Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)
Paints
What are your paints made of?
Paints are made of a binder + pigment from a variety of vendors, depending on the pigment.
Why did you want to make paints?
I wanted to make paints because I was fascinated with the process. These people on Etsy could make it, and it wandered in and out of watercolors to oils, to acrylics. I'm very much a curious person, when I want to try something I will do it. I started to have a lot of fun with the process and stuck with it.
Are your paints vegan?
My paints are not vegan. I do use Ox Gall - aka cow bile.
What is your binder made of?
My binder is gum arabic + distilled water + Ox Gall + a drop maybe 3 of glycerin.
Are your paints single pigment?
Some of the paints are single pigments but many are not.
Are they lightfast?
I am running lightfast tests on the colors and you can see the progress in my blogs.
How to
How do you make paints?
A lot of cursing. In seriousness, wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), with a gray glass slab and a glass muller. I have specific measuring cups, spoons, and bottles for my binder. A specific dutch oven that I use to make my binder in. Anything you make paint with you shoulnd't use for cooking and don't forget the pigment.
Is it expensive?
To get into it was a bit pricy to just plop down at once. if you are testing it, then I would buy a little at a time. Don't be a goblin like me, I had to have every pretty color in the rainbow then and now. Find your favorite colors, play and test. Or just start with red, blue and yellow, you can combine and play with your pigments and test mixes.
I want to learn but I'm afraid of allergies, how can I tell if I am going to be allergic?
I always read the Hazardous data on the pigment. You won't always know if you are allergic, that's why I take special precautions with ppe. I have a lot of allergies so I don't risk it.
What kind of protective gear would i need?
For PPE I use a respirator, a mask for fine particles is good enough. Then latex gloves an apron. I always try to use long sleeves. I use white when making my paints so I can see when I'm being careless, but that's me lol. Keep your hair tied as well.
Artwork
When did you start drawing?
When I was really young. First drawing that I remembered, my old stuffed plushie of Feivel's hat came off and I stuck it on my cousins head, had him sit and I sketched him. It didn't turn out too bad for a 9 year old.
Do you make prints?
Not really. I have thought about it and entertained the idea, but never went through with it as I am not sure I trust quality from instant printers, and I don't want to keep stock. I have enough in my art supplies area I don't need to add to it.
What do you use?
A variety of mediums, ranging from pencils, charcoal, to watercolors and dabbling in oils.
Are you a profressional?
Not by typical definition. I get paid to do commissions at times. I have done stuff for companies, but nothing consistent.
Why do you do risque?
Because I don't think there is anything wrong with the human body. I have sketches and self portraits I have done of myself to get used to the idea of what I look like. And like anything else what can I do to improve that.
What kind of studies have you done?
I went the art institute for four years and it was such a waste. Went to community college and it was absolutely perfect. Gained insight and enjoyed the classes. There were nude studies, expressions, color theory.