Blog

I have been thinking about painting and happy accidents, wondering what makes artists prone to these. Here’s what I think is going on with those. The term ‘accident’ implies that it was unplanned, and whatever happened will add new parameters to that work, which can then lead to new creative expressions. I find that any type of paint can do some wonderful things when it mixes and mingles, and too much control prevents some of that. Next time your paint does something unexpected, take a moment to consider if you want to keep that ‘accident’ rather than assuming that your initial vision was the best way. Perhaps a new direction is just what that painting needs to be a fresh and dynamic work of art. 

If you are like I am, and tend to get paint all over your hands at times, you should be aware of some health hazards. When products say “non-toxic”, it means when they are used in the manner that is usual for them. Artist paints are not meant to be painted onto your skin. Certain pigments, such as phthalos and cadmiums, contain toxic chemicals that can be absorbed into your skin and be detrimental to your health. Wearing gloves is one good solution. I don’t like to wear gloves when painting, and so instead I use a silicone barrier cream on my hands. This comes in a tube in the baby department of the drug store – they sell it to put on babies’ bottoms. You need to see the word “silicone” on the tube. Putting this on like a hand cream before painting helps your skin not absorb paint. Make sure that your hands are very dry after putting it on, before touching your canvas or your watercolour paper or you will make some spots that may resist paint there too!