oil painting

[mommy65]

is oil painting bad for the environment? if so, are there any ways to improve this problem? i love oils and want to start painting again but i wonder about this. also, what about oil pastels? are they toxic to use, since you work with your bare hands while blending? looking for solutions or reasonable alternatives...

[bluebird68]

Hey there, Mama! I have some of the same concerns as you, as well as the toxicity issues with turpentine (I am still BF my DS, and am getting ready to TTC again). I just ordered some water-based oils from dickblick.com. I have heard rave reviews about the Holbein Duo brand as far as richness and depth of color, and am getting ready to try them out in the next few days. They are not cheap (what art supplies are?), but I am thinking they will be more than worth it. The only bummer (which others have toted as a positive) is that they dry much more quickly-- harder for me since I am painting for short periods while my toddler sleeps! Good luck to you, and hope that helps.
Michelle