CherylAnnHillsArtist

As an artist who almost exclusively paints with oil paint, I get this question a lot. Is oil paint toxic? The simple answer is no, oil paint is not toxic. The paint itself is made of a pigment which is ground into an oil base. The oil base can be made with linseed (most common), walnut (my preference), poppy, safflower and other less common sources. The pigments were originally from natural sources such as; mineral salts, semi-precious stones, cadmium sulfide, crushed cochineal beetles, various natural clays,  buckthorn berries, bones and charcoal to name a few. Some modern day paints still use these sources while others have adopted synthetic sources to achieve similar pigments. While some of these pigments do contain toxic properties, when handled correctly in the studio they do not pose a risk to the artist. (ie: do not eat) The solvents used in oil painting can be toxic, however again when handled correctly this is not an issue. A solvent can be used to clean the brushe...

Recently my day job was taken from me, suddenly, unjustly and without warning. Anyone who is in my close circle already knows this. My first reaction was of course, a sense of loss. There was a period of mourning, anger, then acceptance. Then I experienced great relief, excitement and a realization that this was not an ending but rather a beginning. I also had to adjust to an income that was far less than I was accustomed to earning. I had always considered myself somewhat frugal, but now it became important to refine and embrace my frugal ways. There are always areas in our finances that are fluid; flexible enough to meet basic needs when required. I've cancelled my cable TV. No great loss, as I really only watched a handful of the same stations and programs most of which I can get for free using an antennae I already owned. My food budget was generous because, well, I enjoy eating like most people and I felt it was one thing I could justify spending money on. Now I spend far ...

R ecently I reacquainted myself with Pablo Picasso and his story.   Listed in the top ten of most popular visual artists of all time by most opinion pieces, his career spans 79 years and flows through 8 recognized periods including early works, the Blue Period, the Rose Period, the African Period, a study of Cubism, examination of Neoclassicism, works representing Surrealism, and lastly later work that embodied practices and elements of the preceding periods. Not only did his work evolve and change but he also explored various media throughout his career including painting, ceramics, sculpting, poetry, writing and even stage design. Born in 1894 his life ending in 1973; he left behind a glorious body of work that remain both inspiring and informative to modern day society. Today, if an artist decided to take a similar path and change direction as often as Pablo had, friends and advisors would most certainly take issue. Why? Pablo's  seeming directionless career ...