Non-Toxic/Low-Toxic Oil Painting
About eight years ago, while working on the architecture design of an affordable housing project in NYC, I grew interested in learning more about the health aspects of modern building materials (see Parsons Healthy Material Lab link below), and eventually I wanted to reform my painting practice as well. I extensively researched solvent-free oil painting after years of mindlessly adding generous petroleum-based washes to my painting surfaces for a watery, transparent effect. As a result, I switched my primary solvent from Turpenoid to Gamsol, which although made from petroleum distillates, Gamblin has removed virtually all odor from Gamsol and is considered one of the safest modern solvents available. I now generally limit Gamsol usage to brush cleaning and I no longer use fast-drying alkyd products like Galkyd in my practice. My absolutely preferred mediums today are the old fashioned walnut and linseed oils, and I use substitutes for cadmium, cobalt and manganese colors. These shifts fundamentally changed how I paint, I now need to exercise more patience in the drying time between layers (walnut oil prolongs drying time but yellows less than other mediums in my experience). In my older age, I’ve actually grown to appreciate slower marks and layering and I’ve begun to embrace more intentional rather than impulsive strokes. For more information on less toxic materials as well as carefully sourced art and building supplies, see below.
List of resources for healthy material sourcing and conscientious art practice tips:
The Artist’s Complete Health and Safety Guide
Birch Panels made from FSC-Certified Forest Products and Formaldehyde & VOC Free
Fabriano’s Environmental Commitment (Watercolor Paper)
Comparison of Low-Toxic Solvents for Oil Painting