Carolina d'Ayala Valva-Artist of Grottesca

I recently had the pleasure of spending a week with Carolina d'Ayala Valva in Orlando learning the techniques of true Italian grottesca.

Jeff Huckaby hosted a class with Carolina at his Orlando studio. We began with transferring the design by rubbing pigment onto the back. Working with egg tempera, we then painted the design with a monochrome of raw umber.

Each step is precise and could be a finished work in itself. All shadows are put in to guide when the color is added.

Layers and layers of thin washes of color are what make the egg tempera have depth and fusion of color.

The palette is chosen and colors begin to replace the monochrome.

Carolina works hard to demonstrate each step and checks constantly on each student on their progress.

After the color fusion, the magic begins with the detail strokes. These small. controlled strokes make it all come alive in the glint of a jewel or the curl of a leaf.

This is what made me seek out Carolina for the second time, to take another class with her. Her detail work is achieved only through discipline and consistant brush stroke.

If one step was left out, this beauty would not exist. Her panels are studies of the relation of color and the play of light.

Each student went home with a beautiful panel (produced by several 11 hour marathon days) that only a room full of "type A's" could create! (thanks Li for that quote)

Special thanks to Jeff Huckaby for thinking big enough to bring Carolina from Rome to teach this wonderful class. I think I have it figured out now!

For more information on Carolina and grottesca, click here and here.

The Magic of Egg Tempera....

Fred Wessel photo

Nothing compares with the jewel-like richness of layered egg tempera paint.

Kathleen Ney photo

Egg tempera was the main medium from the 4th c until the introduction of oils over a thousand years later.

Koo Schadler

Originally used primarily for Byzantine iconic art, contemporary artists are interpreting it in their own ways.

Koo Schadler is one of those contemporary artists combining old techniques with new influences.

Koo Schadler

Since the egg tempera dries very quickly, it cannot be blended. Many, many thin layers must be built up to create the depth seen in a finished piece.

Koo Schadler

Schadler's  time spent living in Florence, Italy shows through her work. She now works predominately with tempera and silverpoint.

Koo Schadler photo

Koo paints intricately detailed compositions....perfect for the use of egg tempera.

Fred Wessel photo

Fred Wessel's compositions also show the detail allowed through the used of egg tempera.

Fred Wessel photo

But, it is his combination of gold leaf with egg tempera that he is known for.

Folds of fabric and skin tones are mastered by Wessel.

Fred Wessel photo

Once you have seen an egg tempera painting in person, you will know the difference between it and acrylics or oils. Do you have a favorite painter that works in egg tempera?