Question

painters who use tempera most commonly build up forms gradually with fine hatching and cross-hatching, much like a drawing, because of what characteristic?

multiple choice

it creates a translucent image.
the color fades over time.
it dries very quickly.
the smell is overpowering.
it dries very slowly.

Explanation:

Analyze the properties of tempera paint

We examine the physical properties of egg tempera paint, which is the most common form of tempera. Tempera consists of pigment mixed with a water-soluble binder medium, traditionally egg yolk. This medium is known for drying extremely rapidly upon application.

Connect drying time to artistic technique

Because tempera dries almost instantly when applied to a support, it cannot be easily blended or spread across the surface in broad, wet-on-wet strokes like oil paint. To build up gradients, values, and three-dimensional forms, artists must apply the paint in thin, precise, individual strokes. This is why painters use hatching and cross-hatching techniques, which are highly similar to drawing methods.

Evaluate the given options

• It creates a translucent image: While tempera can be applied in thin layers, its rapid drying time is the primary physical constraint that dictates the hatching technique.
• The color fades over time: Tempera is actually highly durable and resistant to fading over centuries.
• It dries very quickly: This is the correct physical characteristic. The rapid drying prevents blending, forcing the use of hatching.
• The smell is overpowering: While egg yolk has a mild scent, it is not the reason for using hatching.
• It dries very slowly: This is incorrect; oil paint dries slowly, whereas tempera dries very quickly.

We apply our understanding of Painting Media Characteristics to confirm that the rapid drying rate of tempera is the direct cause of this drawing-like application technique.

Answer:

• It creates a translucent image.
• The color fades over time.
• It dries very quickly. (Correct answer)
• The smell is overpowering.
• It dries very slowly.