Fast drying oils, review, and source?

[poodelicious-artwork-by-federico]

Hi - maybe someone can help me. I've been using regular oil paints but they take forever to dry. I've seen, while searching in Google, Winsor & Newton Griffin Alkyd Oils. Does anyone know about these, how they do, and a reliable on line source where I can purchase a 6 piece starter kit? Thanks, Becky

[artistjillian]

Have you checked ebay 'art supplies'? I've gotten some absolutely wonderful art bargains right here. I use W&N water solubles, they seem to dry a lot quicker than regular oils, and think they have mixers to do that, too. I love them, but some find them difficult to get used to. ~Jillian

[poodelicious-artwork-by-federico]

Yes, I've check ebay. There are plenty of Winsor & Newton watercolor, water soluble, and regular oil paints, but no Griffin Alkyd oils. Thanks, Becky

[katat0nik]

Hi Becky I got a set of Winsor & Newton Griffin Alkyds back in the 90's. They work nicely, you'll have a good amount of time to blend colors on your work before they dry. I did not buy mine online so I can't help you with resources (sorry) but if you have any questions about the paints I'll give any answers I have :) Jane

[debcoart]

B...I have NO patience whatsoever, so when I started using oils this past year for the first time, I tried the water soluble and hated them. J has figured out a way to work with them, obviously, but they were like painting with white paste. So I switched to the Griffin Alkyds and LOVE them. They are nice and buttery and dry at a decent clip and leave very nice brushstroke marks...which is cool. Usually within 24 hours they are quite dry, but I have been known to slam my ACEOs on my scanner when they were only a few hours old, and they didn't stick....whew! (That's what I mean by impatient) I have never bought them online and I've never seen them for sale at M's or Hobby L's. I'm lucky enough to have a local art supply shop that carries them. Check out Cheapjoesdotcom and see if they have them? I think you will like them a lot, and they have some fabulous colors. Like J...I'm nuts about the Naples Yellow!!! deb

[poodelicious-artwork-by-federico]

Hi deb & Jane, thanks for the info! I went ahead and ordered them through Texas Art dot com individually (I've purchased from Texas Art before and they don't carry sets of GA's, so I ordered the colors I like to use in regular oils). I know what you mean, deb, by being impatient. Last week I finished a beautiful (at least I think so 🙂 ) poodle oil painting and even tho it's hanging above a heater vent, the black is still very wet to the touch! I would love to place it on ebay sometime soon.... Do they clean up with regular turp? I use Turpenoid for my reg oils. THANKS! Becky

[jmkmini]

Has anyone used the Water soluble oils with success? I recently received a whole set and hate to think it ws a big mistake. Judy K:x

[artistjillian]

I love them Judy. Don't feel frustrated as I know a great many who don't like them, and I don't know why. If I knew how people were using them, that might make a difference. You don't really use them like regular oil paints. Don't mix with water - use water only to wash up. I have W&N I'll let you see if you think my use of them was successful. This was my 3rd painting with them. On canvas 9x11" ~Jillian

[debcoart]

B... Yes, the alkyds clean up with turpenoid...I love the stuff because it doesn't choke me with fumes. Aha...J, I tried using water with the water soluble oils and that didn't work, so I used some turpenoid. I just could not get the hang of it. Maybe it's because it was my first run with using oils, I don't know. I gave them to a friend to use and she hated them, too, and she had formal oil painting training. You must have the master's touch, eh?

[artistjillian]

Well, I got 2 art supply gift certificates for Xmas. I think I'll try alkyds, one of the few I never have. Yes, you do not use water or turpenoid with the WS oils. The water is only for clean up. There is a water-miscule linseed oil you can use. You just do not use them like regular oils, I think that is where most that are saying they don't like them - that is what is happening. I use the paints 'straight' - nothing mixed in. I love the buttery feel.

[poodelicious-artwork-by-federico]

That painting is beautiful, Jillian! But I can't wait to get my new alkyd's. For yellow, I ordered Yellow Ochre, my favorite of yellows. I also ordered six 11x14 canvases. Obviously selling more originals on ebay is my 2006 goal! Cats and dogs, mainly cats. Becky

[jmkmini]

Oh Jillian! That flower is beautiful!!!! Not that I could paint that well but it gives me hope! Thanks for showing me and the tip. Judy K:x

[artistjillian]

Thank you. Alkyds will be on my shopping list though.

[lesleysloft]

I have always painted with oils...when i discovered Winsor & Newton Griffin Alkyds I felt the Heavens opened up and the angels were singing. I love them, it would take sooooooooo long for regular oils to dry. These will dry overnight. I find sometimes they don't cover as well as regular oils, but it wasn't enough to stop me from using them. I get mine from Dick Blick online.

[poodelicious-artwork-by-federico]

Thanks, Lesley, I'll go on line to Dick Blick and save them in my favorites for next time. I was going to start 2 new paintings this week, but I'll wait for the new paints to come in. I just checked my paintings I did last week with regular oils, and they are still completely wet! Argh! I sometimes feel like I'm losing money and precious time. But now that I'm hearing all of these rave reviews about the Griffin Alkyds, there's light at the end of the impatient tunnel! :-) Thank you all! I'm chomping at the bit. Becky