Case-in Point

Perspectives from The Artist's Road

Fall Cadenza (study) Watercolor, Casein and Pastel J. Hulsey

Many artists are not familiar with casein paint. I bought a set of Jack Richeson and Co. casein colors while teaching at a workshop in Wyoming a few years ago to give them a “road test”. I knew that my friend, James Gurney liked to use them for sketching and I was curious to see why. Once I began using them, I immediately recognized their usefulness for plein air work.

Casein is an ancient type of milk-based, water-soluble paint which has been found in prehistoric cave paintings. It was also commonly used during the age of the Pharaohs in Egypt—so it has permanence! Known for its lustrous surface and vibrant colors, modern formulations of casein emulsion have the important advantage of being resistant to water when they completely cure. This fact, along with the speed of application, has made it very attractive to commercial artists, sign painters and illustrators over time. I often combined gouache with my wa…