"Genesis" the non-toxic paints

[Karin Wells]

I've been experimenting and I LOVE the non-toxic, thixotrophic, heat-set oil paints called "Genesis." I can even use their colors to exactly match the colors in my preferred palette! Here is their website: http://www.genesisartistcolors.com/ If I were an ala prima painter I would switch to these paints in a heartbeat!

However, since I like to work with oil glazes, and haven't quite been able to translate this important technique into the new medium, I need some help with chemistry.

I would like to do my underpainting with Genesis and then "seal" the surface (to form an inert buffer layer) with some substance so that I can use oil glazes and my regular medium (liquin) on top of this. (Note, oil paint and Genesis don't mix - even when dry).

Any suggestions?

[Jim Riley]

Karin,

The Genesis product sounds very promising. I have always wanted a medium that had the kind of flexibility that would allow choice of wet in wet or dry brush combinations. I was totaly unaware of this product and thank you for bringing it to our attention. I'm anxious to try it. The Genesis site does not provide much in the way of information regarding chemical properties, color stability (a big concern with new materials), and the like. Why would a heat set medium, whatever it is, care about the overpaint? And what is recommended for the protective layer/"varnish"? Or does it require such?

Having spent a number of years in businesses that made products vulnerable to heat, light, radiation, and other common environmental factors which affected color, I would like to see evidence of aggressive and accelerated testing. (Doesn't this sound like an old corporate fart?)

[Karin Wells]

Regarding chemical properties and color stability of Genesis, I have spoken to their chemist and he assures me that this product is archival and very stable. I am certain that the company will provide you with detailed and technical information about aggressive testing of the paint.

I have used these colors and they have certainly passed my tests of durability so far. Genesis makes a product called "varnish" especially for their oils and recommends its use.

I am experimenting with Genesis in underpainting and really like it as it is opaque. However, I can't get that "glow" in the top layers with Genesis that I can with regular oil paints and medium.

There is a book that I ordered from Genesis that gives formulas for nearly every color of paint on the market by brand. It has the mixing formulas for all my paints and this makes using the Genesis colors very easy.

I have been searching for an inert barrier so that I can layer oil paint on top of Genesis paint safely...and hopefully I have found it.

There is an acrylic varnish called "JW's Right-Step Matte Varnish" and this product seems to be the perfect inert barrier that I have been looking for! I'll post later to confirm if this really works in making this paint more versatile by allowing us to mix media.

[Karin Wells]

I just posted more about Genesis at:
http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...=1966#post1966

Basically I got sick and have to stay away from the toxic stuff for awhile.

Today I tried a "serious portrait" in Genesis...and here is a detail....it is the fastest portrait I ever painted. It took aprox. 5 hours - these things usually take me months!

There is a book that tells how to convert brand-name paints into Genesis: "Decorative Painting Color Match Sourcebook" by Bobbie Pearcy (My copy included a Color Match Supplement on Genesis.)

Please note...that this is NOT a finished work - just an experiment...

[David Dowbyhuz]

I discovered the notion of Genesis a year or more ago. I was really intrigued by the "never dries until YOU decide" claim.

I requested their documentation, but found myself put off by the notion of the "heat gun" or "drying boxes". They may warrant the archival traits of their medium, but I'd worry what all those applications of heat are doing to the fibres of your canvas! 250 degrees F or higher. Save me! My wife is a textile person, weaving her own fabrics on a hand-loom, and she believes repeated applications of such heat WILL degrade the canvas. Ever seen what happens to a weather-beaten tent? Granted, tents are exposed to elements other than "heat", such as UV & rain, but they do age badly and become brittle. And a tent will never see 250 degrees of heat. And if you actually use those little pizza ovens to dry your painting you'll end up sucking every last drop of moisture out of your stretchers. Then, once placed back in a less than alien environment (the real world) and the stretchers begin to re-take moisture, they may rack. Here is a quote from their site: "If you see smoke or fumes coming off the canvas or notice small bubbles forming in the paint, you are overheating". You read on and it's like the old Saturday Night Live skit for the "Happy Super Fun Ball"! I also didn't like being obliged to abandon my old pallette for some "non-porous surface".

I like to think of myself as progressive, "ends justify the means" and all that with art materials, but when it comes to this approach call me a Luddite.

However, there's no denying your above piece borders on the ethereal. If anyone can transcend this test-tube technology, it's you, Karin. Good luck with this stuff.

[Jim Riley]

I share David's concern and hope I am not guilty of being an old cynic but their web site doesn't provide much information that one would expect for a major product departure for an artform that depends heavily on durabilty and longevity.

Otherwise, I think it has great possibilities and will order some materials to try it out. As I noted in an earlier post, I have long wished for a way to paint wet in wet as well as dry brush. It's almost to good to believe. Fechin used Benzine (or the equivalant) to make his colors set up quickly for this purpose and I don't wish to go that route for good reasons.

Thanks much for keeping us current.

[Karin Wells]

I do agree that the Genesis website could benefit from adding some heavy-duty technical information for the more serious (and curious) painter.

Genesis says that their paint is archival and I tend to believe them. Unfortunately I am not "archival" but a mere fragile mortal. I think that painting with this non-toxic stuff, rather than what I have been using, will definitely increase my health and longevity!

I have their drying oven...it has a temperature gauge and an automatic shut-off...the paint is "done" as soon as it reaches the proper temperature (only a matter of minutes). It is goof proof and "duck soup" to use. It is tough to believe that my canvas or stretchers could be compromised.

If you're going to test Genesis, I recommend getting two colors; white and raw umber....they make a nice underpainting....

[Karin Wells]

Here is some technical info. I got in a letter from Genesis:

Hi Karin,
Here is some information you can pass on to Michael or anyone else interested in Genesis Artist Colors.

American Art Clay is a manufacturer of a wide range of art and craft materials and equipment. Although Amaco is not a manufacturer of polymer
clay , we do distribute Fimo Clay which is made in Germany.

Genesis Artist Colors have nothing to do with polymer clay. Genesis Artist Colors are made of a synthetic material, using a synthetic oil. The pigments used in Genesis are of the highest quality. The fact that the colors have to withstand the heating process to start off with, requires the use of utmost quality pigments. The pigments used cannot be affected by the heat, a problem regular oil paint manufacturers do not have to deal with.

Genesis Colors are tested by an independent lab for light fastness using ASTM D-4303 Standard Test Method, and categorized accordingly. All Genesis Colors have a light fastness of ( I ) and only the Dioxazine Purple line of 8 colors has a light fastness of (II).

The dried Genesis painting is very flexible, unlike oil paints which become brittle. Therefore, a Genesis Painting canvas can be rolled in a cylinder without hurting the painting.

The Genesis Permanent Varnish is formulated with UV absorbers and Hindered Amine light stabilizers for archival quality. Though Permanents
Varnish needs a soft brush to apply it smooth, like Karin says, we have had comments from artists that like to use the texture it creates when applied with a regular brush.

The most wonderful thing about Genesis Colors is that you do not have to adjust very much when you switch from regular oil paints. And once you have adjusted you will never go back. The absence of smell and the fact that it is non toxic, alone, is worth the effort of switching. I understand the insecurity in switching, I have done it myself, but once you start using Genesis Colors the process becomes very natural and effortless. It is great to be able to finish the painting in a short time while you have the idea and the feeling about it fresh in your mind.

I don't have to tell you about all the good things of Genesis colors, buy a small sample kit and see for yourself.

If you have any question or need further information, please feel free to Email or call me.

Best regards,
George Debikey
VP Director of Technical Services
American Art Clay Co. Inc.
800-925-5195, ext. 328