Water-MIscible Oils

Water-MIscible Oils

David,

I've just started to paint with water-miscible oils having been away from oils for many years. There is little information available about permanency. In various articles, curators have raised this question but the jury seems to still be out on this subject. What's your opinion? >In addition, although I had a lengthy discussion with a p.r. rep from Grumbacher who uses them, her method seems very contrived. She mixes all her colours with the 'special' linseed oil and quick dryer before going out to paint in situ. This, of course assumes that you know how much of each colour you are going to use and adding the quick dry before using the paint means that anything left over is going to become unusable before you may be able to return to your subject to repeat the same light conditions. > >Then, there is the question of fat over lean. If I use water to dilute the mixture for blocking in, there seems to be a question that if there is too much water, adhesion to the surface will be in question. >I'm also finding colour blending to be quite different from traditional oils. >Perhaps I need to just stick at it to discover my own blends but there is this nagging question: Is the toughing out worth it? Will the paint just crack off the canvas in a few years if I produce something with promise? >If you have some thoughts on this subject, I would be appreciative if you could take a few minutes to answer. > >Sincerely, Marilyn

Hi Marilyn, that is a really good question. I have been curious about water-miscible oil paints since I first heard of them some 20 years ago but I have never really looked into it.
There is actually a long history (I’m talking centuries) of water mixed with oil paints to form an emulsion paint. But these methods fell out of favor after the development of oil painting reached its heights during the Renaissance. frankly, unless these paints offer something more than the simple conveniece of being able to use water instead of solvents, then I don't see the point. Still, this seems to be the main reason that they are being marketed: for people who want the blending qualities of oils without having to deal with solvents. Some people are allergic to turpentine in particular.
what interests me most is the issue that you brought up about them having different working qualities compared to regular oils. when good quality oil paints are used with good painting mediums they can create effects that are unrivaled by any other medium. you mention that they don't blend the same. The buttery smooth texture would naturally be altered with the addition of water. the manufacturers have no doubt added some agent that acts an emulsifier. then, as you say, what happens to the paint film when the water evaporates, and the water underneath? Here is a quote from a chemist at Winsor & Newton, who make Artisan water-mixable oil paints:
Artisan is based on linseed oil, which has been modified to make it water-mixable if required; otherwise it behaves like a normal oil. There is no chemical reason to suspect the modified oil is any less stable than regular oil. Emulsified oils, in fact, have a history of stability going back to prehistoric times. The current water-mixable oils have been around for over 20 years. Developments in acrylics have pushed them into the background, but market requirements for less hazardous materials have brought them to the fore again."

A conservator at the Canadian Conservation Institute adds: As Alun (the chemist) says, there's no reason to suspect that the Artisan vehicle will behave any differently than a conventional oil during oxidation (drying).

So I would say to you, Marilyn, wait for the underpainting to be thoroughly dry before overpainting, just like you would for normal oil painting. It then comes down to a question of how well they behave for the type of paintng you want to do. I know that there is at least one book out there written about painting with water-mixable oils. Do a title search at Chapters or Amazon and you will come across it. It may be the best source for telling you how to get the most out of these paints. otherwise, if anyone else out there has some experience and info to share about water-mixable oils, please drop me a line.

thanks for the question Marilyn.