From Richeson: Casein (kay’seen) is a quick-drying, aqueous medium using a milk-based binding agent, and is one of the most durable mediums in history. Nine thousand year old casein cave paintings have been discovered in Asia, and later, the medium was used by Byzantine, Roman and Renaissance artists including the Old Masters.
Known for their versatility and array of capabilities, casein paints can be used to create a variety of effects from the rich opaques of oil to thin watercolor washes. Because casein has an exceptional integrity of color and always dries to a perfect matte finish, it is unexcelled for art reproduction. The velvety matte finish can also be buffed to a satin sheen or varnished to produce a resemblance to oils. Over time, casein pigments become resistant to moisture and as history has proven, the medium has a durability and permanence which has easily stood the test of time.
Casein differs from other media, yet it shares many of the same characteristics, which make it a very versatile medium that lends itself to many techniques. Casein has the wash capabilities of watercolor, the smooth opacity of tempera and gouache, and the richer textures of oils and acrylics. Brushes dipped in casein keep their finesse, producing clear, crisp lines. Unlike oils, casein is a clean, water-soluble medium requiring no strong solvents. And because it dries quickly, it’s possible to lay on a glaze and move onto the next stage within a few hours instead of waiting for days, or even months, for oil glazes over oil to dry. In comparison to watercolors, the main advantage of casein is that it’s easily correctable. It can be removed with a cloth, brush or eraser. Artists who paint with Casein:Patty Haller, Cennino Cennini, Matisse, Ramon Shiva, Michelle Muldrow, James Gurney, Thomas Hart Benton, Andrew Wyeth
The following is text from my interview of Fran O’Neill, Oct 6, 2020. I asked Fran to share some of the historical artworks she regards as masterworks. She talked about what she sees as the magic of transcriptions. “There’s a whole mystery that is incredible about works from the past, and unlocking some of that …
Exquisite Corpse is a collaborative, chance-based drawing game invented by the Surrealists in the mid 1920s. Each participant draws or collages an image on part of a sheet of paper, folds the paper to conceal their work, and passes it on to the next player for their contribution. This is the first week in a …
JR is a pseudonym of a French artist who flyposts* large black-and-white photographs on the street, often challenging advertising and media by the use of portraiture and community involvement. In 2010, JR won the TED Prize for 2011. He used the $100,000 award money to start the Inside Out Project. *Flyposting (sometimes known as wild posting or bill posting) …
Wednesdays are “See and Respond” day in our 30 day challenge. Copy these feet, and fill in the rest of the drawing using your imagination. Artist’s choice media: drawing, painting, digital, printmaking, collage, assemblage, or a well placed pile of dog hair. Posting more favorites soon! Post it Post your work to social media with the …
What is Casein?
From Richeson: Casein (kay’seen) is a quick-drying, aqueous medium using a milk-based binding agent, and is one of the most durable mediums in history. Nine thousand year old casein cave paintings have been discovered in Asia, and later, the medium was used by Byzantine, Roman and Renaissance artists including the Old Masters.
Known for their versatility and array of capabilities, casein paints can be used to create a variety of effects from the rich opaques of oil to thin watercolor washes. Because casein has an exceptional integrity of color and always dries to a perfect matte finish, it is unexcelled for art reproduction. The velvety matte finish can also be buffed to a satin sheen or varnished to produce a resemblance to oils. Over time, casein pigments become resistant to moisture and as history has proven, the medium has a durability and permanence which has easily stood the test of time.
Casein differs from other media, yet it shares many of the same characteristics, which make it a very versatile medium that lends itself to many techniques. Casein has the wash capabilities of watercolor, the smooth opacity of tempera and gouache, and the richer textures of oils and acrylics. Brushes dipped in casein keep their finesse, producing clear, crisp lines. Unlike oils, casein is a clean, water-soluble medium requiring no strong solvents. And because it dries quickly, it’s possible to lay on a glaze and move onto the next stage within a few hours instead of waiting for days, or even months, for oil glazes over oil to dry. In comparison to watercolors, the main advantage of casein is that it’s easily correctable. It can be removed with a cloth, brush or eraser. Artists who paint with Casein:Patty Haller, Cennino Cennini, Matisse, Ramon Shiva, Michelle Muldrow, James Gurney, Thomas Hart Benton, Andrew Wyeth
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The following is text from my interview of Fran O’Neill, Oct 6, 2020. I asked Fran to share some of the historical artworks she regards as masterworks. She talked about what she sees as the magic of transcriptions. “There’s a whole mystery that is incredible about works from the past, and unlocking some of that …
Exquisite Corpse Team Drawing Challenge #1
Exquisite Corpse is a collaborative, chance-based drawing game invented by the Surrealists in the mid 1920s. Each participant draws or collages an image on part of a sheet of paper, folds the paper to conceal their work, and passes it on to the next player for their contribution. This is the first week in a …
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JR is a pseudonym of a French artist who flyposts* large black-and-white photographs on the street, often challenging advertising and media by the use of portraiture and community involvement. In 2010, JR won the TED Prize for 2011. He used the $100,000 award money to start the Inside Out Project. *Flyposting (sometimes known as wild posting or bill posting) …
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