Scoop a little pigment onto your palette and mix it with the walnut oil to make your paint. For a smoother, more thorough blend, finish mixing with a glass muller.
Clean up easily with Eco Solve, our non-toxic, plant-based thinner and brush cleaner. Full step-by-step details are in the included Eco Oil Painting Guide.
Watch the how-to video.
FAQs:
- Where do the pigments come from?
Sourced from small quarries worldwide, including the USA, France, and Italy. - Are your products free of nuts and gluten?
All products are gluten and dairy-free; refined walnut oil contains nuts but is not processed in the same facility. - Can these pigments be used for air dry clay? Yes, pigments can colour air-dry clay; follow our recipe for details.
- Can I save paint I’ve already mixed? Yes. Store mixed oil paint in aluminium tubes, airtight glass jars, or foil for later use. The less air around the paint, the longer it will stay workable. If you’re storing paint in a jar, a small swipe of clove oil on the inside of the lid can help slow drying without being mixed into the paint itself. For the longest storage, aluminium tubes are the best option.
- Have these products been tested for health safety? All of the paints, pigments, and supplies have been tested by government certified toxicologists and are also third party tested.
- Do I need to wear a mask when mixing pigments? No matter what kind of dust you’re working with, you don’t want to inhale it. When mixing small amounts, scoop and stir gently so you don’t create unnecessary pigment dust in the air. If you’re working with larger quantities, mixing quickly, have respiratory sensitivities, or simply prefer the extra protection, wear a mask.
- 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.
- Does Titanium White contain titanium dioxide? Yes. Our Titanium White is made from titanium dioxide (TiO₂) derived from rutile, a naturally occurring mineral found in metamorphic and igneous rock. Titanium dioxide is different from metallic titanium (Ti). Although both can originate from the same mineral deposits, metallic titanium is a separate material and is not part of this pigment. Titanium White offers the opacity and refractive qualities artists expect from a strong white pigment; natural chalk whiting is another mineral white, but it doesn’t provide the same level of opacity. As with any fine dry pigment, take care not to inhale the dust. Handle Titanium White gently, use good ventilation, and wear appropriate respiratory protection when needed. Once the pigment is incorporated into a liquid binder, airborne pigment dust is no longer the same concern.
- What makes Ultramarine Blue and Ultramarine Purple different from the other pigments? Ultramarine Blue and Ultramarine Purple are exceptions within the range. Unlike the naturally coloured earth pigments, their vibrant colour is created through a controlled firing process. Each is made from approximately 90% natural earthen clay and 10% manufactured mineral components, which are heated to develop their distinctive blue and purple colour. Historically, intense natural blues were rare and often came from precious stones such as lapis lazuli. These ultramarines offer a beautiful alternative without relying on those increasingly limited natural sources.
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 colours 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 colour 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."
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 watercolours 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, colour 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.
Colour 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 colours 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.