The milky way
Posted: March 16, 2020 Filed under: Uncategorized 24 CommentsThese days at home are the perfect time to try out new materials. Coincidentally I just received a set of casein paints for the Jack Richeson Casein 2020 online challenge.
I don’t know much about casein except that it’s milk-based, so I figured I would just jump in and try it. Using only primary colours and white, I painted a small still life on the back of a failed painting that was on Fabriano paper.
I tried painting both transparently and opaquely, since casein is somewhat like gouache. I also tried some strokes of dry brush which worked well on the textured paper. After my first attempt, I will say that this is going to take some getting used to. The paint is flat and chalky, but that could be my own ignorance for choosing the wrong surface or the wrong colours. I’ll have to do lots more playing before deciding if I like it or not. I found gouache hard to use in the beginning too, but that’s getting easier so maybe this will too.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
Hi Shari
Sounds really interesting. With milk as a carrier, is there any odour? Do they store the same as regular gouache?
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Chris, these do have a mild odour, which smells to me like wet newspaper. Nothing offensive, just something a bit earthy. These store the same way as gouache.
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Shari, I appreciate having a quiet moment to appreciate your introduction to the “milky way” of artwork.
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There sure does seem to be a lot of time for quiet moments these days. Thanks for writing, as always.
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Amazing job, as usual!
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Thanks so much Cindi!
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HI Shari, I’ve been looking for a tutorial on how to paint frost on windows as the formations have been beautiful. It occurred to me that this chalky paint might be fun for that. Have you ever done a ‘frost on window’ painting?
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Hi Tylara, I never have done a frost painting. Ice and snow yes, but no frost. I bet either gouache or casein would be perfect for this.
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I like it Shari, think you did a super job!!
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Thanks so much Carol!
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What an example you are! How brave you are, always trying new things!
You just go on with your bad self, LOL!
It looks great to me too!
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I like water-based media best, so of course after gouache I had to try casein. Not sure where this will go but it’s fun to try.
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Looking forward to more comments on this paint. Your painting certainly show good results.
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Donna, there will be more for sure as I begin to explore this.
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I’ve never used this medium so I have no idea how similar it is to gouache. Looks like you handled it well. Nicely done!
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Thanks Joan. Hope all is well with you and your husband.
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I lost the first comment I wrote and will try again. First, it does not look like a first try with casein. Great grapes. I agree that casein is just as you described it. Except for the smell. It reminds me of white shoe polish, at least from years ago. Before I went into pre-med at college, I was in nursing training for a year. And I polished my white shoes many times. I can still smell it just thinking about it.
So to end this–did you like using casein? Would you keep using it?
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Judy, I did receive this comment. Thanks for your description of the smell of casein. It is not at all unpleasant, just odd. It reminded you of shoe polish. It reminded me of wet newspapers or perhaps the mix you make when making papier mache. Damp and earthy. But nothing I can’t tolerate. I liked trying casein and for sure I will use it again because I’m determined to try the casein challenge.
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Whoa! Looks pretty darned good to me! 😄
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Thanks Linda!
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Good Morning dear Shari,
Beautiful sketch on grapes and bananas.
And I love your special attention on those PLU stickers.
Blessings
Uma
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Thanks Uma. I do like to paint those stickers because I can use pure colours. Glad you like them.
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Nice banannas and grapes, I really like how you used dull purples in the background.
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Many thanks Shawn.
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