I haven't gotten much further with my paint research, but I tried using wax paper instead of plastic to seal my paint between sessions, and it seems to work just as well. Since I always re-used the plastic film that somehow accumulates (despite using canvas bags for shopping), I felt I was being a good recycler, but seeing my trash barrel full of plastic and paint bugged me. So now I'll use wax paper.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Owls and wax
I've been keeping my eyes out for the screech owls that I was thrilled to see last year perched on my garage or the streetlight. They liked it there because of the tasty bugs that were drawn to the light. I haven't seen them yet, but I heard one at about 4:30 this morning. I don't know why they're called screech owls, since they sound more like a little horse whinnying, but I'm glad they're still in the neighborhood.
I haven't gotten much further with my paint research, but I tried using wax paper instead of plastic to seal my paint between sessions, and it seems to work just as well. Since I always re-used the plastic film that somehow accumulates (despite using canvas bags for shopping), I felt I was being a good recycler, but seeing my trash barrel full of plastic and paint bugged me. So now I'll use wax paper.
I haven't gotten much further with my paint research, but I tried using wax paper instead of plastic to seal my paint between sessions, and it seems to work just as well. Since I always re-used the plastic film that somehow accumulates (despite using canvas bags for shopping), I felt I was being a good recycler, but seeing my trash barrel full of plastic and paint bugged me. So now I'll use wax paper.
Kathy, I'm so glad you're addressing the topic of oil paint waste. For a long time now I've been saving jars of residue, labeling them, putting them in a box, and eventually disposing of them properly. I'm not so good about the rags, though.
ReplyDeleteI love Naples yellow too but gave it up because of the toxicity. I recently discovered Rembrandt's yellow ochre light. You might like it as a substitute.
Hi Kathy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. Have you ever taken your residue to the Johnston Landfill? Just curious on how they deal with it.
KH
My husband took it to the Eco-Depot.
ReplyDeleteKathy,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your research on toxicity - I never knew Titanium white had lead in it! Do you worry about the rags being combustable? How do you store them? Love your work and blog,( mine is subtitled art and nature). I have been looking for the work you did on your recent residency?
Hi Dodie,
ReplyDeleteI don't really worry about my painting rags, since I don't use a combustible solvent (I use Turpanoid Natural). Nevertheless, I'm going to get a metal trash can to store them in before I take them to the "Eco Depot" that has collections around the state.
I'm afraid I'm not satisfied enough with most of my residency work to post all of it yet. It may not be until I finish the latest machine paintings for my show in November that I'll get a chance to revisit the Mesa Verde work.
Thanks for visiting and I like your blog too, especially the hostas. I always struggle with green. Your prairie sounds wonderful!