CASEIN

Casein is a water-based medium which uses a binding agent derived of milk curd, called casein. Casein was used by the Egyptians in their fresco murals and was popular again in the Renaissance. The process of painting with casein is similar to egg tempera. For Wilson, casein offers intense, solid color and a blending capability that is absent in egg tempera. Casein is quick drying and may be layered repeatedly. Wilson uses the traditional tempera techniques- cross hatching, scumbling and glazing to build up the layers of paint when working in casein. Casein paintings can be finished by handrubbing the surface for a buffed finish or varnishing.