Solvent Free Oil Painting

The Kimono  16 x 12" Oil

Ethereal  18 x 14" Oil

I attended a figurative workshop in March at the Masters Easel Art Academy taught by Bryce Liston. Bryce taught a wonderful workshop where I learned to use the Zorn pallet and Gamut mapping.  These limited pallet techniques were an interesting challenge.  I am intrigued and am exploring them further. 

 In the workshop we had limited use of our OMS-Gamsol which helped keep the air clean with a dozen artists oil painting.  I decided to take it to the next level and eliminate the use of all solvents in my studio.  I have done some online research and was floored to find that the OMS of choice, Gamsol is far from non toxic.  I have had students complain of headaches even though I keep an exhaust fan in the window and an air filter running.  Those headaches are now gone.

For cleaning brushes, I found there are plenty of safe options.  I wait until I am done with a painting session to clean the brushes I used that day.  I use Viva paper towels, or lint free rags to get as much paint off as possible.  I found that Murphy's Oil Soap straight from the bottle cleans my brushes just fine.  I have also used Gamblin's Solvent Free Gel,  Walnut Alkyd medium, Art Treehouse BioBased Thinner, Spike of Lavender and Linseed Oil but I keep coming back to the Murphy's because the cost is lower and it cleans just as well.  I do rinse my brushes out with water after cleaning to remove any residue.

For toning a canvas, I use the Walnut Alkyd medium or Spike of Lavender with a little oil paint to knock out the white.  I am still experimenting with the BioBased thinner to make sure it's archival.

I offer a Thursday morning Oil Painting class that is now Solvent Free.  I just wish I would've made the switch years ago.