Final answer:
Tempera paint is made by binding pigments with egg yolk and water, resulting in a quick-drying, durable matte finish. It's applied in thin glazes for detailed works and is still used by contemporary artists.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tempera paint is created by binding pigments with egg yolk as a binder, which is then thinned and activated with water. This medium has been used since ancient times and is known for its quick-drying and durable matte finish. It is applied in successive thin layers known as glazes, allowing tempera paintings to achieve high detail through cross-hatched lines. The traditional process involves preparing a smooth surface on a support like a panel with gesso, which is then sanded and reapplied multiple times to create an ideal surface for the egg-based tempera.
Unlike oil paint, which replaces the egg yolk with oils such as linseed or walnut oil, tempera painting uses egg yolk to mix with pigments, giving it different properties and techniques. The practice of tempera painting has been preserved and is still used by contemporary artists who value its unique qualities.