Solvent Free Studio

Solvent Free Studio

Oil paints get blamed for causing allergies and chemical sensitivities. Although toxic, its usually not because of the pigment, or the linseed oil suspending the pigment. It's the solvents. So, what's the deal with solvents?

Traditional solvent, what we can turpentine, was historically refined from pine resin. Turpentine (turp) now is made from petroleum products and contains all the lovely VOCs you associate with filling up your car at the gas pump. Bring that in the studio? Not a good idea!

Most studios, art programs, and classes wisely require that you use OMS (odorless mineral spirits), to cut down on the exposure to VOCs.  I use Gamsol, a very low VOC, high quality solvent by Gamblin. This helps but doesn't completely solve the problem. While you may not be smelling the solvent, it is still volatilizing, and of course being absorb from your wiping rags into your skin. It's no wonder lifelong artists develop some weird health concerns and sensitivities. 

Some artists are extremely careful, wear gloves, and make sure their solvent is always covered when not in use.  Or they have an offsite studio. I tried, but still felt icky about being exposed to these solvents. There's just no way for me to "solvent proof" my artistic process. My studio is either outdoors or in my home. 

 I plan to paint for a long time. I began exploring other options that would keep my home studio as safe as possible, and not expose me to unnecessary risk. Time and again I came back to water-mixable oil paint. I've committed to learning to use this medium as it is better for me, my studio, and the earth. 

I began adding water mixable oils to my collection back in 2014. I thought they were a great idea for travel because I didn't need to buy solvent at my destination. I debated switching over, but was hesitant  due to cost. Last winter I watched 2 of my studio buddies deal with new chemical sensitivities while studying in their full time art programs. That's when I finally made the jump. 

I've been painting solvent free since spring of 2018! I'm learning lots, and not only am I extremely happy with the results, it's made my plein air set up more streamlined. Gone are the days of finding my turp has dumped all over my backpack or car. I carry water whenever I'm out. I simply refill my brush washer from my water bottle. (I bring my used water back to the studio for proper disposal.) While water-mixable oils have their quirks, they are vastly more similar to traditional oil color than different. 

I'm able to create washes easily, work wet into wet, and really enjoy working impasto in this medium! Glazes can be achieved using special mediums for water mixable oils. Just make sure that painting is dry before glazing. 

I need to give a shout out to artist Lori McNee, whose blog www.finearttips.com has helped fill in knowledge gaps while learning this new medium. I think water mixable oils are a fantastic, underrated medium. I'm so happy I made the switch. I'm still learning new methods and always will be. But I'm confident I made a big change for the better! My studio is healthier for me, my family, and the earth! I hope this change means I have many years of happy, healthy art-making ahead. 

Thanks for reading, 

-Laurel 

Got questions about going solvent free? Water mixable oils? Send me a comment.