Have you ever wondered if people can even consider oil paints that are solvent-free? Historically, we associate oil paints with toxic materials – solvents, binders, pigments are incredibly toxic materials.
Melwell Romancito, who shows at Parsons Gallery of the West, will be demonstrating how to paint with a limited palette and M. Graham paints in front of Taos Art Supply, 208 Ranchitos Road, Suite C, Taos, Saturday, June 19, 1-3 p.m.
A controversial subject amongst many oil painters is the toxicity of working with the medium. Many people talk about the unpleasant smell of oil paints and choose to stay away. Others can’t work with toxic materials for many reasons. Health or environmentally conscious artists, or those who are pregnant or have small children or pets.
M. Graham Paints, manufactured in Hubbard, Oregon, are solvent free, and so is their manufacturing process. They even use walnut oil and nontoxic soaps to clean their rollers and manufacturing equipment.
Long-time Taos resident Romancito said she’s looking forward to painting in the Taos Art Supply Courtyard because it’s such a beautiful location.
“It’s right there on Ranchitos, very near where La Doux street flows into the thoroughfare. It’s such a quintessential Taos scene, I can’t wait to paint on location,” she said and added she’s enthusiastic about the demonstration because “I know it’s possible to paint with a limited palette and I’m eager to see what I can do with them.”