8 reasons to use water-mixable oils

Undulations, 11"x14," Oil on panel, ©Lynn Goldstein, private collection

Oil painting was my first love in college.

After graduation, I continued working in oil for several years. However, I switched over to soft pastels to avoid the solvents required to work in oil necessary at the time. Many years later, I tried oils again, utilizing odor-free mineral spirits. I wasn't able to rid myself of the concern that I was still breathing the fumes, I just couldn't smell them. Furthermore, I hated washing my brushes. It was so difficult to get the paint out of the bristles. I found myself thinking about the fact that after each painting session, I would have to wash the darned brushes. That alone was sapping the joy from my painting experience. 

I kept hearing about water-mixable oils, and I decided to give them a try. Now that I have found my favorite brand, I am hooked. The color is vibrant, I don't have to use solvents, and I can clean my 

brushes with ease. If you are wondering about this medium, which is real oil paint, I can give you a big thumbs-up. 

Here is a list of the positive aspects of water-mixable oils: 
1.  No solvents are needed. 
2. They dry slightly faster—if you are used to conventional oils, this may not seem positive. I am      thrilled.
3. They are great for travel because they dry faster and you don't need solvents to use them.
4. You may mix them with traditional oil paint. This is great if you want to use paint you already      have. Don't use half-and-half conventional and water-mixable oil. The more conventional oil            you use in the mix, the less water-mixable the paint becomes.
5. You may purchase water-mixable mediums such as thinners, glazing liquids, etc. in order to        change the way behaves. For example, the glazing liquid will create a more transparent paint.
6. I do not generally thin my paint with water, but you may do so. If you do, I recommend only            doing so for your under painting. 
7.  You may clean your brushes during a painting session in water rather than in solvent. 
8. You may clean up after your session with soap and water. 

I am sure you are curious. My favorite brand is Cobra by Royal Talens. I also like Daniel Smith. 

Below is a very short video that shows you one of the ways that I start my oil paintings. The image above is the finished piece. ​

Want to learn more about this terrific medium? You are in luck! I am teaching an online Zoom "Live" workshop soon. Click the button below to learn more and to sign up now.

Oil & Water Info