This podcast episode explores the techniques and materials used by the Spanish painter Velazquez. The speaker emphasizes the importance of studying Velazquez's works in person and highlights the significance of traditional painting techniques in achieving beautiful effects. The episode delves into Velazquez's use of different colors for grounds, his ability to drag paint and create optical gray, and his evolution from opaque to transparent and translucent painting. The analysis of Velazquez's techniques reveals his skillful brushwork and color application. The use of calcite in his paintings is also explored, as well as the differences between chalk and calcite as painting materials. Overall, the episode provides insights into Velazquez's artistic vision and the importance of understanding materials in painting.