Beyond Elementary: The Underrated Power of Tempera Cakes in the High School Art Room

Tempera cakes. For many, the phrase conjures up images of brightly colored masterpieces created by sticky-fingered elementary schoolers. While they're certainly a fantastic medium for introducing young children to the joys of painting, tempera cakes are often unfairly relegated to the realm of early childhood art. This is a huge disservice to a versatile and valuable medium that deserves a place in every art room, regardless of age group.

So, why are tempera cakes so often underestimated? Perhaps it's their association with beginner art. Or maybe it's because they're perceived as less "sophisticated" than other paints like acrylics or oils. Whatever the reason, it's time to set the record straight. Tempera cakes offer a unique set of qualities that make them an excellent choice for visual arts education at the secondary level

Above are some of the projects that I have done in the past with tempera cakes. See below for links to these in my TPT store!

Rich Color, Effortless Application

One of the most appealing aspects of tempera cakes is their ability to deliver rich, opaque color. Unlike some watercolors that can appear thin or washy, tempera cakes lay down vibrant hues with excellent coverage. This makes them ideal for creating bold, graphic images, as well as more detailed and nuanced works.

The application is also incredibly smooth and easy. Simply wet your brush and activate the paint, and you're ready to go. The cakes themselves are solid, which means less mess and easier cleanup compared to liquid paints. This is a major plus in any art room, especially when working with large groups.

Water-Soluble Wonder

Like watercolors, tempera cakes are water-soluble. This means they can be easily thinned with water to create lighter washes or blended to achieve smooth transitions between colors. But here's where tempera cakes have a distinct advantage: they can be re-activated even after they've dried. This unique property allows for layering and reworking areas, offering a level of flexibility that's not possible with other mediums. Mistakes become opportunities, and experimentation is encouraged.

Brush-Friendly and Beginner-Proof

For art teachers, one of the biggest challenges is protecting precious brushes from the inevitable abuse they endure at the hands of enthusiastic but inexperienced painters. Acrylic paints, in particular, can be a nightmare. If not cleaned thoroughly, they dry rock-hard in the bristles, rendering the brush useless. Tempera cakes, on the other hand, are much more forgiving. Because they're water-soluble, they rinse out easily, even if a student forgets to clean their brush immediately. This makes tempera cakes an incredibly valuable tool for teaching proper brush care and extending the life of your art supplies.

Beyond the Basics

While tempera cakes are perfect for introducing basic painting techniques, they're capable of so much more. Here are just a few ideas for exploring the full potential of this versatile medium:

• Mixed Media: Combine tempera cakes with other materials like crayons, pastels, or collage for exciting mixed media creations.

• Layering and Glazing: Experiment with layering different colors to create depth and luminosity.

• Dry Brush Technique: Use a dry brush to create textured effects and add fine details.

• Printmaking: Tempera cakes can be used for simple printmaking techniques like monoprinting.

Reconsider Tempera Cakes

It's time to rethink our perception of tempera cakes. They're not just for elementary school anymore. With their rich color, smooth application, water-solubility, and brush-friendly nature, they offer a wealth of possibilities for artists of all ages and skill levels. So, the next time you're stocking your art room, don't overlook this underrated gem!

TPT Store Link