Today I had the good fortune to be on KPCW’s This Green Earth broadcast. For those of you who tuned in, I promised to post some of the topics I covered and give you helpful links.  As well, I will be Randy Barton’s guest on his week-day show, this Thursday the 3rd at 6:30 pm, so listen in. Thanks again to Chris and Katie for bringing me on air. Have any suggestions or favorite painting tips? Let’s hear it!

Painting Precautions

Always ventilate your area well, and wear a mask if you are particularly sensitive to chemicals. Avoid these if you’re sensitive: Chrome paints, Zinc paints, Cadmiums, Cobalt, Petroleum, Thalo colors, and preservatives. You can request a Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) from almost all manufacturers (like Utrecht, Crayola, etc.) to check out what’s in your products.

“Green” painting practices

All- natural encaustics, made of beeswax and tree resin (just make sure to use low temps and do not use a direct flame on the wax); egg tempura, casein (milk-based), and water mediums (watercolors). For sculpture, there are quite a few fun options such a recycled materials, clay, wood, stone, and more.  Use baby oil or vegetable oil for cleaning your brushes and hands from varnishes and other painting chemicals. Make your own oil paints using natural pigments and linseed oil. Buy good quality, reusable products vs. disposable items.

Recipe for non-toxic Finger paints

courtesy of www.care2.com

1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup soap flakes melted with 1/2 cup
boiling water
Juice dyes (see below)

Make your own soap flakes by grating a bar of homemade hand soap (available at your health food store) until you have 1/3 of a cup of soap flakes. Combine the cornstarch, water, and melted soap in a bowl. Stir to blend. Let the mixture set until it has become thick. Divide into separate bowls and stir in juice dyes for color. Have fun and get messy!

www.NaturalPigments.com – articles, insights, and products to help you make your own paints.

www.RobPettit.com – provocative artist using cell phones to create art and discussion. This is why I’ve had the same cell for nearly 5 years.

Tags: Green Painting, KPCW, Painting Precautions, This Green Earth
Posted in Gallery Insights