Endeavouring to become Eco-Friendly as an Artist
Oil paintings have always used plant-based oils, such as linseed. As a professional artist, I am committed to using artist products (e.g. paint pigments, mediums, thinners, brush cleaners,) which are sourced through natural and ethical processes and use plant-based oils while still maintaining high quality results. I now use eco-friendly packaging materials that are free of plastic and are recyclable and degradable when preparing my artworks for transportation to buyers, art exhibitions and art galleries.”
Mark Woollacott
Thinners and Mediums
Green for Oil is a new range of mediums and thinner for oil paint that does not contain spirits, such as turpentine, because they have been replaced by mixtures of fatty acids and plant esters. The resins and oils used in the Green For Oil range are the same as for the standard additives (ketone resin for the medium, safflower oil for the medium in gel). The Green for Oil range is non-toxic.
Sennelier’s Green For Oil range has been designed to be a safer, greener alternative to traditional solvents with all the ingredients being part of the bio-solvent family. These eco-friendly solvents are created from renewable raw materials that are found naturally. They are sourced, keeping biomass and sanitary and environmental standards in mind, from plant, animal or mineral based materials. The careful science and construction means they work very similarly to their traditional counterparts and produce a synonymous result. [Text sourced from Sennelier].
Cardboard Packaging
I now use lengths of thick Corrugated Edge Protector cardboard, made from 6-ply moulded corrugated paper, making them fully recyclable and biodegradable as well as offering excellent shock absorption and padding. I use these instead of the blue foam edge protectors - manufactured from polyethylene low-density foam - that were once popular in the past for artists, art publishers and art galleries, when protecting the edges of artworks when in transit.
These corrugated protectors are a great alternative when it comes to packaging artworks.”
Mark Woollacott
The use of Packaging materials when transporting and mailing artworks
In recent years, I have endeavoured to keep to a minimum the amount of bubble wrap I use, and whenever possible I have endeavoured to source alternative packaging materials (such as paper bubble wrap, paper parcel tape, and even paper tape with the word ‘Fragile’ printed onto it) which are made from recycled materials and are also fully recyclable and degradable. Paper tape offers an environmentally friendly alternative to standard plastic-based packaging tapes. This tape is made from 100 percent recycled paper materials. Because this tape is made from paper, it is quick and easy for the end user to recycle both box and tape without the need to peel the tape off. I also purchase my goods from suppliers who are committed to using recycled materials and using processes which are good for the environment.
High Quality Paints
I now only paint with oil paints and use paints made by Old Holland, Michael Harding and Winsor and Newton. Old Holland oil paints contain a very high concentration of pigments and the best quality linseed oil. Therefore, as long as they are still soft and usable, then they are fine to use and they can last over 50 years in the tubes.
Michael Harding Art Formulas is part of a global effort that ensures raw materials are sourced and obtained in an ethical manner. The company focuses on sourcing materials from parts of the world and from companies that align with their global environmental ethos and commit to the following: reducing the impact art materials have on the global environment; ensuring suppliers and their supply chains don’t source DRC conflict minerals; securing confirmed statements from raw material suppliers that their products don’t support conflict, slave labour, child labour, environmental or human rights violations; and sourcing alternative raw materials if a supplier is unwilling to comply. [Text sourced from Michael Harding website].
Michael Harding Art uses no shellacs, dairy products, or insects in their products. Art materials should be cruelty-free and made without animal products. [Text sourced from Michael Harding website].
My Promise
As an artist, I shall continue to responsibly source products which can be recycled and reused and will continue to reduce the amount of packaging waste produced as a result from my work. I also use low energy LED bulbs in my studio and use artist canvases that have wooden stretcher bars made from sustainable tree sources.
Are You Interested in Commissioning a Painting?
It is always with the greatest appreciation and gratitude that I receive any painting commission and, as with all my commissions, it will be my standard to undertake and execute your commission with the greatest care, attention, commitment and professionalism in order to produce an oil painting which will provide and reward you with many years of enjoyment. PLEASE NOTE: I do not deliver paintings to addresses outside the United Kingdom. If you live outside the United Kingdom and you are choosing to have your commissioned painting delivered by courier, I can only accept the commission if you provide me with a UK delivery address and phone number.
Click or tap on the image above to view some examples of work-in-progress images, that show how a painting commission of a yacht progresses from its beginning to its completion.
If you are interested in commissioning me to paint an original painting for you, then please contact me using the email address below and I will be happy to discuss your requirements and answer any questions you may have regarding the commission. I am based in North Devon, South West England.
