What’s better than getting increased texture, radiance, and subtlety of colour in your artwork? Doing it naturally. This kit raises your work beyond synthetic pigments.
With these naturally non-toxic paints, you can create the most archival, UV resistant, durable and radiant paints available today.
This kit includes top-quality pigments, sustainably harvested from around the world. Each has been carefully ground to enhance the beauty and luminosity specific to each pigment. They provide a texture, radiance, and subtlety of colour that synthetic pigments simply can't equal. These paints are free of fillers, additives, synthetic preservatives, toxins, petroleum-based pigments and heavy metals.
The Complete Eco-Friendly Artists Oil Paint Kit contains:
- 10 natural earth & mineral pigments in 56g (2 oz) packets (venetian red, orange ochre, yellow ochre, terre verte, ultramarine blue, ultramarine purple, black ochre, burnt sienna, titanium white rutile and burnt umber) Packaged in biodegradable bags.
- 113ml (4 oz) bottle of refined walnut oil
- 113ml (4 oz) bottle of Eco Solve: non-toxic and plant-based paint thinner/ brush cleaner
- Eco Oil Painting Guide & Mixing Instructions
- 100% post-consumer recycled gift box
6 More Reasons to Buy The Complete Eco-Friendly Artists Oil Paint Kit:
- All natural, sustainable ingredients.
- Pigments are non-toxic and safe for use by expectant moms and health conscious artists.
- Pigments are easy to mix with Walnut Oil. For a more thorough mixing, finish with a glass muller
- Easy cleanup with a non-toxic solvent such as Eco-Solve
- Pigments are packaged in biodegradable bags.
- Made sustainably in the USA
What are people saying about Natural Earth Paint?
Comment from internationally known illustrator, Roberto Parada - "There is something quite beautiful about the art of making your own paint. Rembrandt, Velazquez, Titian all made their oil colors in their studio from pure pigment, derived of this good earth, with walnut oil… and those paintings have stood the test of time. Natural Earth Paint does the same. Real earth pigments that are safe and the purest color of this world. An artist should, at least once in their lives, try to work in the old traditions of pure earth pigment and walnut oil."
Simply mix pigments with walnut oil using a palette knife, or for more thorough mixing, finish with a glass muller. And don't forget our eco-friendly, vegan Gesso Kit to prime your canvas first!
It’s all in this video tutorial for you! (10 minutes, 33 seconds)
The Complete Eco-Friendly Artist Oil Paint Tutorial
FAQs
Product
Why should I mix my own paint when I can buy paint pre-made?
We believe that the extra step of mixing the powdered paint is well worth the peace of mind of knowing you are using the safest and most sustainable paint on the market. Most pre-made paints on the market contain a variety of toxic chemical stabilizers, petrochemicals, fillers, and preservatives. That's the "fast food" approach that the mainstream paint industry thinks that consumers demand, but we disagree! Our customers deserve better.
Safety and Quality
Where do your pigments come from?
We purchase our pigments from small quarries in countries across the world, including the USA, France, and Italy, depending on where that colour pigment is prevalent in the ground.
What is your packaging made from?
We use locally made, 100% post-consumer recycled packaging, home-compostable pigment pouches, and recyclable glass and aluminum bottles for our products.
Can my child or I eat your paints?
Although they are non-toxic, our paints are not intended for consumption. However, our Natural Egg Dye Kits are FDA approved for use in food!
Are your products free of nuts, dairy, and gluten for people with allergies?
All of our products are free of gluten and dairy. Our only product containing nuts is our Refined Walnut Oil, but it is not processed in our facility.
Are your products cruelty-free?
Absolutely! None of our products are ever tested on animals.
Have these products been tested for health safety?
Yes, all of the paints, pigments, and supplies have been tested by government certified toxicologists and are also third party tested. They are certified completely non-toxic.
Where do you find the ultramarine blue and ultramarine purple pigments?
The blue and purple pigments are our only pigments that have been fired and manipulated to get their vibrant color. Each is composed of 90% natural earthen clay and 10% man-made, non-toxic minerals (which are heated in an oven to a high temperature to create their vibrant color.) Throughout history, blues in nature were very rare and usually made with precious stones like Lapis Lazuli. These stones are now unsustainably harvested in Afghanistan, so we have found a beautiful and non-toxic alternative.
What is Titanium Dioxide made of?
Titanium dioxide occurs in nature as the well-known mineral, Rutile. Rutile is the second most abundant mineral in sand. It has been processed to extract the pure white mineral that we use in our paint kits. Although, it can be confused with Titanium Metal (TI) which is a silver metal that can also be derived from the same deposits, it is a separate component. Titanium Metal is not a part of Titanium White pigment which does not contain any metal.
Is it toxic to breathe the dust before mixing it into paint?
It’s not healthy to breathe any type of dust into your lungs, even if it is non-toxic and natural (like our pigments), or even dust from a dirt road! When mixing your paint, use caution to avoid creating clouds of pigment dust. If you gently scoop the pigment onto a palette and carefully mix it with oil, no dust should be created. Some people who are extra sensitive or concerned about dust can wear a certified mask for greater protection. You can see specifics on how to mix your paints safely here.
Do your paints wash off skin, furniture, clothes, etc.?
Our paints wash off of skin very easily—for extra help cleaning up the hands and body, especially when using oil paints, our Pinerite is the perfect all-natural solution. Our paints also wash off of hard surfaces, but they may stain clothing, carpet, or fabric.
How To Use
Can I use these pigments for air dry clay?
Yes! You can check our recipe for naturally coloured air dry clay here
How long do your oil paints take to dry?
On average, it takes about 4-7 days for oil paint to dry, but it may take shorter or longer depending on your conditions.
Can I use your Earth Paints as Face Paint?
Earth pigments have been used by most indigenous cultures to paint their faces and bodies for thousands of years. Our Natural Face Paints are made with cosmetic-grade pigments and organic ingredients and are perfect for any kind of body painting. However, the children's paints contain gum arabic and cornstarch, which are safe ingredients but can be drying or irritating to some individuals’ skin with prolonged contact. We recommend using our Natural Face Paints instead because they’ve been specifically formulated to nourish the skin while providing vibrant, skin-safe color.
Can I dye or paint my clothes with your paints?
Yes! Earth & Mineral Pigments can dye fabric along with a mordant to set the color to the fabric. Most commercially-available mordants are potentially toxic, but we have tutorials for making permanent, non-toxic, and natural fabric paint and fabric dye from soybeans. Alternatively, you can also use our Natural Acrylic Medium to create permanent fabric paint by mixing it with any of our Earth & Mineral Pigments!
Can I paint my walls with your paints?
Yes! You can paint murals or decorative art on your walls with either the Natural Earth Paint Kit (water-based) or the Complete Eco-Friendly Oil Paint Kit (pigment mixed with walnut oil). You can also follow our wall mural earth paint tutorial and mix the Earth & Mineral Pigments with wheat paste as a binder, or use our clay house paint tutorial.
Can I paint on metal, concrete, or exterior surfaces with your paints?
For metal and concrete, you should use an oil-based primer on the surface first—there are many online resources on the topic. Our paints are not intended for exterior surfaces or heavy exposure to harsh weather unless sealed with our Natural Varnish or Natural Acrylic Medium
How do I store mixed paints, and how long do they last once mixed?
The children’s paints in the Natural Earth Paint Kit are best used fresh. We recommend that you only mix as much as you need for one painting session. The paints stay good at room temperature for several weeks if kept in a sealed container (although they will stay good longer if refrigerated). The oil paints in the Complete Eco-friendly Oil Paint Kit can be stored in foil, air-tight glass jars, or aluminum tubes. For more information on storing oil paints, visit our blog.
Purchasing, Shipping, & Returns
What is your return policy?
We offer full refunds on any defective or damaged products. We also offer full refunds on returns if product is in re-sellable condition. Please refer to our Return/Exhange page for more details.
Do you donate to nonprofits, fundraisers, or events?
Because we are a small, eco-friendly business that uses all-natural, sustainably sourced ingredients and materials, we are limited in what we can donate. However, we would be happy to offer a discount on Natural Earth Paint products (shipping not included) and coupon cards for fundraisers. For more information, please email us at info@naturalearthpaint.ca
Certified safe and 100% non-toxic
Vegan, GMO-free, and cruelty free
Contains no petroleum-based products
All packaging is 100% post-consumer recycled and biodegradable
Made sustainably in the USA
The Rich Legacy and Enduring Beauty of Oil Paints
Oil paint, admired for its versatility and luminous qualities, boasts a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the 3rd and 4th centuries in Afghanistan. However, it wasn't until the Renaissance period, particularly the 15th century, that this artistic approach gained significant prominence. Artists like Jan van Eyck and Leonardo da Vinci were instrumental in popularizing oil paints, harnessing their exceptional qualities and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
The Advantages of Oil Paint
Slow-Drying Properties and Flexibility
One of the key benefits of using oil paint lies in its ability to dry slowly. Unlike other mediums such as acrylics or watercolors that dry quickly, oil paints dry gradually, giving artists the time required to work at a more relaxed pace. This slow drying time gives artists the flexibility to blend colours, create subtle transitions, and make adjustments even after the paint has been applied to the canvas. The extended working time allows for greater precision and control over the artistic process.
Building Layers and Achieving Depth
The slow drying nature of oil paint also enables artists to work in thin coats, layering the paint to achieve depth and richness in their artwork. This layering technique involves applying multiple transparent glazes to create a sense of luminosity and three-dimensionality, almost akin to using filters on modern day digital devices. The ability to build up layers over time is unique to oil paint and has considerable bearing on the range of creative possibilities available to artists.
Durability and Longevity
Oil paints, particularly when combined with drying oils, exhibit hard-wearing properties that ensure the longevity of artworks. This durability makes oil paint suitable for various applications, including murals or paintings exposed to harsh weather conditions. Additionally, oil paintings age gracefully, developing a rich patina over time, which enhances their historical value and allure. Adding a layer of varnish will also help to protect the paint film.
The Components of Oil Paint
Pigments: Natural Colours from Earth and Organic Sources
Oil paints derive their colours from pigments, which can be sourced from minerals and organic substances. These natural pigments contribute to the vibrant hues found in oil paintings. Artists have a wide array of pigments to choose from, allowing them to capture a diverse range of colours such as red, green yellow, and blue, that evoke different moods in their artwork.
The Importance of Linseed Oil
A crucial component of oil paint is the drying oil, most commonly linseed oil. Linseed oil is extracted from the seeds of the flax plant and acts as a binder, holding the pigments together. Drying oils possess desirable drying properties, providing artists with the necessary working time while gradually drying to form a stable and durable paint film.
The Versatility of Oil Paint
Traditional Applications and Techniques
Oil paint has a rich tradition in the art world, with artists employing various techniques to create masterful works. From the delicate glazing of transparent layers to the impasto technique that adds texture and depth with each coat, oil paint allows for a wide range of artistic expression. Artists can explore different brushwork, color mixing, and blending techniques to achieve their desired effects.
Common Modern Applications and Mixed Media
While oil paint has a long history in traditional art, artists today continue to push the boundaries and explore new possibilities. Some artists mix oil paint with other ingredients such as wax or solvents to alter its properties and achieve unique textures or effects. This experimentation with mixed media allows artists to create captivating contemporary artworks that blend traditional techniques with modern sensibilities.
Working with Oil Paint: Techniques and Considerations
Preparing the Ground and Surface
Before applying oil paint, artists typically prepare the ground or surface to ensure proper adhesion. This may involve priming the canvas or wood with a layer of gesso or other suitable primers. Proper preparation of the surface ensures the longevity and stability of the artwork.
Color Mixing and Viscosity
Oil paint offers artists an expansive palette of colours to work with, enabling them to capture a wide range of tones and shades. Artists have the freedom to mix different pigments and their selection results in their desired hues. They can also adjust the thickness of the paint by adding extra ingredients or diluting it with various solvents. Working with thick and diluted paints allow for different techniques and applications, from smooth brushwork to thick impasto strokes.
Drying Time and Patience
Patience is a virtue when working with oil paint, as it requires time to dry fully. Artists must consider the drying time of the paint, allowing for adequate drying periods between layers or before making adjustments. Thick coats of oil paint dry slower than thinner coats. Proper consideration of drying time ensures that subsequent layers do not disrupt or damage the underlying layers.
The Timeless Allure of Oil Paint
Eternal Luminosity and Expression
The luminosity and depth achieved through the use of oil paint have made it an enduring artistic approach. Certain colours such as red, yellow, and green always seem to pop. The slow drying time allows artists to manipulate the paint and create subtle transitions, resulting in artworks that emanate an inner glow characteristic of historical pigments. The luminous colors and textures achievable with oil paint have captivated audiences throughout history, evoking emotions and capturing the essence of the subjects depicted.
Oil paint's rich legacy and enduring beauty have made it a beloved medium among artists. Its slow-drying nature, versatility, transparency, and ability to create depth and luminosity have made it a go-to choice for centuries. Whether used in traditional oil paintings or combined with other techniques for contemporary works, oil paint continues to inspire artists to push the boundaries of their creativity. With its vast range of colours, durability, and its ability to evoke emotions, oil paint remains a timeless artistic medium that will continue to captivate and enchant both artists and art lovers for generations to come.
