Water Mixable/Soluable Oils?

I've never tried oil paints. But, I think I'm ready to jump in. However, now I hear about new water mixable oil paints and wonder if anybody has tried both and can offer an experienced opinion. I'd like to know how they compare with regards to color, consistency and if the drying time really is an advantage. Thanks!

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Comment by Stuart J. Gourlay on October 30, 2011 at 17:10: Debby, I took a look at your work on the link you posted and I am very impressed with the quality and versatility of your work. You are going to be just fine with your new paints. I look forward to seeing your entry in this month's workshop competition. Stu

Comment by Debby Badder on October 30, 2011 at 8:12: Hi Stuart, thank you for the info. I’ve been reading many tips like yours about oils and no doubt I will end up experimenting as I’ve done with other mediums. My main concern is using anything that causes migraines since I am prone to them. Drying time is no concern as far as I can tell…unless I’m having an impatient day…lol I often have more than one project going at the same time to fix that! I actually did work at an art restoration studio fixing old oil paintings, furniture and ceramics. I had to leave because of the fumes in the building due to poor ventilation. Hence, the inquiry about the water mixables. I’ve only been practicing with these water mixable oils so far...and really like them. But, I did post a link on my page here if you want to view some of my other art. :)

Comment by Stuart J. Gourlay on October 30, 2011 at 4:50: Debby, water mixable oils do not dry faster than regular oils. If you want faster drying times you need to use alkyd based oils or alkyd mediums. if you do migrate to regular (not water soluble) oils, look at Gamblin's products, particularly Gamsol--it is truly odorless mineral spirits. Another product that they have is Galkyd (similar to Liquin) which is an alkyd medium that accelerates drying of regular oils. The third product is FastMatte; these are alkyd based paints that dry quite a lot quicker than most oils. Their website is www.gamblincolors.com and they have a lot of educational stuff also. Another long time maker of such products is Winsor-Newton with Liquin mediums and Griffin alkyd based oil paints. I painted in acrylics only for years and have used acrylics for underpainting of oils as well. Although there is controversy about this, I have never seen any cracking or delamination. You want your underpainting layer of acrylics to be very thin (even like a watercolor) and to absorb into the acrylic gesso ground--never use an oil or alkyd primed canvas under acrylics. I have used Golden's fluid acrylics a lot for underpainting and for sketches on my canvas before an oil underpainting. Important when painting over a non-oil underpainting is to wet the surface with some type of oil medium and wipe it off after 10 or 15 minutes to promote adhesion of your layers. Also be sure that your acrylics are completely dry before you paint over with oils and even with water soluble oils. I think you will be having a lot of fun with all this. Please post some of your paintings for everyone to see. Stu

Comment by Anne Marie Michel on October 28, 2011 at 7:42: It's only OK to paint OVER acrylics with oils. I've tried using acrylics for under-painting or just tinting the canvas and it makes a slippery surface to paint on. (That's annoying to me). The water mixable oils that I use stay open long enough for wet in wet painting and seem to dry about the same as any other oil paint. After drying for at least six months a coat of varnish will bring back the fresh wet look and protect the painting forever.

Comment by Debby Badder on October 28, 2011 at 4:19: Good tip Anne Marie! I've never painted plein air. But, I'll now remember about the rain. :)

I've noticed these oils still don't dry for a couple days. I have to get used to thinning the darker layers so I don't muck them up with subsequent layers. I've also read that some artists use acrylics for the darker washes and I may try that. So far, they seem easier to manage than acrylics for sure!

Comment by Anne Marie Michel on October 27, 2011 at 20:28: I love my Windsor Newton water mixable oils! The only medium I use is a little water to thin the paint some, especially for the under-painting. If you really hate what you have painted you can just clean the canvas off & start over! They say you can mix them with regular oils if you need to, but it only complicates the process in my opinion because then you need to dig out the smelly turps again. P.S. Keep your painting out of the rain until it's dry!

Comment by Debby Badder on October 27, 2011 at 3:12: Thanks David. :) Being prone to migraines, I opted to try the water mixables. Most reviews like yours seem to favor them. I've been practicing with tiny 2 x 3 sketches and doing the paint exercises from the masterclass to get the hang of them...or to get over the obstacles I faced with acrylics. So far...I love oils! I feel like a kid with a new favorite toy...lol.

Comment by David Gorski on October 26, 2011 at 6:11: I use them and love them. Easy clean, no smell, lays down just like oils.

I know many people who switched and use them exclusively now. Regular oils seem to have more colors on the edge of the spectrum, really vibrant bright colors, the kind most people don't use. All the main colors are there.

Give them a try