Ethical and chemical questions regarding watercolors

[khalderon]

Hi there!

Now that I am about to begin my journey into art (this time - seriously!), I need some kind of general guidancies according to my personal tastes and beliefs.
First of all, I want to choose a medium for painting and settle down with it. I seem to have a preference to watercolors, because they tend to be (or at least I do believe so):

watery (moist)
heavy
warmBut are they "powerful" enough to widthstand time? Below follows a list of questions. When you have time, you can come by and give me hints about this and tha, okay?


For how long does a watercolor painting live? Is there a maximum age one painting could reach?
Are watercolors suitable for beginners? If so, is there an estimated learning curve?
Do watercolors allow gradual learning and "never-ending" discoveries in techniques, color combinations, subjects etc.? This translates to "is watercolor exhaustive medium?"
What subjects are most common for watercolors? What is not so typical to be painted in water colors?
Are watercolors the cheapest medium? This includes the paper and the brushes. Are there any cheaper alternatives?
Are watercolors the safest medium? Are there any poisons or artificial chemicals that can provoke allergic reactions (e.g. skin, inhalations, eyes etc.)? Is it true that certain brands include cancerous materials in their watercolors? What would be a "safe" and "hygienic" watercolor brand that is suitable for daily use without any fear of poisoning? Name a few trustworthy companies.
Are there any watercolors made for vegans? A vegan is a strict vegetarian - just to note for the uneducated audience. I really wouldn't want to hurt anyone (including myself) while painting. Is watercolor a "natural" medium? Are there any alternatives?Okay, enough questions! Time for the answers, (I hope) you will provide :)
As I stated above - this is going to be a long (and hopefully - a never-ending) journey, that I will spend into the world of art. I pray for beautiful paintings and most importantly - a lot of admirers!

[Yorky]

For how long does a watercolor painting live? Is there a maximum age one painting could reach?

Watercolours are quite durable if kept out of strong sunlight which can cause certain pigments to fade or even change colour. That said most manufacturers rate their colours are light resistant using a star rating. It is essential however to use acid free paper and mountings in contact with the watercolour as inferior materials can brown with age. Many water colours have survived many hundreds of years, and have been used much longer than the relatively recent oil paints and acrylics.

Are watercolors suitable for beginners? If so, is there an estimated learning curve?

From the beginner's point of view watercolours are easy to start with beaus they are easily portable - you can purchase a ready filled palette a couple of brushes and a pad of watercolour paper and go. Watercolours also dry quickly unlike oils and are easily stored and carried. Mastering watercolours is however a process of practise as light colours rely on the transparency of the paint film and lights have to be preserved.

Do watercolors allow gradual learning and "never-ending" discoveries in techniques, color combinations, subjects etc.? This translates to "is watercolor exhaustive medium?"

It is true to say you never stop learning, and developing techniques.

What subjects are most common for watercolors? What is not so typical to be painted in water colors?

Realistically there is no limit to the subjects that can be painted with water colours,

Are watercolors the cheapest medium? This includes the paper and the brushes. Are there any cheaper alternatives?

A tube of watercolour can last months or even years and they are most economical in that respect. Good quality paper is essential, but a standard sheet 30x22 inches can be cut into several pieces and used to produce several paintings. Similarly although expensive sable brushes are lusted after by many, some of our best artists use cheap synthetic or sable/synthetic mix brushes which are very durable.

Are watercolors the safest medium? Are there any poisons or artificial chemicals that can provoke allergic reactions (e.g. skin, inhalations, eyes etc.)? Is it true that certain brands include cancerous materials in their watercolors? What would be a "safe" and "hygienic" watercolor brand that is suitable for daily use without any fear of poisoning? Name a few trustworthy companies.

The pigments used in watercolours are the same as those used in other paints. Some are toxic, particularly the Cadmium and Cobalt based pigments, and again manufacture res list the toxicity of their different pigments.

Are there any watercolors made for vegans? A vegan is a strict vegetarian - just to note for the uneducated audience. I really wouldn't want to hurt anyone (including myself) while painting. Is watercolor a "natural" medium? Are there any alternatives?

Now that I can't answer, as far as I know none of the modern colours are based upon animal products, the only medium sometimes used is ox-gall which is used as a detergent. making colours flow better,

Okay, enough questions! Time for the answers, (I hope) you will provide :)
As I stated above - this is going to be a long (and hopefully - a never-ending) journey, that I will spend into the world of art. I pray for beautiful paintings and most importantly - a lot of admirers!

A comprehensive information site for watercolours is www.handprint.com, but a good start can be made by reading the Top 20 FAQ's link which is in my signature.

Doug

[Studio-1-F]

Are there any watercolors made for vegans? A vegan is a strict vegetarian - just to note for the uneducated audience. I really wouldn't want to hurt anyone (including myself) while painting. Is watercolor a "natural" medium? Are there any alternatives?
Almost all modern pigments are man-made chemicals. There are a few mineral-based colors sold by DSmith --- the gimicky Primatek "straight-from-the-earth pigments" (http://http://www.danielsmith.com/products~sku~285+250+191.asp). And there are some sets made from "historical" pigments, also mineral-based, sold by Natural Pigments, here (http://naturalpigments.com/search_results.asp?txtsearchParamVen=5).

But I don't believe that there are any watercolor paints currently made with vegetable-only ingredients. (Although maybe those mineral-based ones would qualify as "vegan"? I don't know the strict definition, actually.)

For more information in general on how watercolors are made, see McEvoy here: http://handprint.com/HP/WCL/pigmt1.html

I also hope that you get a lot of admirers! I look forward to being one of them!

Jan

[Baggy]

Hi Khalderon.

If I may comment on your second querie.

I began painting 3 1/2 years ago, and am only just beginning to feel comfortable with the media.

http://frederick.winston.googlepages.com/home

Check my website if you wish and link to my paintings. My most recent paintings are on the top two rows.


It seems to me that watercolour is the point of entry for most painters. There is a vast library of watercolour painting books, and classes for beginning watercolourists abound. And watercolour supplies are less expensive then are oil supplies.

But, when I speak to serious artists, I only know a few who paint in waters. And, the common concensus that I hear, is that it is too hard a media for most painters to master.

This is my personal opinion and it isn't supported by studies or surveys.

But, those who do master it, create masterpieces of work, and have a superior understanding of the use of colour and light. It is a deiightfully rewarding media to those who persevere and grow.

I know of one watercolour artist, who said that she felt that it took her 5 years before she could call herself an accomplished artist. I was fortunate, I guess, for I sold my first painting on the anniversary of my second year. But, then again.....I sure didn't consider myself an artist at that point.

Good luck. I cannot give you an estimate about how long your learning curve will be since we all have different inherent gifts and talents at our disposal.

With kind wishes
Win

[pao]

Greetings khalderon:wave: ,
Your off to a great start just knowing about this place and the wonderful artists here!
I'm not really aware of animal by products in watercolor, (which now you have me wondering because I too, am vegan-though I do eat honey).
If your a "vegan" thats strict and doesn't eat honey, then you want to avoid Graham watercolors because they are made with honey. However, if your not they do produce what I considered "clean" watercolors.
Unfortunately, my memory is Not very good, I just know I checked many watercolor companies and they stood out.
I also use DaVinci and I'm going to go back to one of my old favorites; D. Smith.
Handprint.com REALLY is an incredible resource site-(I became aware of it from here too).
Paper: I'm actually trying to use other watercolor besides Arches because Arches uses gelatin sizing (that's why when you wet the paper it smells like wet dog:p ). I'm still using Arches since I had stocked up during a sale Before I knew.
Fabriano paper does not have any animal by products, (that I'm aware of) and I've been trying it out lately and really like it.

Happy painting and I look forward to viewing your work.
Pamela

[NothingButPencils]

Old Holland Watercolors also use rabbit skin glue in some of their colors (and/or honey in others). Other companies may as well. Of course, you also need to avoid natural hair brushes (the hair is harvested like fur for fur coats) and stick to synthetics. As mentioned, gelatin also sneaks into a lot of products you wouldn't expect. Still, I've found you can take a vegan approach to almost all artistic media with some vigilance and effort. Hope that helps. Good luck!

[ngothyeaun]

Are there any watercolors made for vegans? A vegan is a strict vegetarian - just to note for the uneducated audience. I really wouldn't want to hurt anyone (including myself) while painting. Is watercolor a "natural" medium? Are there any alternatives?

hi there, i have stop painting for a while since i found out that many of our daily use watercolor paints and many brand of watercolor paper contain gelatin in them. below is the extract from a forum which you can see it here ( link ) (http://www.animalsuffering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4317)

'ART SUPPLIES: free of animal ingredients.

What’s in a Colour?
If you know where the pigment or dye comes from you have a great head start in knowing what you are working with and what you are participating in.

Some pigments are made from plants or minerals or are synthetic, but some are not. For instance, Ivory Black and Bone Black pigments are from charred animal bones. Lampblack, on the other hand, is pure carbon and not from animals at all. Here are some other colours that are not from animals: ochre, raw umber, burnt umber, burnt sienna, cadmium yellow, zinc oxide, gamboge, indigo, madder, cobalt blue, naphthol crimson and diozine. There are many others.

Great Books
The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques by Ralph Mayer (great section on pigments)
Colour by Victoria Finlay.
Painting with Acrylics by Jenny Rodwell

Tips
-Cochineal is a scarlet dye made from ground up female cochineal insects.

-Ox gall is gall, obtained from cows, and used as the wetting agent in most watercolour paints.
Holbein has some watercolours that do not contain ox gall. Remember to find out what pigments are in the paint before buying the paint.
canada@holbeincanada.com http://www.holbeinhk.com/#
Here are a few of their ox gall free watercolours: Cadmium Red Deep, Cobalt Blue, Cadmium Yellow Deep, Lamp Black, Opera, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Deep. There are many more.

-Rabbit-skin glue comes from (you got it) rabbits. And it is used for sizing oil-painting supports.
-Gelatin is made from boiling animal skins, tendons, ligaments, etc. The highest-grade gelatin, made from the skins, hoofs, and bones of calves, is used in gesso. Watercolour and most papers are sized with gelatin. Gelatin is also used in many foods and to make gelatin capsules for vitamins etc. Accent Vellum, construction papers and handmade papers usually don’t have gelatin. There are some papers starting to come out that are sized with starch. Ask at your art store.

-Sepia ink is made from the inky substance from the sacs of squid and cuttlefish. India Ink or Chinese Ink is made of carbon or lampblack pigment, and a shellac binder. Shellac is obtained from secretions of an insect. http://www.temuss.com/html/shellac.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shellac
Damar Varnish is from a plant source. See, The Artist’s Handbook by Ralph Mayer.
-Water Soluble Ink seldom contains animal ingredients. Water Resistant Inks usually do contain animal ingredients, but no harm in asking. Check with the manufacturer via the internet and click on “Contact Us”.

-Charcoal comes from vines and willow, but bone charcoal doesn’t. The word “bone” is a dead give away. Ask before you buy.
-Graphite: mineral. Conte Crayon: natural pigments (iron oxides, carbon black, titanium dioxide), clay (kaolin) and a binder (cellulose ether).

-Pencils: Derwent does not use any beeswax in any of their products. Their charcoal pencils are made from pure charcoal, clay and pigment. The wax used in the pencils is from a plant source, the binding material is from a mineral source. They have a list of individual colour pencils that are free of animal products. Just ask them. Their Coloursoft pencils, Graphitint pencils, Aquatone pencils, metallics pencils, graphitone and Derwent Pastel Blocks are all free from animal ingredients. http://www.pencils.co.uk/enquiries_form.aspx www.pencils.co.uk

- Krylon has fixative sprays that do not contain animal ingredients http://www.krylon.com

-Yupo Paper (100% polypropylene) suitable for all watercolour techniques. Good for drawing and fixative sticks to it.

-Raw Fabrics: unsized organic hemp, bamboo, linen or cotton. Stretch the fabric on stretcher bars and put on Golden’s Absorbent Ground (100% polymer is on the label but ask to see if there is anything else in it ). It’s like gesso, but is absorbent for watercolours, and the Pastel Ground is for pastels and drawing. Also, charcoal on unsized fabric with a fixative spray afterwards works well. http://www.goldenpaints.com/technicaldata/absorb.php

-Natural brushes are natural hair that is harvested from farm raised or trapped animals, in particular sable (marten), squirrel or mongoose. Less expensive natural brushes are made of horsehair or bristles from pig or ox snouts and ears. There are now high quality synthetic brushes that are just as good as natural brushes. Winsor & Newton is just one of many who make synthetic brushes.

-Oil Pastels are made by combining raw pigments with animal fat and wax. Soft Pastel are usually free of animal ingredients. Here is a site on ingredients and also, another on how to make home-made pastels:
http://www.nmsdistribution.com/Pastel.htm
http://painting.about.com/library/weekly/aamakepastela.htm

Going straight to the manufacturer or company is a great way to learn what is in art supplies. More and more new products are being made that are free from animal ingredients. The internet has put us in easy reach of manufactures and companies who want to hear from us. A simple, polite request has power. It’s now easier than ever to ask for products that are free of animal ingredients.

When it comes to art materials, leave the animals out of it.

Compassionate change. Ask for it.'

I would love to if any vegan artist using alternatives?

Thank You,
Thomas

[An Old Lad]

Are there any watercolors made for vegans? A vegan is a strict vegetarian - just to note for the uneducated audience. I really wouldn't want to hurt anyone (including myself) while painting. Is watercolor a "natural" medium? Are there any alternatives?

It all really depends on the manufacturer and the color/pigment of the paint. Gumbacher uses Gum Arabic (tree sap) as it's sole binder. So far all the pigments I've seen are inorganic. Some Examples: Fe7(CN)18 (Prussain Blue) CdS (Cadmium Yellow) C19H16O10 (Indian Yellow) <---considered an organic compound. Chemically it is a magnesium euxanthate, the magnesium salt of euxanthic acid.

Interesting note on the Black pigments. I think the guy above me covered everything!! Nice going.

I have yet to see an actual pigment derived from an animal. I will say that Prussain Blue is used as a medication to rid the body of heavy metals (mercury Hg, lead Pb) However it is a different ion of the same chemical make up--Nitro Glycerin is used as a heart medication, but the medication does not explode if you drop it!

[roseanna]

question 5:
remember to add in the cost of framing. Oils and Acrylics (on canvas) do not need the mats and glass. Watercolour and pencil (on paper) do need that and it can more then double the framing cost.
Rose

[KarenSioson]

1. With today’s technology and the availability of high quality paint and acid free paper, your works in watercolour should last a very long time. We also have UV protect glass now that can give your framed pieces maximum protection from the effects of the sun. I’ve been working in watercolour for 15 or so years already and my earlier works (despite the harsh sun we get here and extreme dampness sometimes) have shown very little, if any, changes.

2. Yes, watercolour is great for beginning artists. It is easy to use, you just add water. It can be very portable. It is perfect for quick color studies, sketches. As for estimated learning curve, it is wiser not to compare yourselves to other artists. We all have different approaches to the medium and so our pacing can be very different from each other.

3. For me, it seems impossible to exhaust all possibilities with watercolour. You are only limited by your own imagination. Just don’t be afraid to try out new things. And continue expanding your color palette. Even after 15 years at it, I find that I still have a lot to learn. There are new colors out that I’m still excited to try out.

4. Most common subjects for watercolours are flowers, landscapes, figures. Hmm as for not so typical... I can’t think of any except that because watercolour is usually applied thinly... it would be hard to create physical texture on the surface of your paper. You can create visual illusion of texture but the texture that you can palpate or feel in your fingers like when you layer over thick dabs of oil... that is not usually found in watercolours.

5. There are cheap watercolours available. But you’ll find that the life or longevity of your painting will depend largely on the choices of materials you use. The cheaper watercolours (student grade watercolours) keep their true color for a lot less longer than the artist quality kind. The student grade ones are designed for school projects, temporary studies. I’ve done some using several brands and after 5 or 10 years, no matter the brand of student grade watercolours I use, I notice they start fading into bluish tones. You lose the yellowness then the redness... the brightness of them. They are specially prone to sun damage.

This may seem extravagant but if I were you, if I were to go into watercolour painting seriously, I would start investing in high quality artist grade watercolours. You can start with a limited palette (get the basic or most used colors) and expand as you get proficient with it. Acid free paper also lasts longer than cheap boards and papers. When I started out, I had only two brushes. But they are of the good quality kind. I still have them now and still usable. So with care, the tools you started out with can last you a lifetime.

While I also went through several brands and kinds of watercolour at first, once I found the brand that I liked, I stuck to it. It was an expensive thing for me because from where I am at, the materials are not readily available here. I have to buy them abroad and pay extra to have it shipped here. But I feel it was worth the expense and the effort for compared to the other watercolours done by other local artists, my colors are brighter and I feel more confident that the projects that I have done will last a long time. Some advice practicing with the student grade watercolours (which also has merit) but I say jump in and practice with the artist grade ones. People forget time is also a commodity. If you spend years learning the cheap paint, you’ll find that once you move into the expensive brands, you still have years ahead learning to work with each color and their peculiar behaviours. Some colors run, others resist blending with others, etc. You saved some money on the paint but you’ll now have to invest more time getting to know your new palette. Time you could be using mastering new techniques, color combinations or earning from your craft.

6. Being a semi-hypochondriac myself, after reading about paint toxicity, there was a time that every time I would use cobalt violet, I felt my head aching and I’d be down the rest of the day. Looking back, it was probably psychological on my part. I use Winsor and Newton artist grade. Every color has a safety rating and toxicity warning. I guess, safety depends mostly on how you handle the paint. Most watercolours are safe to use so long as you use it the conventional way... with paint brush and paper. When working with toxic paint, do so in well ventilated areas and don’t put your face too closely to the paper so you don’t breathe it in. You will also be advised not to reconstitute the paint in water and spray it on. Aerosolizing the paint may have a more toxic effect than if you were to use the pigment conventionally. Wash your hands and eyes if you get any pigment on them and.. don’t eat the paint. Hahaha.

7. As for vegan watercolours. Student grade watercolours are mostly if not entirely synthetic. They are formulated from chemicals and are developed to simulate the colors of artist grade ones. Artist grade watercolours are expensive because each pigment has an interesting history, source and undergoes different processing to become usable paint. Going natural though. I’ve heard of artists using rust, garlic extract, coffee diluted in water as mediums. Technically, these natural dyes when mixed with water, is watercolour. So again, we are only limited by our imaginations.

Whatever your choice of medium, just remember to have fun and enjoy your craft.

Oh something else to consider... despite the recent breakthroughs in light-fastness, paper innovations, you might find that the art market still has a “chauvinistic” attitude towards watercolours. You may come across galleries and agents that would price your work less than it would get just because you executed it in watercolour instead of oil. Oil paintings generally are priced the most expensive. Watercolors are more “reasonably” priced. So if you’re the type to get frustrated with this inequality, go with oil or another medium.

Karen