What kind of paints does Charles Vess use?

[Dizon]

I've been wondering for a while now. Is it watercolor?

Thanks.

[Elwell]

I think he uses colored inks (or at least he used to).

[Dizon]

Oh...Interesting. Thanks, Elwell.

[Cory Hinman]

Something like 20 years ago PAPER TIGER PRESS released a book profiling a selection of fantasy/sf artists including Jim Burns, Rodney Mathews, and Berni Wrightson as well as Vess. The words which I remember describing the latter's medium were "a shellac-based dye" which, while yielding the bright colors Vess is noted for, didn't lend itself to his subtle blending, so his work is especially wonderful.
Does anyone-else remember this book? Does this make any sense? I am reaching back 20 years, and for all I know "shellac-based dye" defines most if not all colored inks.

[Valor]

Check this out: http://www.greenmanpress.com/moon/moon1.html

[doonboy]

I know that he used colored inks for years and probably still does. Shellac based dyes is just a fancy name for colored ink, like Pelikan brand. Inks are waterproof when they dry so you can layer color on top of each other for glazing effects.

[Elwell]

for all I know "shellac-based dye" defines most if not all colored inks.
Indeed it does, although according to the link Valor posted he's now using FW inks, which are acrylic based.