Lori McNee uses water-mixable oils
Lori McNee (who has a special edition set of Cobra water-mixable oils in her name) lorimcnee.com

In this excerpt from Plein Air Magazine, Lori McNee (“Luminous Landscape Painting” on PaintTube.TV) answers four reader questions about how to use water-mixable oils:

  1. With acrylics, the pigment seems to separate from the medium when mixed with lots of water. Does this happen with water-mixable oils?
  2. What’s the best way to clean my brushes after I’ve used water-mixable oils?
  3. Is there a way to extend the life of the colors already on the palette? Also, some colors have a lot of oil, so much so they slide down the palette when squeezed out. Can anything be done?
  4. I have been using Winsor & Newton water-mixable oils for quite some time. However, I struggle to get the buttery consistency of regular oil paints. Do you suggest adding a medium or oil to create more “movable” brushstrokes?

Keep reading to discover what she has to say, and learn even more from Lori at the 3rd Annual Plein Air Live virtual art conference coming to you in March 2022. You’ll discover invaluable insights and wisdom from artists who are making a living with their art today. They’re revealing career-level tips and strategies on how to get your art noticed, displayed, and SOLD. Register today at PleinAirLive.com.

Q&A: How to Use Water-Mixable Oils

Q: With acrylics, the pigment seems to separate from the medium when mixed with lots of water. Does this happen with water-mixable oils?
~ Julian Buck, Redmond, OR

A: Yes, if too much water is added, the pigment will separate from the oil, because in essence, water and oil don’t mix. The makers of water-mixable oils have added an emulsifier, which enables the oil paints to be thinned with water in place of solvents. I use a thin wash to lay in my initial block-in, but use less water in each successive stage as I build my paintings. Remember, the same rule applies for both types of oil paint: fat over lean.

Also, keep in mind that although water-mixable oils are also referred to as water-miscible, they are not water-soluble! The words miscible and mixable are used interchangeably when referring to solvent-free oils. However, soluble means “to dissolve,” which would suggest the oil dissolves into the water, which it does not.

The mixable attributes of solvent-free oils vary from brand to brand depending upon what type of emulsifier is used. Some paint makers use a detergent emulsifier to break down the oils. I find these to have more drag and stickiness. I prefer solvent-free oils like Cobra that use a vegetable-based emulsifier, which naturally mixes well with the linseed oil for a smoother consistency. Remember, these are real oils!

Editor’s Note: Check out Lori’s popular painting video workshop “Luminous Landscape Painting” (preview it below!)

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Q: What’s the best way to clean my brushes after I’ve used water-mixable oils?
~ Leslie Fox, Robins, IA

A: Leslie, I have to admit, I am a bit hard on my brushes! Nevertheless, here are a few best practices for cleaning them. It’s a known fact that synthetic brushes hold up better than natural hair brushes with water-mixable oils. This is because the natural brushes soak in too much water and are more prone to fraying. That said, I do use natural-bristle brushes for the initial lay-in. I just don’t let my brushes, synthetic or natural, sit in the water.

When I’m done painting, I wipe any excess paint from the brushes, then massage them with Dawn dish soap and water, paying extra attention to the ferrule. This soap is great at breaking down the oil. For more stubborn brushes, I also use The Masters Brush Cleaner. And recently I have discovered SoySolv, which has worked wonders on dirty brushes I’ve neglected. It’s a bio-based solvent with low VOCs (polluting volatile organic compounds).

How to paint - water mixable oils
Lori McNee,” Afternoon Lake Ediza,” 2016, water-mixable oil, 9 x 12 in., Private collection, Plein air

Q: Is there a way to extend the life of the colors already on the palette? Also, some colors have a lot of oil, so much so they slide down the palette when squeezed out. Can anything be done?
~ Alice Crapo, (via Facebook)

A: My paint extender of choice is water. I live in a very dry climate, and I don’t like to waste paint. I simply give my piles of oil paint a mist with a water bottle at the end of each painting session. For added assurance, you can cover the paints with a bit of kitchen plastic wrap. However, various brands do have extenders available. If you try an extender for traditional oils, remember your water-mixable oils are apt to lose their water-mixability if the 2:3-to-1:3 ratio is not followed.

And, yes, some paints seem to have more linseed oil in them. In that case, squeeze the paint onto a piece of paper towel. Allow the oil to soak into the paper towel and then transfer the glob of paint to your palette with a palette knife — voilà!

Q: I have been using Winsor & Newton water-mixable oils for quite some time. However, I struggle to get the buttery consistency of regular oil paints. Do you suggest adding a medium or oil to create more “movable” brushstrokes?
~ Renée Kelleher, Solvang, CA

A: This is a common frustration for some new users of water-mixable oils, which do require a bit of a learning curve. But once you get used to them, they work great!

Also, the oil consistency will vary from brand to brand. Some brands are creamier and others are more stiff — it’s a personal choice, so it’s a good idea to explore your options. Plus, the emulsifier that allows the water and oil to mix varies among paint makers, and that emulsifier plays an important role in the consistency of the paints.

En plein air, I can paint a beautiful finished painting using only water-mixable oils alla prima. When painting indirectly in the studio, however, I’ll need to use mediums. Each brand has a variety of mediums developed specifically for their own water-mixable oil paints. Keep in mind that the mediums will vary from lean to fat.

For instance, it’s best to start with the leaner Cobra painting medium, then progress with either the quick dry or glazing mediums, which are fatter. I really enjoy using the Painting Past medium, which is basically clear paint that adds to the viscosity of the paint stroke. You may use traditional oil mediums with your water-mixable oils, but understand that they will hinder the water-miscibility of the paints.

Editor’s Note: The advice from our professionals may vary slightly based on their personal experience and approaches to using the medium. See what works best for you and your methods.

Related Article > Why Use Water-Mixable Oils?

Related PaintTube.TV workshop > Luminous Landscape Painting with Lori McNee:

Lori McNee art workshop how to paint water mixable oils
Create Beautiful Landscape Paintings in Just a Few Hours!

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