About the Course
This course introduces artists to the scientific foundations that govern the behavior of pigments, dyes, binding media, and artistic supports. Through a clear and structured approach, participants learn how materials interact with one another and with environmental variables such as light, humidity, and temperature. The course explains how these interactions influence color stability, texture, adhesion, and long-term visual performance.
In addition, the program examines the common mistakes artists make when selecting materials or preparing surfaces, offering evidence-based guidelines to prevent deterioration. Participants gain practical knowledge of preventive conservation, the aging behavior of materials, and strategies to extend the lifespan of artworks. The course is designed to empower artists with the technical confidence needed to create durable, museum-quality work.
Course Objectives:
Develop a scientific understanding of pigments, binders, and material behavior.
Learn how to evaluate and select archival-quality art materials.
Identify chemical interactions between color media, supports, and environmental factors.
Avoid common mistakes in material selection and surface preparation.
Apply preventive-conservation principles to extend the lifespan of artworks.
Main Topics:
Scientific principles of pigments, dyes, and binding systems.
Supports: paper, canvas, wood panels, metals, and alternative materials.
Material aging: physical and visual changes over time.
Environmental interactions: humidity, UV, temperature, and pollutants.
Errors in material choice and surface preparation.
Preventive conservation strategies for preserving artworks.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Ability to distinguish between stable and unstable materials and choose the correct medium for long-term durability.
Skill in evaluating supports such as canvas, paper, wood, metal, and recycled materials based on their physical and chemical properties.
Understanding how humidity, light, and temperature affect color change, fading, and structural stability.
Capacity to apply scientific decision-making in selecting materials for professional, exhibition-ready artworks.
Target Audience:
This advanced program is specifically designed for:
Professional Artists.
Graduate Students & Postgraduate Students (Fine Arts/Art Education/Archaeological Conservation).
Experimental Media Professionals.
Art college students.
Conservation and restoration specialists
Gallery staff.
Duration details:
Duration: 4 weeks; 24 training hours.
Format: Practical workshops + scientific presentations.
Certification: Participants receive an accredited certificate of attendance.
Location: Hossam El-Kady Studio – Cairo.
Ready to elevate your art practice? Enroll today, share this course with a fellow artist, and join our community!
Your Instructor
Hossam El-Kady
Hossam El-Kady is a contemporary visual artist and conservator whose multidisciplinary expertise unites material science, fine arts practice, and sustainable creative methods.