Comments about Shiva Casein Colors:

Makes great white highlights with watercolors.

Comments about Shiva Casein Colors:

This paint might work for others but not for me. I was looking for an alternative to gouache that would be water-resistant when it dried and read about casein and gave it a try. I assumed the paint would be water-resistant when it dried, but unfortunately, I was wrong and I found out the hard way (I used it as an underpainting for egg tempera and the casein practically just dissolved as I started painting over it). The paint is also somewhat gritty and doesn't flow well. The paint doesn't cover well and it's difficult to paint details with it since the paint forms small clumps on the brush. In the end, I just gave up on this paint. Luckily I found Golden's Matte Fluid Acrylics on Blick's site which was exactly what I was looking for: water-based, fluid, matte and water-resistant when dry.

Comments about Shiva Casein Colors:

I bought these paints because I wanted to try something that gave an oil painting look, but wasn't oil paint. Shivas Casein paints are fabulous and have been really great to use. I like that they clean up with water and there aren't any bad fumes. They do have a smell but it is mild to me. These paints are not oils or acrylics, gouache or watercolor. They have some similar properties but really they are a different paint. Since they aren't exactly like any other paint you do have to figure out what will work the best for you and try not to expect them to be oil, acrylic or watercolor paint.
I use a limited palette and find the colors to mix wonderfully. I really like that after a period of time the painting becomes water-proof and I like that you can buff the surface to a soft sheen.
I would highly recommend these paints to anyone wanting to try something new and I don't think you will be disappointed.

Comments about Shiva Casein Colors:

I've found that Shiva Casein Paint is very easy to use and a very nice product. I did have one tube I purchased elsewhere that was a slightly different consistency than the others but I think it may either be the color (half-tone black) or maybe it's just an older tube...it doesn't flow as well.

Comments about Shiva Casein Colors:

I prefer this to oil, acrylic, or other watercolors/gouache. It handles well can be used thickly or thinly and goes a long way for the money.

I use it for drawing and painting on both small and medium large scale (up to 60" x 44").

I have used it in conjunction with acrylic matte medium and gesso as well and it mixes well with those and has a richness that acrylic does not.

Highest Possible Recommendation.

Comments about Shiva Casein Colors:

While Casein shares some qualities of oil, acrylic or watercolor, it is truly a medium unto itself. I have read articles comparing qualities of casein to these other mediums. For me, this created expectations the paint had trouble fulfilling until I approached the paint on it's own terms.

First, I had to recognize that casein handles in a distinct manner, mixes in a distinct manner, and dries in it's own unique way. It really is a medium unto itself.

At first I was frustrated by how the paint handled. It's heavier than watercolor, and has a different feel than acrylic. It is brittle when dry, and isn't suitable for stretched canvas. It seemed to absorb too deeply into watercolor paper for my tastes. It looked cakey or muddy, too dense even in a wash. It had some interesting qualities - especially the way one color rests upon another as I layered in colors - so I kept on experimenting.

Everything changed when I made a detailed color mixing chart. I was surprised to discover the beautiful blends that can be created - some surprising, too. I blended the shiva green (pthalo) with shiva violet, and pleased to find a bluish blend rather than the muddied color I expected. I cannot imagine painting straight from the tube. The blended colors offer so much more depth and variety. The half tone black is fantastic.

I really fell in love with casein when I used it on gessoed panels and clayboard. It is great for detailed work and many layers of work. I work at my drawing table rather than on an easle.

My only complaints are that the yellow ochre and the golden ochre are almost the same color. There is little variation between them.

I love the stuff. Because it is not the most popular medium, Casein seems kind of mysterious and organic, even centuries old, which adds to it's appeal. If you decide to try it, be sure to make your own color mixing chart and be prepared to experiment. It's well worth it!