Casein [Kay' seen] is a water media paint made from milk protein. It is one of the oldest paint media, first discovered over 9000 years ago in cave dwellings in Asia. More recently it has been used by artists like Gustav Klimt, A.J.Casson, John Molnar, Joan Miro, Robert Tanenbaum and Stephen Quiller.
Like oil paint or acrylic paints, casein can be worked thickly with a knife or brush, or with water added it has the flow and consistency of tempera or gouache. It dries quickly to a velvet matte finish and with time becomes resistant to moisture.
Varnish is sometimes applied in a matte or gloss finish. With a varnish protection Casein paintings can last longer than oils. They will not yellow as oils can.
"I love Casein paint because with it I can do aqueous washes or thick impasto. Due to it's quick drying time I can layer colors loosely over one another, use painterly strokes then go back into a painting with tight detail where I want focus."
