Kim commented on the Etsy chit chat forum last August about something artists, arts and crafters and creative souls who possess artistic flair ruminate while staring at the leftover house paint in their basement.
“I have a lot of left over paint from home painting projects and was wondering if there is any reason why I should not use it to make wall art. I typically have used artist quality (mostly for the color saturation and thickness) latex paint for my work, but I have pieces in mind where the consistency of high quality interior wall paint would work well. I understand that the consistency prevents using certain techniques, but will there be any issue about the longevity of the finished products?”
The replies to her post were varied.
If you want your art to last then use art paint, which is not supposed to crack or peel.
The paint will act differently from artist paint.
Why not try it?! If it is for fun, then go for it!
Cassandra Tondro, an artist in California uses “oops” paints from Home Depot. She uses unconventional application techniques. This is one of her many creations.
Cassandra Tondro used repurposed acrylic latex paint on canvas for this painting.
Research testing has revealed that Pablo Picasso used house paint for his art.
LiveScience.com reports that, “Art scholars think Picasso experimented with Ripolin to achieve a different effect than would’ve been possible with traditional oil paints, which dry slowly and can be heavily blended. In contrast, house paint dries quickly and leaves effects like marbling, muted edges, and even drips of paint. Still, experts couldn’t be sure house paint was the key to Picasso’s look without proof.”
The age of technology ushered in new forensic methods for testing paint. LiveScience.com continued, “The analysis showed that Picasso used enamel paint that matches the precise chemical composition of the first brand of commercial house paint, called Ripolin. The researchers were able to compare the painting’s pigment with those of paints available at the time by analyzing decades-old paint samples bought on eBay. [9 Famous Art Forgers]”
Picasso Red Arm Chair painting with Ripolin House Paint shown, as was used by Picasso for many paintings.
American Artist, Jackson Pollock, whose work was primarily created in the 1930’s-1950’s, used industrial house paint as a way to save money as a new homeowner. Pollock described his use of modern household and industrial paints, rather than artist’s paints, as “a natural growth out of a need”, writes IPaint.Com.
One by Jackson Pollock. With the exception of the rare hint of a bright naples yellow oil paint, Pollock composes One wholly using industrial paints. These paints flow much more readily than artist’s oils, and Pollock often further thinned them, producing a delicate stain of color.
If you are eager to get started, what is the first step? Artist and Teacher, Skye Taylor of the Skye Taylor Art Channel, gives a very nice overview.
If you give it a try, take a picture of your masterpiece and share with us on Facebook!
