Longevity
 

The Bible states that a man's lifetime is 120 years. So, Sandi, you're just a pup. Using toxic materials will generally shorten your potential. Seriously, I feel that it is my obligation to create a painting which will survive for generations. This is, I believe, a strong selling point of why commission a portrait over a photo (definitely not the most important, but strong, nonetheless). I don't want to be like the used car salesman who keeps his fingers crossed that the car he just sold can make it out of the lot in one piece. The people in the Goodwill bins deserve the most for their money.

It is certainly not my aim to merely get my paintings out the door (with no questions about their longevity). The purpose I have is for paintings that will be made for reproducing prints, not commissions. The originals will remain with me (until the good Lord calls me home).

I appreciate what you are saying but I have a hard time believing the fumes generated by "cooking" a painting for a few minutes can be so harmful. I truly believe that with all of the noxious things in our world, something else will get me before my paintings do.

Here is a letter I just recieved that addresses the issue of toxicity.

[quote]Dear Karin,

Thanks for passing on to me copy of the discussion on Genesis Colors. I
appreciate Mr. Mattelson's concerns and I will try to clarify these
issues.

The first thing I would like to say is that, Yes, I am very interested
in seeing Genesis used extensively because it is an excellent and safe
product.

Genesis Colors have the unique quality for oil painters who
want to paint fast and finish the painting in one day while the idea and
the feeling of the painting is fresh in their mind, or those who want to
work slow and take months to finish a painting. It is also the medium
for those who work in acrylics to avoid toxicity, but have to deal with
the fast drying of the paint, they too can paint at their own pace and
achieve the results they want.

Now, I would like to address the toxicity of Genesis Colors.
American Art Clay Company was established in 1919. Permoplast, a widely
used non-hardening, non-toxic clay was the first product marketed. From
that initial item AMACO expended to produce a variety of children and
school-supply materials and eventually went into the manufacturing of
Ceramic, Art and Craft materials.

Having to deal with materials that are used not only by adults but also
by children, toxicity was Amaco's first concern right from the
beginning. Consequently AMACO is a member of the ART and Creative
Materials Institute and has been since its foundation. All products
manufactured by Amaco, and their usage are reviewed by ACMI's
independent toxicologist, who establishes their labeling. Some products
require a warning label because of certain ingredient that they may
contain, others like Genesis Colors have been approved to be Non-Toxic.

Toxic fumes may be emitted from Genesis Artist Colors if they are
overheated to the point of decomposition. However at the 265

Karin,

I didn't want to change the content of the letter as you posted it, but I suspect this is the web site to which they refer:

http://www.acminet.org

Karin,

Thank you for writing to Mr. Debikey and posting his reply here. I am quite satisfied with his explanation and eagerly await the delivery of my Genesis paints.

p. s. For anyone else interested in J.W. Etc. Right-step matte varnish, a good source is at http://www.safenontoxic.com/buy.html. Apparently only a few craft stores carry it, none in my area.

Not Satisfied Yet
 

By what criteria does ACMI's independent toxicologist at Duke University in the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine judge whether something is toxic or not? Science is constantly changing criteria based on new data. Who funds this research?

X-rays were once considered safe. When I was growing up, my neighborhood shoe store had an x-ray machine to check how the shoes fit. Complex carbohydrates were once considered harmful for sufferers of diabetes. Now whole grains are highly recommended.

We have the right to purchase whatever products we choose. I for one choose a heaping serving of cynicism.

Marvin, this is some more information from George Debikey...(thank heavens that he is willing to share his time and attention with us). I agree that our health is really our responsibility and it is up to us to investigate the materials we use and create a safe workplace.

[quote]Dear Karin,

I just thought that I did not address Mr. Mattelson's concerns about the
archival quality of Genesis artist Colors, in my Email yesterday.

However I have already covered the issue about color lightfastness in my
earlier Email to you. Now, I just want to add that Genesis Colors will
not decompose or deteriorate unless they burn or are exposed to
temperatures above 450

Paints and toxic fumes
 

Well, I know what I am dealing with when I use traditional oils. History shows me that plenty of artists that used traditional oil paints, many still using lead white, lived to a nice old age. I myself do not expect to live forever and I do not see any higher early death rate among artists and illustrators vs. any other profession. And there is no question as to the longevity of their work. As for the toxins in oil paints and solvents, if you are aware, and barring any allergic reaction, you can avoid any complications due to exposure. Don't eat near or while painting, keep your studio space well ventilated and be careful how you dispose of your solvents. And you should be fine.

As for the longevity of acrylic resin paints vs. oils, I see no reason they won't last as long or longer then some of the paintings of the early masters. Many paintings of early classical painters of the past show many signs of deterioration like cracks, chipping and yellowing, as well as colors that have darkened so much that only a slight hint of the original beauty shows today. And, Marvin, is Acrylic Gesso not a plastic base? I have used it exclusively and have never had a painting crack or show any signs of deterioration because of it. That said, of course none of my work has been around that long to show what will happen in, say, 50-100 years, but if my work holds up at least better then Maxfield Parish's work I will be happy. :)

Having been in the art business for awhile, I know of several artists who have become deathly ill or have actually died from the toxins they encountered in their work.

It is best to avoid toxic materials - no matter how "good" you feel using them. I think that it is foolish to wait for a sub-clinical condition to become a full-blown allergic reaction.

Better to err on the side of caution, life is fragile...and precious.