural gas. Acrylic painting shares qualities with oil, watercolor, and gouache. It was invented by Otto Rohm and introduced around 1934 by Leonard Bocour and Sam Golden. Famous artists like Andy Warhol, David Hockney, and Robert Motherwell later used acrylics in their works.
In contrast, tempera is a water-soluble and long-lasting painting medium made from colored pigments and a water-soluble binder, usually a viscous fluid like egg yolk. Tempera, also known as egg tempera, has been used long before modern oil paints. This medium can be traced back to the 1st century BC, when it was used to decorate Egyptian sarcophagi. It was used to create high-quality art in the Bagh Caves of Madhya Pradesh, India, from the late fourth to the tenth centuries. Artists like Sandro Botticelli, Duccio, and Carlo Crivelli used tempera in most of their artworks.
Composition of Acrylic and Tempera Paint
Acrylic paints are made by suspending pigments in water-soluble acrylic resins or acrylic polymer emulsion, along with plasticizers, silicon oils, defoamers, stabilizers, and metal soaps. While acrylic paint is soluble in water, it becomes water-resistant when dried.
Tempera paintings are long-lasting, with egg yolk serving as the primary binder. Nowadays, synthetic binders with similar viscosity to egg yolk are also used. Traditionally, egg yolk was mixed with color pigments (powder) to make the paint, sometimes with milk and plant gums to make it stickier.
Specific Properties of Acrylic and Tempera Paint
Acrylic paint resists heat better than other types of paints. Its versatility allows it to provide both the transparency of watercolor and the texture of oil paint, making it a popular choice for creating diverse art styles.
Tempera paint, with egg yolk as the primary binder, is long-lasting. For example, the tempera painting "Lamentation of Christ" by Andrea Mantegna is almost 600-700 years old. The viscous fluid makes the paint creamy, enabling artists to create smooth strokes and uniform paintings. Tempera paint dries rapidly and can be applied in thin, semi-opaque, or transparent layers.
Key Features of Acrylic and Tempera Paint
Acrylic paint, when diluted with water or using acrylic gels or paste, can resemble watercolor, gouache, or oil painting, or exhibit unique features not achievable with other media.
Tempera painting uses egg yolk or similar glue-like materials, making the paint stickier. Tempera dries quickly and is applied in thin layers, resulting in a smooth, matte finish.
Suitable Surfaces for Acrylic and Tempera Paint
Acrylic paint can bond to various surfaces, with mediums modifying their binding characteristics. Acrylics can be used on paper, canvas, and other materials, with acrylic painting on canvas being particularly popular among artists.
Tempera adheres best to absorbent surfaces with lower oil content than the tempera binder. While canvas and wooden panels were traditionally used, modern artists also use uncured Masonite, medium-density fiberboard, and thick, heavy paper.
Other Specialties of Acrylic and Tempera Paint
Acrylics can imitate watercolors and other water-based mediums when applied in thin layers or washes. Gel and molding paste can create paintings with relief elements and thick layers of paint. Acrylic colors are designed to resist chemical reactions from exposure to water, ultraviolet light, and oxidation. Acrylic paint, made from synthetic polymer, is more flexible and long-lasting than tempera paint.
Tempera painting produces a smooth, matte finish with high color saturation. It allows for precise artwork using cross-hatching techniques with various brush sizes. Although tempera creates a smooth finish, it requires careful attention and time, as each thin layer must dry before applying the next. Egg tempera is water-resistant but not waterproof, so paintings must be stored carefully. Modern artists apply a transparent fluid layer, like cellulose lacquer, to make the paint more durable.
Toxicity and Vegan-Friendly Considerations
When handled properly, acrylics are generally safe. They can be cleaned easily with soap and water since they are water-based and don't require hazardous cleaning agents. However, some acrylic paints contain ingredients like propylene glycol, which are harmful to the environment but not to people. Acrylics are suitable for vegans, except those containing ivory black PBk9.
Tempera paint can be either toxic or non-toxic. While most tempera paints are non-toxic due to their water-soluble nature, it is essential to select the appropriate type for the artwork. Egg yolk is the main component of traditional tempera paint, making it non-vegan.
Conclusion
In summary, both acrylic and tempera paints offer unique artistic possibilities and benefits. Acrylic paints provide versatility, heat resistance, and the ability to mimic various painting styles. Tempera paints offer a smooth, matte finish with high color saturation and long-lasting qualities. Each medium has specific properties, surfaces, and techniques that artists must consider to achieve their desired results. The choice between acrylic and tempera paints depends on the artist's preferences and the effects they wish to achieve.
Additionally, GranNino offers a free art hosting platform where artists can upload unlimited artworks, including acrylic and tempera paintings. This platform provides a supportive community for artists to showcase their work, receive feedback, and connect with other creatives. For more information and to start uploading your artworks, visit GranNino.
Happy creating! 🎨
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