Why Casein Paint? Lots of Advantages Over Oils for Plein Air

[@itsCheezeh]

That intro was awesome! I love your imagination James!

[@Blick_Art]

We're beyond excited to see casein as the topic on this channel! It's a wonderful "painter's paint" that has so many of the advantages of gouache with additional body and presence. Until the mid 20th c, casein was a common adhesive and paint binder- Casco glue used to come with recipes for paints and putties- and designers and illustrators loved casein for its matte finish, perfect for glare-free photography. It's overdue for rediscovery by more fine artists!

[@KayInMaine]

Wow! I just went to your website to see if you sold casein in sets, and you do! :D

[@JamesGurney]

Thanks for the info and support, Blick Art. I finally figured out how to switch over my affiliate links to you guys from the dreaded Amazone. Will be doing that on future vids.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

I think casein dries as fast as acrylics..and can't be reactivated..do why not use acrylics which are cheaper than casein. Also they spoil brushes very fast

[@KayInMaine]

@sujanithtottempudi2991 no they don't unless you leave your brushes in the sun for hours.

[@Blick_Art]

@@JamesGurney We're honored! Thanks for welcoming us here on this great channel!

[@garydrawsandpaints7745]

Dang…really glad you included Jeanettes paintings in there. The sheds compositions are straight up beautiful and subtle with great neutral colors. Looking forward to seeing both of you in October!

[@jordangraham9972]

There’s such a comforting feeling to your videos like watching a pbs special or something

[@pebblesthecat3625]

Your videos are always so well made - beautifully filmed, concise editing, clean and clear vocals with no annoying background music, and with an amazing wealth of knowledge given so freely to all who wish to learn. Thank you for sharing your astounding artistic knowledge with us all, it's very greatly appreciated by us lesser painting mortals.

[@pdcorlis]

Thank you for sharing your passion for painting with the rest of us. Casein sure looks like a magical medium somewhere between acrylic and oil. 👍🏻

[@katiefair3404]

Thank you for all your videos & books, you’re such a wealth of information. Anyone looking to buy them do it, they are so worth it.

[@michaelavolio]

I love when you do somewhat longer videos like this, and I'd love to see more videos focusing on specific media or specific mixtures of media. I think I've watched all your gouache and watercolor videos and many casein too - always interesting to watch you work.

[@blabberink]

The effort on the editing is so nice and I can see that you really like doing this. Your art is also really inspiring to me, thanks a lot for this content

[@TeagueChrystie]

I can't describe to you how much I love this channel. You're awesome.

[@janeward2878]

Thanks so much for this! You inspired me to buy casein (from the only shop in the uk that sells it) after watching your videos using it as a background for gouache. Yesterday I took one of my gouache over casein pictures to a local art group and none of them had used or heard of casein. I told them I had also painted a picture with it and could not understand why it was not more popular. A few hours later you posted this video. I will send them the link! Thanks for all your wonderful videos!

[@janevellenderartist]

Beautiful painting. I absolutely love casein which I discovered through your channel and find perfect for urban sketching. I had never thought of varnishing it however, very helpful. I would love to see some more casein videos.

[@margigreene4395]

Thank you for sharing this demo using all casein paint! I have a set of colors and have played with it some - but still need a lot more practice to feel proficient. Nice to watch how you handle it for at the moment, it handles me. Thanks for including Jeanette's work also! Looks like it was a beautiful day to be painting outside!

[@elfhaiku]

Ok, going to try casein now. Fantastic intro scene. Thanks for including your wife’s work. Wish I were closer, so I could draw the conservatory as well. Also, it’s refreshing you don’t endorse products. Pure painting. Thank you.

[@noahtheeditor8650]

Great sfx and cinematic shots, u love your painting guides for the amount of process you leave in😊

[@josephinastover5785]

Thank you for showing us the virtues of casein! I am inspired to give it a go on its own, and maybe as a first layer under oils. I can't wait to get the Gumroad video as well. Also, I love the intro, and your paintings are all lovely.. Jeanette's as well!

[@JamesGurney]

Wow, thanks, Josephina. That's super generous of you. Next business breakfast at the diner is in your honor.

[@josephinastover5785]

@@JamesGurney Awesome. Diners are a great place for art business meetings! ☺️

[@TheStugbit]

Master Gurney, thanks to you I found this magnificent paint that is casein. Best paint for impressionism I find. Its textures are like oil's. I'm looking into experimenting things with the medium now, perhaps adding linseed oil and see what happens. I don't want to mix it with acrylic medium of any sorts, I don't like acrylic textures very much. Great painting, kind regards from Brazil!

[@sgaddisart]

I tried casein recently and love the way it looks.

[@standepain]

Never heard of Casein until I started looking into John Berkey's art years back and trying to find them was pretty tough at the time. Glad to see popping up more.

[@passinthru4328]

I think you've convinced me to try casein. Found your brush technique quite instructive. Nice to see Jeanette's painting too.

[@garydrawsandpaints7745]

Hello James….yes the constant battle between me, Casein and gouache…..gouache always seems to win for my travels

[@marywilliamson2559]

I bought some cassein paint before and it always made me feel like I was painting with my thumbs! You've inspired me to try again. Gorgeous work, wish I could come see you in New York

[@suel4269]

I have some Casein. Make sure you shake the tube before opening or liquid will come pouring out.

[@jennychalleneger3882]

Absolutely beautiful 😍 you and Jeanette make a scene look magical 🤩

[@juliepekarske8302]

This is one of my favorite videos you have done. Thank you so much.

[@Shamufrootyboots]

These longer form videos with a focus on a specific medium are really valuable learning tools. Thanks for clarifying your source of income from your work, I hadn’t realised, I will now look at buying some of your other resources

[@angelalewis4213]

I love your casein paintings but I do not use dairy products. I have wondered if maybe I could get similar effects with acrylic gouache

[@KayInMaine]

James, do you sell these little plein air paintings you do or are they just for you for practice and for this channel? They're all lovely!

[@JamesGurney]

Yes, all six of my paintings are on exhibit and for sale at Stonecrop Gardens, which is up until October 30, 2023.

[@pamelasorrells2187]

Enjoy the creativity you put into making your videos - they are the best! Love Your artwork as well.

[@TheCombatartist]

Always a treat to see your videos pop up! Love to see mixed media techniques, everything plus the kitchen sink!

[@deborahgoodwin3426]

Heavens, James, I am still staring at your finished painting.... and, I must say, it is simply breathtaking. As much as I love all of your videos, this one has to go straight to the top of the list as my favorite! As always, I await any new video with baited breath. You might as well call me a Gurney addict. If that's not bad enough, your incredible videos are so darn full of tips and techniques, you can't just watch them once. You Must go back and watch them again... and again... and again... Just like your favorite bag of treats... you can't just eat one!!😋😍😋 Honestly, this video was superb in every way , from the very fine beginning to the glorious end displaying your other exquisite plein air paintings, particularly your wife, Janet's lovely renditions! Thank you ever so much for the incredible investment of your time, talent and techniques and sharing these with us, your gobsmacked, grateful, Gurney Gang! 😊❤👩‍🦳🖌️

[@deborahgoodwin3426]

And, yes, yes, yes, please do more of this type of video, showcasing either a particular medium, a combination of more than one medium or honing in on any one or more of your phenomenal bag of tricks (or treats 😂)!!

[@idontcheckmynotifications]

I have found of casein paint before now and I feel proud of myself for my research, finding something YOU only now experimented with! Not trying to brag, seriously just proud of myself for that, and happy to see you make a video on it! Your videos are wonderful ❤️

[@christicovington]

I think you and Jeanette are such a beautifully paired couple. You compliment each other very well. Thank you gor sharing. Much ❤ from Nashville.

[@imissmypencils]

These longer informative videos are so appreciated

[@woodspirit100]

I love that intro. I think I'd recognize the VW Beatle from that Painting, where it floats obove a 1:42 house. I've learned so much from your books and Videos! That's why I would like to thank you at this point!

[@lostinthefaq]

Everytime i see you painting this inspire me to put me at work... thank you!

[@o.dannae894]

This video is the best thing i’ve seen today! i really enjoyed it

[@wowskii]

Oh wow i didnt realise that casein and tempera have some similar properties, now i really want to try casein

[@trondsi]

I sometimes use casein fixative with the paint: you can "varnish" with it (gives slightly deeper matte tone, but also protects the surface). You can also spray it on the surface first and glaze into it to get a washy feel without losing the binder, or simply to fix your drawing to the board before painting over.

[@onlydorothy-1]

I love your video. I love casein paints. it's beautiful. the dahlia is stunning and I love what the varnish does to the casein. you are a great painter.

[@nancyloomis3046]

We’re going up that way next month….NYC, a Hudson River cruise, etc., I might see if they’re open for a visit while we’re there! Thanks!

[@hildegardkhelfa]

Beautiful as always. I love the paintings from both of you, plus how much there is always to learn.

[@debbiebruce6920]

I really loved your conservatory painting. Your flowers were beautiful too. Take care and Happy Painting!

[@karencase8495]

Thank you for sharing your experiences and passion for painting. I look forward to your videos! I feel like I am right there with you as you set up your easel and talk through your process. I painted in oils for years and recently switched to acrylics because of an allergy to linseed. After watching several of your videos I was thinking about switching to either Gouache or Casein. I think I heard you say that Casein was a little similar to oils, which I loved using. So now I am leaning towards Casein. I am eager to order a basic set and to get started. Thanks, again!!

[@JamesGurney]

Whenever you try a whole new medium, I recommend just buying white and black. If you like them you can always expand your seet, but if not you haven't invested too much.

[@karencase8495]

@@JamesGurney thank you so much!!

[@DiosGuardian]

Thank you for everything you do, James 🤘🤘🤘

[@fletcherstudios]

Totally digging casein paints, thanks to you!

[@BrailleScale]

Love your intro and all your usual practical effects! I feel nostalgia for a time 20 years before I was born when super-8 backyard productions might have been the norm. Beautiful painting too, your works (and your wife's works! I really love "The Pit House" - great contrast, weighty shapes and fine detail) are always inspiring and have certainly kept my 2D artistic hobby alive over the last few years. It is always nice to see you working in larger scales on board/canvas even if I tend to think your sketchbooks are masterpieces in their own right. Always happy to watch whatever content you produce and am going to make some gumroad purchases today, I just have to figure out which series I'll invest in first. Have a great weekend!

[@kiritsi100]

Casein and the Sunshine Band! One medium I haven't tried yet. Thanks James!

[@MarkNiceyard]

Today your book Imaginative Realism arrived and I'll start to have a look right after this video. This is the last of your books that lacked on my shelf. I like all the pictures shown in the video very much - especially the roses.

[@deborahgoodwin3426]

I absolutely agree with you, Mark, those roses are just exquisite!! 😍

[@Lauragld]

Wonderful video James! Thanks so much for the step by step and the information on casein ☺Great to see Jeanette's beautiful watercolors!

[@JamesGurney]

Glad you enjoyed it Nice to see you at the opening yesterday.

[@Lauragld]

@@JamesGurney My students and friends were over the moon when you showed them some of your journal pages :). So generous as always :)

[@ninaspalace]

Delightful! Thank you James. I am keen to try Casein after seeing your inspiring video.

[@partypao]

Thank you for another inspiring plein-air painting video!! Much love and appreciation from a big fan from the Philippines -Pao

[@sallyfinch540]

You are just THE BEST in every way!

[@parkermilgram5338]

Fantastic video, thank you so much for sharing. I’d love to see a video where you talk more about using casein with other mediums like fountain pen, colored pencil, or chalk.

[@shawneefleenor2182]

Thank you -- your painting is beautiful, and I appreciated all the good, interesting information about casein.

[@roystapleton9333]

Hi James, all the best for you and yours in 2024. Have you ever tried to preserve Casein on the palette? I wondered if an airtight palette sprayed regularly with distilled water might be worth a try. Thank you in advance.

[@berolinastrassmann]

Wow, fantastic! So much observation went into this (love the detail of the reflection of the yellow flowers on the windows, for example). I knew next to nothing about Casein. I appreciate your sharing more about it. Does it combine with gouache? How do both paints compare? Thanks.gor showing Jeanette's paintings as well. Looks like you both spent some wonderful days together there.

[@Ivanhoe999]

Fellow professor I must say that Casein is not my favorite…I admire and learned a lot about gouache from your teaching.

[@redinabloogs8477]

I'M Wondering why not use water mixable oils ???

[@dneel468]

Beautiful. It’s fascinating watching you paint. Thank you for sharing.

[@northernembersoutdoors1045]

Enjoyable longer video. Great info about casein, I struggle to find it here, or is very expensive. Look forward to the next vid.

[@tesartmania4645]

It's your doings, that gets me goings. Thanks James, Love Casein & Highly recommend ur courses. 😊

[@dekuthecat4125]

Thank you so much for explaining casein. I think I will try it.

[@ruthwilliams9882]

Love the sound of the bullfrogs!

[@amosamosh5204]

We rarely see your artwork in passpartout and frame. Really good. 😮😮👍👍

[@sarachauvot7677]

Beautiful pieces! Thanks for sharing!

[@DannySabraArt]

So cool. I’ve tried casein but I think my paint got hard in the tubes. Came out like the consistency of a marshmallow! I’ll have to get some new tubes and try again Have you ever messed around much with water mixable oils? I’ve been experimenting with them to avoid the solvent use and they’re kinda interesting. Would be cool to see what you could do with them! I’ve used the Windsor and Newton brand because they’re available in my local art store but I know other brands are supposed to be good as well

[@JamesGurney]

Hey, Danny. Haven't tried WMO's yet. But then, I haven't tried jelly gouache yet, either. As far as paint drying in the tube, do you know the trick about keeping your tubes of paint in a large jar?

[@DannySabraArt]

@@JamesGurney I haven’t tried that! I’ll have to give it a go. You should try WMO sometime. You might really like it. I noticed you used Shiva casein. Is it as good as the richeson?

[@deborahgoodwin3426]

Gosh, James, do tell! What is the trick about keeping tubes of paint in large jars??🤔

[@ivanmatveyev13]

Thx Mr. Gurney, i will follow your advice and try those fancy paints out.

[@nancyloomis3046]

Thanks for this great info on casein paint….I knew it was oil-based, but that’s about it. It’s like the unappreciated cousin of gouache. I’m a bit overloaded and into other media at the moment, but one day, I’ll definitely have to check it out.👍

[@mjpete27]

Hullo James, beautiful paintings and a lovely video! I am NOT looking for a new medium to work in, I am just a bit overwhelmed with what I currently have now! I have used a Casein spray fixative for my soft pastel paintings. Would you “fix” your Casein paints with a similar fixative spray? Thank you for sharing this sweet medium with us. I have enough on my plate and seeing you tackle it allows me to enjoy it without pursuing it on my own! Thanks, have yourself a lovely day!

[@gabrieliglesias7979]

Awesome, amazing video, James! Thanks

[@catherinehess9424]

Hi- Thanks, I enjoyed the video. I have painted extensively with watercolors, and now for many years, with oils, primarily plein air. But I have a set of casein paints inherited from a friend's father and may give them a try. But I am wondering about brushes- watercolor or oil? And if I use them for casein, will I be able to use them again for the mediums I use them for now?

[@vermis8344]

I bought some Richeson casein paints years ago, based on your videos, but I've barely touched them because of the difficulty and expense of replacing them on this side of the Atlantic. Now that the matter's brought up again and this video has lit another fire under me, I see Norwich Art Supplies has started stocking them. Maybe time to dig into the back of that paint drawer... 🤔

[@njmccormackgmail]

You can make your own, not so difficult.

[@blabberink]

I would love to see more reviews of art materials from you

[@freehousekeeping6933]

i love your art more than anything!! i always brag about how awesome you are at school 🦌

[@KettleheadComics]

Ha, I loved the forced perspective at the beginning!

[@perinilan4364]

Great demo video as always. I’d like to know how you varnish gouache paintings (assuming that’s traditional gaouche not acrylic gouache(.

[@Frch015]

I didn't know that there were spanish versions of your books so sick..... good video btw

[@rollo.q]

I really like the painting. The transparencies and dark lines are nicely striking mext to the softer opaque areas. Reminiscent of 60s bubble and streak illustration which I really love. I have a couple of questions about the casein. Do you use an acrylic varnish? Or a resin? And roughly how long do you find the paint is wet (moveable rather than liftable) on the surface. Obviously I realise this must depend on climate and surface and paint thickness etc, but I've seen people call it fast drying and its hard to tell what that means (I paint in flashe vinyl which is notably slower than acrylics but faster by far than oils. Open time is 30 - 60 mins for flashe I'd guess)

[@JamesGurney]

I notice the drying time more on the palette, and you're right, it depends on the weather and the pigment. Cads are slower than browns, for example. The damp paper towel helps on the palette. For the varnish to work with one or two coats, the ground needs to be relatively non absorbent. So thin casein washes on soft watercolor paper will just eat up the varnish. I was painting on an acrylic primed canvas panel, which varnished nicely. Richeson used to sell a special casein varnish, but I think they quit making it. I was using a Winsor & Newton non yellowing spray gloss varnish, which worked well (It's linked in the Description), but you might try an acrylic gloss varnish if you want.

[@rollo.q]

@@JamesGurney Cheers! (ah I didn't think to check the description for the vanish) Appreciate your expertise!

[@aaronschwartz6360]

I’d love to have a video about combining mediums. I thought the idea of using casein as a base layer was pretty interesting and wondered about other artist doing similar.

[@ifuturelisttt]

This is beautiful. I've really been interested in casein paint, I might give it a try!

[@maxgurman633]

Funny, i just found that garden online and was going to go paint it, now i can see the invitational!

[@JAsisterti]

James you're so fab. I am so interested in casein and I look for vegan art supplies. Do you have any ideas how I can substitute for the milk, or an alternative similar to casein?

[@sharpmountaingames9303]

Wonderful paintings from you both. Also, does caseine rehydrate at all the way gouache does (which sometimes makes layering tricky)?

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

It can't be reactivated

[@JamesGurney]

@sujanithtottempudi2991 is right. It sets up when it dries and fully cures over a few days. So you don't want it to dry on your brushes.

[@sharpmountaingames9303]

@@JamesGurney Thanks so much! Gives me more information for considering buying a few tubes.

[@fayee8986]

Love your subject. I envy you lol. Wish I were there also. Lovely painting. Thank you especially for the close-ups. Really appreciated! Just found your page , thankful for it , very informative, very enjoyable!

[@ChristinaMandy_art]

For a second I thought, where did you get those large paint tubes?😂 I like your humor and imagination.

[@playalot86]

Mr. Gurney! I love you! HAHA, but seriously, I've been a disciple of yours for like 15 years... I'd love to send you my science fiction novel, and hear what you think if you ever had time!

[@amypak]

Hello, James! I am over the moon since I've found your fantastic videos here! I'm at the "semi-retired" stage of my life, and finally returning to fine arts (since the 90s-ish). I have been surprised by many changes in the art world when it comes to mediums, and knew nothing of casein until watching your videos. I am now a bit obsessed about it, reading everything I can get my hands on (and there's not much out there-thank goodness for your website!) and watching your vids repeatedly. I have requests in to my kids for casein paint sets for Christmas and have already been collecting a few colors I would like that are not in the sets. I have a couple of questions: 1) Do you have any info on how the emulsion is used? 2) I see that you have a link to acrylic brushes... I actually just bought a bunch of Creative Mark Polar Flo Watercolor Brush ( labeled as "high quality white synthetic watercolor brushes") and shortly after saw something somewhere about using golden taklon synthetics because casein can be a bit rough on brushes... Do you think watercolor brushes would work or are they too soft or hold too much water? (I could keep these aside for watercolor & gouache) The “Grey Matters” are a little too steep for my pocket book, but I could swing the Richeson short-handled travel set. I'd still like your thoughts on the golden taklon brushes, though! THANKS again for your heart to share in depth with all of us and your passion-it is so inspiring; I can't begin to tell you! 🙂

[@joeblankenship377]

I never heard of casein paint til I found your channel. Always thought it was something used to make processed cheese.

[@GrandmaMuggy]

Loved. This. Always learn so much by watching you!

[@ninner196]

I have a question James, I am a watercolorist, pastelist and have done oils and acrylics in the past, would casein do well with using regular impasto or a heavy gesso to create textures and interest in a painting and can casein be used on watercolor paper or does it always float or stay on top? Thank you. I use casein in a fine mist sprayer as a fixative for pastel work, it works and is enviro-friendly. Beautiful painting! Thank you and your wife for your tips and bringing back a beautiful medium.😊

[@JamesGurney]

If you like a textural effect, I'd suggest pretexturing with acrylic heavy gesso or modeling paste. Casein is fairly brittle when put on very thick and shouldn't be used thick on paper or canvas.

[@ninner196]

@@JamesGurney Ah I see thank you very much.

[@AlisNinsky]

I hadn’t heard of it before and it sounds awesome.

[@simonviper3333]

I really enjoy when you do the street buildings

[@halnewhouser1217]

Fantastic Casein painting.

[@sketchbookscheming]

What a cool intro! And I always learn a lot from your videos.

[@bonniek356]

Love the beginning sequence 😂, and dang, Jeannette’s architectural paintings are just a delight to look at! I noticed you didn’t cover the canvas with a wash or anything before you started laying on paint- was that so you didn’t kill the white of the canvas board?

[@RobertF-]

James Gurney is... The Renaissance Man

[@aeastman59]

i would love to watch a video about how you use a casein painting as a underpainting for then oil paints... how do you make the oil painting part different from the underpainting of casein, etc....

[@EmpoweringArtsStudios]

Hi James, thank you for helping me discover and for sharing awesome tips on casein paintings! Often times the simplest solution can go a long way: there is an arts & crafts form of casein paint - prob used as paint for that wonderful conservatory - called 'Turner Milk Paint' (there may be others) and it's main usage is in the furniture painting and restoration business - could this be used for fine art? Thank you.

[@MatijaVuk-z9n]

awewsome video production :) enjoying your recently bough books mr James, got Imaginative Realism and the one about Light and Color :)