What is Casein Paint?

[@INCWorks]

I'd heard of casein but hadn't really considered using it. The fact that you can add gouache on top of it, without smearing, is a great feature. I like how James Gurney is a proponent of gouache and casein. He also seems very present/accessible on social media. Thanks for this helpful video!

[@artonthecreek]

You’re so welcome! James Gurney has been one of my “art idols” for many years-I’m glad you like him!

[@LewisLittle66]

Thank you for sharing this! (It was me who asked about them a month or so ago). Very interesting, and nice to know that they can be mixed with gouache. Your "weird" set of colours looks like they'll be good for landscapes, with all those earthy tones. Thank you!

[@artonthecreek]

Hi Lewis! Yes, my friend, you are the one who asked about Casein! I’m happy you enjoyed this and don’t think my color palette is weird☺️ For me, these colors will work well for underpaintings, which is how I’ll use them. If you decide to get some I’d love to know which colors you choose and how you will use them!

[@suzcrook3563]

I use Richeson’s casein paints . I don’t find they smell at all, at least not as bad as some oil paints do. I really enjoy using them. You can use them as a base for oils too but I just like layering/using the paint as it is. It’s good fun to use in a sketchbook and mixed media. You can use as a wash or put it on thicker with a knife, it’s very versatile! Prefer it to gouache to be honest.

[@artonthecreek]

Hi Suz! I’m glad you enjoy using Casein! It’s very versatile and has such a beautiful matte finish. The odor doesn’t bother me at all but it definitely smells like Pine-Sol, which for me is a happy memory of my mom’s cleaning day in our house😁 It’s a very versatile media-thanks for sharing!

[@awatercolourist]

2nd! I’ve never used casein before, so I was delighted to see how the paints swatch and mix.

[@artonthecreek]

It’s definitely worth trying! 😃

[@awatercolourist]

@@artonthecreek I think I'll stick with watercolour for the time being. I love painting with them. Plus, I don't want to go about looking for new paints, that's a whole new rabbit hole 😂.

[@artonthecreek]

Lol I understand that! When there are so many delightful rabbit holes, one must choose wisely!💕

[@awatercolourist]

@@artonthecreek Indeed 😂

[@trondsi]

I have painted with casein, and found it a bit odd to handle. You really have to get used to how bright they dry. But then, looking at them again, I realize some of my favorite works are my casein paintings :D

[@artonthecreek]

Sounds like you need to be use them more😉😁🩷🩷 I find myself wanting to use them for more than a gouache background-the way the ultramarine dries is so amazingly velvety! Thanks for watching & commenting! Have a wonderful week 👩🏻‍🎨🤠

[@diannedupuis2960]

Thank you for a very informative and interesting video!

[@artonthecreek]

You’re welcome, Dianne! Glad you enjoyed this☺️

[@awatercolourist]

Does the Master’s Brush Cleaner have any abrasives in it?

[@artonthecreek]

No, I don’t believe it does. It is a gentle soap and completely odorless.

[@kstutz230]

Confused. What would be the benefit of using casein versus gouache or watercolor?

[@artonthecreek]

Hi Kathy-it’s excellent for underpaintings because it won’t move with other layers applied over it. I use it with gouache-never tried it with watercolor. It has a wonderful, velvety finish that is just softer than the matte finish of gouache. Having a stable underlayer is very important…it adds depth to your painting and won’t mix or thin out, dissolve, or mix with other gouache painted over it. Historically it was used to protect porous materials as well. Hope that helps!

[@kstutz230]

Thank you for your reply! Now I understand the significance of using casein.

[@artonthecreek]

You’re welcome! Have fun painting!🤠❤️

[@awatercolourist]

If casein paint dries on a brush, how do you clean it?

[@artonthecreek]

It’s easily cleaned with the Master’s Brush Cleaner. That is a gentle soap and it will also clean, condition & restore brushes-even if the paint (even oil paint) is dried on.

[@awatercolourist]

@@artonthecreek Thanks!

[@artonthecreek]

You’re welcome!🤠💜