Water-mixable oils are oil colors in which the vegetable drying oil has been modified to accept water. This allows for mixing and cleaning with water and eliminates the need for toxic solvents. They are great for travel and plein air painting, confined spaces and artists who cannot tolerate solvents. One of the unique features of water-mixable oils is that they can be used with traditional oils. If you maintain a two-to-one mixture of water-mixable to traditional oils, water cleanup is still possible. This makes it easy to transition from traditional oils to water-mixable oils, or to incorporate the two without the use of a solvent. As with traditional oils, the fat-over-lean principle applies, drying times are comparable and the final painting must be varnished. Water-mixable linseed oil, painting mediums, glazing mediums and gel mediums are also available. The drying times for these will vary per manufacturer.
Water-mixable oils helped Lori McNee blend and create this beautiful atmospheric background without the use of toxic solvents. The smooth surface of the panel was perfect for achieving the detail where needed, whereas the tooth of canvas or linen would have disturbed the quiet of this painting.
Liberation—Tibetan Dream
Lori McNee
Water-mixable oil on panel
36" × 24" (91cm × 61cm)
Water-mixable oils are perfect for plein air painting. No need for toxic turpentine or other solvents; you need only water. Plus, these oils easily clean up with soap and water. Dawn dish soap works great!