Not many of you may know this but I started my professional career as an architect and urban designer. Both gave me a deep appreciation for design. They also taught me the value of craft - I'm a stickler for good craftsmanship. When I first stepped into my current role as an artist, I wanted to understand the craft of building a painting. The Mische Technique gave that to me and I have been devoted to it ever since I learned it.
As an artist deeply invested in painting, I’ve also been captivated by the history and evolution of methods that have shaped the world of fine art and the Mische Technique holds a special place in my heart and in my studio practice. It’s a technique that bridges centuries of craftsmanship, carrying the legacy of Renaissance masters while offering a contemporary practice that resonates with modern artists like myself. For me, working with the Mische Technique is a way to honor this rich tradition while pushing its boundaries and transforming it into something fresh and relevant for contemporary audiences. Through this painting technique, I feel connected to a lineage of artists whose use of paint, not just captured the physical world, but showed me the way to connect to subtle depths of my spirit.
Me adding the first tempera layer to my painting, Scrying
What is the Mische Technique?
The Mische Technique is a form of mixed media painting that involves the layering of various types of paints and mediums to achieve intricate painterly effects. The term "mische" comes from the German word "mischen," meaning "to mix," which aptly describes the essence of this method. The technique traditionally combines oil paints with egg tempera (casien or plaka - egg tempera's modern cousins), to create a complex interplay of painterly effects.
The process typically begins with an imprimatura in an oil glaze followed by an underpainting done in white tempera, similar to a grisaille. This provides a foundation of form, detail, and tonal values. Once the initial layers are dry, the process of oil glazing alternating with white tempera is repeated several more times adding depth, color richness, and a sense of luminosity. The result is a painting with remarkable depth and a vibrant interplay of light and shadow.
Underpainting of my painting, Homage Dior, showing the pearlescent optical grays achieved using the Mische Technique
Origins and Development
The Mische Technique has its roots in the Renaissance, a period renowned for its remarkable advances in artistic methods. The Mische Technique or mixed technique, also known as the Mischtechnik, was utilized by several prominent artists during the Renaissance. This method allowed for the creation of highly detailed and richly textured works, and its use was particularly favored for its ability to achieve a luminous quality.
Here are a few notable Renaissance artists who employed this technique:
Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528): A leading figure of the Northern Renaissance, Dürer used a mixed media approach in his detailed woodcuts and engravings. While he is best known for his printmaking, he also used techniques similar to the Mische Technique in his paintings and studies.
Hans Memling (c. 1430–1494): A Flemish painter known for his detailed and vibrant altarpieces and portraits. Memling's use of layered glazes and tempera underpainting aligns with the principles of the Mische Technique.
Hans Memling: Flowers in a Jug, c. 1485-90, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Rogier van der Weyden (c. 1400–1464): Another significant Flemish painter whose detailed and textured works benefited from techniques akin to the Mische Technique. His use of underpainting and glazes contributed to the depth and richness of his paintings.
Jan van Eyck (c. 1390–1441): Often associated with the early use of oil painting, Van Eyck's meticulous technique involved layering translucent glazes over an initial tempera underpainting, a method that bears similarities to the Mische Technique.
Piero della Francesca (c. 1415–1492): An Italian painter whose work is characterized by a profound use of color and light. His technique involved the application of glazes over a tempera base, reflecting the principles of the Mische Technique.
Piero della Francesca: detail from The History of the True Cross: the Queen of Sheba meeting with King Solomon
These artists' use of layering and mixing mediums allowed them to achieve a level of detail and vibrancy that was highly prized during the Renaissance. Their innovations in painting techniques laid the groundwork for the Mische Technique, which would later be revived and further developed by modern artists.
Ernst Fuchs and the Modern Revival
In the early 20th century, the technique was notably popularized by the German painter Max Doerner, whose extensive study and documentation brought renewed attention to this historical method. He is most noted for his book, The Materials of the Artist and Their Use in Painting, first published in 1921.
While Max Doerner played a crucial role in documenting and preserving the Mische Technique in the early 20th century, it was the Austrian artist Ernst Fuchs who significantly contributed to bringing this technique into modernity. Fuchs, a leading figure in the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism, was deeply influenced by Renaissance techniques and sought to revive and innovate upon them.
In the mid-20th century, Fuchs embraced the Mische Technique and adapted it to his unique artistic vision. His work combined the traditional methods of the Renaissance with his own fantastical and surreal elements, creating a bridge between historical techniques and contemporary art. Fuchs’ application of the Mische Technique was characterized by its intricate details, rich textures, and a vibrant color palette that echoed the brilliance of the past while exploring new artistic frontiers.
Ernst Fuchs in front of his painting, The Transfiguration of the Resurrected, at the Otto Wagner Villa in Austria.
This was the first time I met Fuchs, 2001. Original photograph by Linda Chido.
The Spiritual Essence of the Mische Technique
In the realm of artistic expression, the Mische Technique offers more than just painterly effects. It embodies a profound spiritual dimension that resonates with both the artist and the viewer, transforming the act of painting into a deeply meditative and transcendent experience.
At its core, the Mische Technique is a layering of tempera and oil paints, to build up a painting’s depth and complexity. The very act of combining tempera, a water-based medium, with oil paints, which typically repel water, adds an intriguing element of contrast and harmony to the process. These two seemingly incompatible elements, when used together in the Mische Technique, create a metaphor for the reconciliation of opposites - the journey to unite disparate aspects of life, emotion, and experience. Just as oil and water defy expectation by being successfully layered, the technique reflects the deeper challenge of integrating opposing forces within ourselves and our surroundings.
This layering of opposites mirrors the layers of meaning and spiritual depth that artists may seek to convey through their work. The contrast between the delicate, quick-drying tempera and the rich, translucent oil glazes echoes the balance between control and surrender, light and shadow, material and spiritual. Each layer of paint not only adds visual richness but also symbolically represents the layers of experience, emotion, and insight that contribute to the artwork’s ultimate expression. In this way, the Mische Technique transcends mere technicality - it becomes a philosophical and spiritual practice, embodying the artist’s pursuit of unity in the face of duality.
The Mische Technique’s ability to produce a sense of depth and luminosity can also be viewed as a way of creating sacred space within the artwork. Each layer of paint contributes to a sense of unfolding revelation, inviting the viewer to embark on a journey of exploration and contemplation. The resulting painting becomes a vessel for a spiritual experience, offering a space where the viewer can connect with deeper truths. Therefore, becoming a bridge between the earthly and the spiritual realms.
Underpainting of my piece, Helping Mommy
Guardians of the Technique
The tradition of the Mische Technique is deeply rooted in the artistic practice of mentorship, where knowledge is passed from teacher to student down through the ages. Preserving both the integrity of the technique and inspiring new artists to maintain a vibrant connection to its historical roots.
The lineage of the Mische Technique extends into the present through the dedicated efforts of contemporary artists and educators like, Philip Rubinov Jacobson. Fondly known as Professor Phil among his students, he was my first mentor, imparting his knowledge and expertise in the Mische Technique to me in the early 2000s. His mentorship provided me with the technical knowledge that I desired and also the emotional support to explore the visions in my mind. This fostered in me a deep understanding of the art form and nurtured the development of my individual artistic voice.
Philip Rubinov Jacobson continues to play a crucial role in both safeguarding and teaching the Mische Technique. His steadfast dedication to imparting his expertise has been vital in perpetuating the legacy of his mentor, Ernst Fuchs, ensuring that this knowledge is preserved and passed on to future generations.
Artist Kim Evans, Professor Phil, and me in Florence, 2001
Continuing the legacy of his father, Michael Fuchs has made significant contributions to the practice and dissemination of the Mische Technique. With a deep understanding of both the technical aspects and the philosophical underpinnings of the technique, Michael has played a crucial role in maintaining its rich tradition. Through his teaching, workshops, and personal practice, Michael ensures that the Mische Technique remains both vibrant and relevant.
Amanda Sage is one of the foremost contemporary artists carrying the torch of the Mische Technique, embodying its essence while infusing it with her unique vision. As a student of both Ernst Fuchs and Michael Fuchs, Sage has honed her skills in this meticulous layering process, becoming one of its most prominent guardians in the modern art world. Her work, which often explores themes of consciousness, transformation, and interconnectedness, reflects the spiritual depth inherent in the Mische Technique. Through her vibrant, visionary art, Amanda Sage bridges the traditional and the avant-garde, making the timeless wisdom of this technique accessible to a new generation of artists and viewers alike. Her dedication to teaching and sharing the process ensures that this rich artistic lineage continues to evolve in contemporary practice.
The passing on of knowledge is a cornerstone of many artistic traditions, particularly in techniques with rich histories like the Mische Technique. This transfer goes beyond mere instruction; it involves a deep, personal relationship between teacher and student that significantly influences the preservation and evolution of the craft.
In addition, this transfer of knowledge is more than a mere transmission of skills; it embodies a continuous dialogue between past and present. Each teacher carrying forward the legacy of their mentor, adapting it to contemporary contexts while preserving its core principles. In this way, the Mische Technique remains a living tradition, enriched by the contributions of each generation and sustained by the passion and dedication of artists like Ernst Fuchs, Michael Fuchs, Philip Rubinov Jacobson, and Amanda Sage. Their commitment ensures that the technique continues to evolve, inspiring new artists and maintaining a vibrant connection to its historical roots.
Deep Gratitude
To my teachers and mentors I am profoundly grateful for the gift of their knowledge. The Mische Technique has offered me a fascinating and unique exploration of art history, and has given me a chance to experiment with a method that has been cherished by artists both past and present. I am honored to have become a part of its continuing lineage and evolution. I, along with many other talented contemporary artists practicing this method, ensure that the Mische Technique remains a living practice.
Underpainting of my painting, Helping Mommy, created using the Mische Technique
Conclusion: A Path to Unity
Over the centuries, and through both historical and contemporary practices, the Mische Technique has consistently served as a bridge between art and spirituality. Its ability to imbue a painting with a sense of depth and sacredness is a testament to its enduring connection to spiritual and artistic expression. For me, the technique is not only about achieving a certain aesthetic; it’s about connecting with a profound and timeless tradition that resonates deep within the core of my soul.
Ultimately, the Mische Technique is a path to unity - within the artwork itself, in the relationships between teachers and students, and between the artist and the viewers. By integrating the technique into a studio practice, artists can create a harmonious whole that reflects back to the viewer the interconnectedness of all things. This experience of unity can be profoundly spiritual, offering a glimpse into the deeper connections that bind us all together.
My painting, Tea Time, created using the Mische Technique
LINDA CHIDO ART
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