About
During this workshop, students will be introduced to the mixed painting technique that combines egg tempera and oil, as practiced by Flemish masters in the late 15th and early 16th Centuries. This method, evident in the works of Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, and Robert Campin, enabled artists to achieve exceptional detail, luminosity, and depth of colour.
The technique blends the clarity and brilliance of egg tempera with the richness and tonal depth of oil. By applying coloured oil glazes over a tempera underpainting, light refracts through the layers, producing a jewel-like radiance unique to this approach.
Students will be guided through each stage of the process, beginning with the transfer of a design onto a traditionally prepared gesso panel. An underpainting is then developed using egg tempera in layers of earth tones—known in Flemish tradition as the ‘dead layer’ due to its monochromatic appearance—which establishes the tonal structure of the painting. Once the underpainting is complete, fine glazes of oil colour are applied using a medium based on a 16th-century recipe, enriching the tones and enhancing the depth of the image. Throughout the course, students will gain insight into historical practices and the importance of material preparation. They will learn how to make egg tempera using fresh egg yolk mixed with pigments, and explore the properties of various oils used to bind pigments into oil paint. While the workshop includes discussion of handmade oils, please note that due to time constraints, these will not be prepared during the course.
Key Information
Who is this course for?
All levels of ability and experience are welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
What days/times do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 6 – 10 July 2026, 10:00 – 16:30
How many students can attend?
14 people
Where will this course take place?
This course will take place at our studios at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
What should I bring to class?
Students are asked to bring:
- a book of tear-off oil painting palette paper, or any oil painting palette that you have. See example here.
- a palette with wells to be used with egg tempera
- pointed, round sable brushes, sizes 1 – 5; The tutor recommends brushes from Green & Stone, Cornelissen, or Winsor & Newton.
- Hog hair, filbert shaped brushes, sizes 2 – 4; The tutor recommends brushes from either Green & Stone or Cornelissen.
- Oil paint: titanium white, zinc white, ultramarine blue, terre verte, alizarin crimson, ivory or lamp black, yellow ochre, raw umber, burnt umber, raw sienna, burnt sienna. The tutor recommends Old Holland, Roberson or Michael Harding oil paints, but any high-quality artists’ oil paint that you have access to will suffice.
- 1 litre white spirit
All other materials will be provided.
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting slightly messy. Avoid wearing baggy clothing (especially sleeves), loose jewellery, high heels or open-toed shoes.
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Course up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date of the Course. This course requires a minimum number of enrollments to run.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Tutor Biography
Dr. David Cranswick received his MA fine art degree from the Royal Academy of Art. In 1999 he received his PhD from HRH Prince of Wales at St James Palace for practical research into mediaeval and renaissance painting materials and techniques. From 1984 David served as personal apprentice to Cecil Collins until his death in 1989. In 1989 David was invited by Professor Keith Critchlow to run regular workshops to the MA and PhD students, where he continues to teach as senior tutor at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts. He teaches regularly in the UK and internationally. David is personal tutor to several Royalties and prominent figures. He has works in royal collections (including King Charles III) also prominent establishments in the UK and abroad. David is resident artist in Cowdray Castle. David has appeared in BBC television programmes and radio interviews. Articles published include art magazines and newspapers. He has exhibited internationally since 1979 and undertaken portrait commissions. In 2024 David received the Teaching Award from King Charles III for 35 years of dedicated teaching. Dr. Cranswick has written a book on desert pigments of AlUla. He is currently writing a book on traditional painting methods.
