Category: How to articles

This past month I have been working in a new medium, water mixable oil paints. I know what you’re thinking, water and oil don’t mix. And they shouldn’t. But they do. The major difference is in the modification of the linseed oil and the safflower oil that the colors are made from which allows them to mix and clean up with water. Think about it. Now if you are sensitive or just don’t want to be exposed to solvents and if the area you work in is confined, like a spare room or a garage, you have an oil painting option. They have the same buttery consistency as traditional oils. And as with traditional oils I have found the drying time to touch to be 2-12 days depending on the colors.

Assorted Set of 12  This set contains 11 colors in 20 ml (.68 oz) tubes, including Cadmium Red Deep Hue, Vermilion Hue, Lemon Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Yellow Light Hue, Cadmium Green Light Hue, Cadmium Green Hue, Ultramarine Light, Cobalt Blue Hue, Burnt Sienna, and Ivory Black. The set also includes a 50 ml (1.69 oz) tube of Permanent White.

Here is some information as to the relationship of colors to drying time. Remember they are approximates. As with traditional oils you should still wait 6 to 12 months before varnishing

Fast Drying (2 days) Prussian Blue, Umbers
Medium Drying (5 days) Cadmium Hues, Phthalo Blue, Phthalo Green, Siennas,Iron oxides,  ochres, Titanium and Zinc White, Lamp and Ivory Black, French Ultramine
Slow Drying ( more than 5 days) Cadmiums, Permanent Rose, Permanent Alizarin Crimsom