Glair paints were popularized in the 5th century to create illuminated manuscripts, and many of those manuscripts are still vibrant and well-preserved today. A simple blend of two ingredients, glair paint works best on paper, and is perfect for art journaling or small paintings. 

Supplies:

• Egg whites
• Earth & Mineral Pigments

Step 1: Separate the yolk from the white of one egg. You can make tempera paint with the leftover egg yolk!

Step 2: Beat egg whites into a froth until you reach the consistency of meringue.

Step 3: Let the egg whites sit at room temperature several hours, preferably overnight. The egg whites will begin to separate. Then, gently remove the foam from the top of the mixture. The liquid that remains is called glair.

Step 4: Measure 1 part Earth & Mineral Pigment (we used Terre Verte!) into a mixing container. 

Step 5: Add 1 part glair to the pigment. 

Step 6: Mix until the glair and pigment are fully combined. 

Step 7: Paint away! If you need to thin the glair paint, use water. 

Storage: Glair paint does not store well, so make enough for one painting session at a time or store in the fridge for short periods of time. 

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