Throughout a prolific career marked by recognition as one of the leading watercolorists of the twentieth century, Andrew Wyeth (1917–2009) is predominantly acclaimed for his mastery in the ancient medium of egg tempera. In this challenging painting method, crushed mineral colors are mixed with egg yolk and distilled water, prepared fresh daily and applied to a rigid surface in successive fine layers.

The twentieth century also witnessed a broader resurgence of interest in tempera, with artists such as Mark Rothko (1903–1970) and Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000) exploring its possibilities. Wyeth, however, stood out for his exceptional dedication to a personal vision, spending weeks or even months meticulously crafting his paintings in this medium. This commitment was notable in an era when the availability of pre-made oil and acrylic paints in tubes offered much quicker results. Wyeth’s technique resulted in a refined, opalescent surface that served the artist’s goals best for certain subjects.

Image Credits:

Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009), Off Shore, 1967, Tempera on panel, 21.25 x 51.625 inches, Collection of the Wyeth Foundation for American Art © 2024 Wyeth Foundation for American Art/Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY