Kevin E Brown Instructs on Safer Oil Paints

Kevin E Brown was our presenter at last night’s MAG meeting. His topic? Water-soluble oils. Why switch from conventional oil to water-soluble? Simple… water-soluble is less toxic because you clean and dilute without the use of solvents such as mineral spirits or Turpenoid. You just use water! And there is no build-up of harmful fumes.

Kevin gave a short lecture at the beginning of his presentation with some water-soluble oils facts:

•  There is no water in the paints. The oils (safflower and linseed) have been modified to accept water.

•  There are opaque (high in pigment for strong covering power) and transparent colors (won’t cover other colors but can shade them).

•  Use stiff synthetic brushes.

• Make sure the painting surface is prepared with gesso, the same required for regular oil paints.

•  “Fat over lean” rule applies to water-soluble oils too.

•  There are mediums for water-soluble oils to alter its texture.

Want to learn more? Go to the “open studio” for water-soluble or acrylics paints at Cheap Joe’s on Mondays from 5-7:30 PM. This is an informal session where you can paint among peers and where you never know when a helpful demo may pop up. The cost is $15/session and the address for Cheap Joe’s is 1848-D Galleria Blvd. in Charlotte, NC. This event is for adults, 18 years+, only.

Thank you, Kevin, for the demo on 2 canvases showing how to brush with the oils too! Great presentation!