STUDIO VLOG n.29: AM I DEVELOPING OIL PAINT ALLERGIES?

[@julieknudsen6297]

I could watch and listen to Sandi all day. Her enthusiasm is infectious. What a fun gal!

[@sandihester]

Awe - thanks so much Julie!!! ❤️

[@mariac4602]

KZbin algorithm, do you job and get this channel pushed out there! Sandy, seriously, I watch and re-watch your vides. Always a source of joy and inspiration. And SO MUCH better than many of the "creative' youtubers that get pushed into my feed.

[@sandihester]

Thanks so much Maria!!! ❤️

[@KirsiJulkuArt]

I think good ventilation is a key no matter what art medium you use. Better safe than sorry🤗

[@sandihester]

yes yes and yes!

[@CHCHNZ461]

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit in your studio today. No matter what medium you use, your beautiful unique style comes through.

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much - I really appreciate that!!

[@carinadannfors1044]

I love the authentic obsessions podcast! Thank you SO much for telling us about it.I listen to it when I paint all the time now.

[@sandihester]

Glad you enjoy it! It is a really great one!

[@Suupasoup]

You are such a bright ray of sunshine, thank you for making videos

[@sandihester]

You are so welcome - thank you for your kind words!

[@MichaelWurmJr]

It’s always such a joy to join you in your studio. 🥰

[@sandihester]

Awe - thank you Michael!!

[@HerosJourney31]

Love your Frey Life shirt! I love them! Also love watching your studio vl0gs so much ! So much inspiration to motivate me to get to painting ! Thank you for sharing with us

[@sandihester]

They are the best aren’t they!!!!! Mary is a dear dear friend!!! I’m so glad you are enjoying the vlogs!!!!!

[@iamsimplyblue]

Another fun video! I really look forward to them. Your art is such fun....but I know I'm repeating myself as I've told you that before. I love whimsical art and a canvas full of color. I love pattern and don't like white space. One think you have taught which has stuck with me is that "nothing is precious"....you can paint over it. That's been a hard lesson but I get it! It's just paint. The way you start a painting....I find fascinating. Don't ever stop filming.

[@sandihester]

Oh thank you! Really appreciate that!

[@kathleenbain3952]

Hi Sandy, I love where you’re going with these paintings. I can’t wait until next weeks video. 😆 I too have a problem with oils. ☹️ I used them briefly and suffered migraine each time. I also tried the water soluble oils but preferred acrylics. Loving the process and your thoughts out loud. Have a great week. 🌈

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much Kathleen!!! Really appreciate all the kind words!

[@oneeyewitch]

This video came up this morning. I have now subscribed. I think you might be my new fav youtuber.

[@sandihester]

AWE - THANK YOU! And Welcome!!!! I'm so glad you're enjoying it so much!

[@skye1767]

As always a great video. Sorry about the oils--but you are such a versatile artist and I have all the faith that you can handle this (whatever it is)! The bottom line is, if your art materials make you feel gross, you probably aren't going to be as free and playful and expressive in the art you make with them. Glad you have options for the garage etc., and lots of other fun matte acrylic/vinyl paint options!

[@sandihester]

Thanks for the encouragement and faith in me Patricia!!! Maybe I'll tell Grady he's going to have to build me a ginormous studio :)!

[@scoanime]

Once again a great video. Can't wait for the next one to see how the painting goes. AND I can't wait to see the video on the painting behind you at the beginning and end.

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed it!!! The painting behind me may get thrown out the window :) - I'm struggling with it and I think I have a million hours of footage on it because it's taking me so long to resolve - it may be a part 1 and 2 video!coming soon though!

[@notbroken4342]

I recently switched from acrylic to oil and researched oil paint and options for quite awhile. I am using M Graham paints made with walnut oil, and my mediums are walnut oil, walnut oil alkyd for faster drying and mild citrus solvents. I also have some dry pigments from Natural Earth Paints which I can mix with walnut oil. I have many allergies and also get all types of headaches, but am doing fine with these. I did notice that my whole apartment smells like oil now and I have had to get used to that.

[@sandihester]

I’ve been hearing a lot about M Graham! I’m going to have to check them out. How does the walnut oil ALKYD dry? Shiny or flat? I don’t like liquid because it dries shiny. I have tons of allergies too so it’s good to know that you do too and that these oils don’t bother you. Thank you for sharing!

[@magpie_mel]

Loved my visit with you today - as always

[@sandihester]

Melanie, I'm so glad you liked the video! You are right - "it's a thing that happens" and the immune system is a very strange thing.

[@justanotherartsygirl4162]

I love your energy! 🌿

[@sandihester]

Thank you!!

[@indigosky9578]

So sorry for your allergies. I get them too...was thinking of trying oils but I’d kind of decided I wouldn’t tolerate the smell as I’m super sensitive to smells..and now you’ve definitely convinced me with the allergy thing. Thank You for sharing. PS I love your bird paintings!

[@sandihester]

Yea, it's a bummer - allergies to your supplies! Thank you - glad you like the bird paintings!

[@sibelxo7228]

Sandi, You have a very unique and beautiful style, and your color palette identifies you very well, and that is very difficult to achieve. Not all artists can identify their art with a color palette, and you can.... i love your videos, take care! xo

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much - I really appreciate that!

[@iris-impressions-art]

Ahhh I'm so sorry about your allergic reaction! That sucks! I'd love to experiment with oils but my 'studio' is in my bedroom, so I'll have to put that on hold until I get a dedicated space. Thanks for sharing your process!

[@sandihester]

Definitely don't try it in your bedroom!!!

[@sallysims5090]

Hi Sandi, Thank you for all the thought and care you put into into your video offerings. Your new series of paintings reminds me of the spirit of Henri Matisse's Interior with Dog (now at the Baltimore Museum of Art). Spoiler alert: Dog under table! Re oils: when I work in oils I have the fan blowing the over the oils and solvent so it goes away from me and have skylights open. Ventilation really is a big issue for me with oils. Maybe an air purifier is an option. I also like the fun of working in multiple media. Happy Painting! Hi Cooper!

[@sandihester]

Cooper says "hi" and sends a big sloppy kiss your way :). Thank you for your kind words - I really appreciate it! I like the idea of having the fan blow OVER the oils. We may also look into a purifier. AND thank you for the kind comparison to Matisse's work!!!

[@sallysims5090]

@@sandihester Hi Sandi: A bit more on Matisse's Interior with Dog that might be of interest. He went through many versions of the painting (which he documented in photos. I bet he would be KZbinr if painting today :). Anyway, what made me think of your situation is his original dog looked a bit like Cooper. And Matisse worked and worked and worked to simplify and unite the patterning and the subjects in the painting, ending up with a very simplified looking dog that looked nothing like the original dog. And it's a big painting, I think like 4 feet wide if I remember.

[@sandihester]

@@sallysims5090 That is so cool! Sally, thank you for taking time to share this!

[@KateTheSleepyTeacher]

I love how adaptable you are. Sorry about the oil allergies 🤧

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much!

[@updatedjustnow271]

I have been hearing about artists who work with resin developing health issues. Issues that mean they can not work with resin even if they wear a respirator. The manufacturers of these products claim there are no issues with toxicity. Yeah, right. As someone who has worked with commercial grade epoxy resin, laying fiberglass on sailboats, I don’t believe that claim for a minute. I wore a respirator with 2 N95 filters and the room we worked in had HUGE fans for exhaust. I love Golden paints but many of them are carcinogenic. I take precautions. I want to try encaustic but heard the fumes are not the best thing to breathe. I am waiting for the weather here to warm up so I can try it out in the garage with the doors open and fans running. I just bought some oil paints to use with encaustic and noticed the warning on the box in minuscule print. It can cause allergic reactions. We have to learn to read the labels as well as do some online research. We have to put our health FIRST. It’s sad when something you love makes you sick. I am rambling but once upon a time I used to manage workers comp claims. Be safe. 🌺 PS.....Probably not the best idea to let your oil paintings dry in your studio.......outgassing.

[@1Letter23Numbers.]

Mike from Jerry's Artorama (Mike Not Kerry), said in a video once, there's a reason the masters died young. I worry about some of my paints and I can't finger.paint. The fear is real.

[@MariaRevArt]

The resin situation is so real and so many artists are not as cautious as they should be with art supplies. We hear all the warnings about oil paints, but people act like everything else is safe and that's so not the case. I completely agree that we should all look into what we are using and practice studio safety.

[@sandihester]

Yikes -that's scary!

[@sandihester]

Thanks so much for the info!

[@michelepastele5347]

Thanks for this info. When I start oil painting again, I will definitely let paintings dry outside!

[@Julie-vy3oz]

Ohhh dog dog nose. Take care of yourself and as always fun painting!

[@sandihester]

Thank you, I will

[@lmundishop8047]

Yeah, I get migraines using oils and turps so I switched to acrylics, love the feel snd brilliance of it all.

[@Chrysalis52]

LOVE the CAT!!! Because of your videos, I'm working on cats now...lol

[@sandihester]

🙌 so glad to hear that!!!

[@soniabrown1962]

I use M.Graham walnut oil paints. I LOVE IT! No turps, no fumes, no allergic reactions for me. Love your work btw!

[@sandihester]

Other's have recommended that brand to me too - I need to see if I've tried that brand. Thank you for the info!

[@Angela-jy8um]

"This is what you do when you don't have a brain... you make a note." hahah. Funny.

[@BrenzerM]

I feel you, I'm a Potter and I've developed an allergy to clay a few months ago!!! Will I give up??? NO way I'll let my skin fall off before that happens! I discovered shea butter from the health shop and I coat myself in it now, acts like a barrier, it has definitely helped, only thing I can't do. Is have it near my hands as the oils will transfer to the clay, but my face, neck and that get coated. Might help you ❤️

[@sandihester]

What a great idea! So sorry you've developed an allergy though!

[@avashevlin1758]

Do you work with resins?

[@BrenzerM]

@@avashevlin1758 no I never have

[@sandihester]

@@avashevlin1758 no

[@lisarivers8582]

I’m a potter too! I didn’t think about getting an allergy to clay. Or paints or anything. But I can see it. If I had an allergy it wouldn’t stop me either.

[@franswey2]

Enjoyed watching this video. Sad to hear about the possible allergic reaction to the oils. Maybe 😷 wear a mask to protect yourself from chemicals. It could be the paint thinner and not the actual paints causing the problem. Ooh, I had a stink bug this morning too and I promise, I didn’t send him to Nashville! I like all the paintings you are working on and I’m excited to see the end results. 😆 Feel good and enjoy this beautiful day!

[@MariaRevArt]

It could defunitely be the thinner.

[@sandihester]

I've wondered if it's the turps too - just not sure yet. Thank you!!!

[@sandihester]

I've wondered that too!

[@sarahhopkins577]

Sandi I really love the bright pink colour you mixed yourself. could i use magenta quin violet to get something similar?

[@sandihester]

Violet probably won’t make a bright pink but quin magenta will

[@athieliagriffin7957]

Hey butterfly, have you ever tried water soluble oils? No solvent and they don't smell as much. Love your art!

[@sandycoffmansstudio731]

I’m going to try the new water soluble oil paints. Already bought but haven’t tried yet. Will let you know!

[@sandihester]

Please do!

[@AlinaHuynhArt]

So relaxing to watch your vlog sis

[@sandihester]

Thank you 😊

[@gelpen26]

...nail polish on your easel? New technique? Love your channel!

[@sandihester]

I wondered if anyone would notice that :) - I almost said something about it - I actually used it on a new sketchbook to decorate it - you'll see in an upcoming vlog!

[@jenniefrench1338]

There are nitrite gloves and a cream that is called I think Invisible gloves. I don’t know if you have tried the water soluble oil paint also. I have a lot of allergies but love the Cobra brand.

[@sandihester]

I need to try those nitrite gloves!

[@1tlb0k61]

I don't even know what to say about watching you, but it is all good. Love how the picture of the table scene turned out I wish you would have given a better look at it. Those birds!! You inspire me ~. PS: tell Us about your coveralls please. They look like a comfy blend of suspenders & coveralls. One more thing: Have you considered including plug sockets into all your paintings, as your signature (the treasure to look for in all...) they are so cool.

[@sandihester]

That's a cute idea about the plugs! Thank you for all the kind words!!!

[@gracebrodie6269]

Loved the video, sorry to hear about the allergy but you still have the oil pastels.

[@sandihester]

Yes I do! And many other mediums I love so i'll be fine! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@rose500]

What paper are you using for painting and can you frame it . I just love you and your work

[@Ешь.Молись.Беги]

Hi, Sandy! How do you fix your paper on walls?

[@jaylenesantini]

Have you tried Lavender Spike Oil instead of odorless mineral spirits and/or turpentine? Lavender Spike Oil is more expensive but it makes a great thinner.

[@sandihester]

I haven't even heard of it - thanks for the tip!

[@wendytaylor1486]

Oils made me cough quite a bit but going to try them again out in the garden this summer👋

[@MariaRevArt]

Is it the paints or the paint thinner/turps/OMS?

[@sandihester]

Garden painting sounds AMAZING!

[@TriciaGillespieArt]

How do you hang the paintings in your studio? I’ve been trying to figure it out. lol. Do you use magnets?

[@NellyMariaArt]

Are you using turpentine or mineral spirits? Try keeping the lid on in between cleaning your brush

[@sandihester]

I use odorless mineral spirits. I've tried the lid thing and that didn't help -that's why I think it's something with the paints

[@samantharankinstinamisan5583]

Do you have to use a fixative to seal oil pastels?

[@sandihester]

you don't have to but they will smudge and they never completely dry

[@goodvibeart]

What kind of paper do you use (with flash paint) when is not a canvas?

[@sandihester]

I have it listed in the description - I usually put most of the supplies I use in the description. It doesn't have to be this brand - I like smooth and something not too flimsy

[@sandycoffmansstudio731]

Window fan blowing out takes out the fumes.

[@sandihester]

Thank you!

[@netalieamrani6295]

Great content and singing 😂 can you share more about your art challenge group? Tnx ❤️

[@sandihester]

Thank you 😂! It’s usually just friends of mine - very small. We have a weekly challenge and then meet on a zoom call and share out work.

[@deborahmeyers7839]

🥰

[@sandihester]

thank you!

[@sandycoffmansstudio731]

My asthma has now made it almost impossible to work with the oils.

[@sandihester]

Sorry to hear that!

[@missmishpot]

Lol if you keep using your non dominant hand, you're probably going to train it to be as proficient as your dominant hand. LOVE your videos. Thank you so much!

[@sandihester]

I had that thought too 😂

[@pennybeer2073]

Are you sure it isn't the mineral spirits? Even Odorless can cause a reaction. You could try just cleaning up with oil. There is info on this I think on the Gamblin website. Also somewhere on youtube. - Penny

[@sandihester]

Yep, I'm sure.

[@christinebarone2151]

Be careful.. Bob Ross used paint thinners and oils and died from lymphoma. I only use watercolors for that reason and do not use any cadmium colors. Xo

[@SallyDeBoard]

When do oils need to go in the freezer? Under what circumstances?

[@sandihester]

It just keeps them from drying up. When I painted regularly with them I just put them in the freezer when I was done for the day

[@hairdebi]

It’s not the paints, all mediums have the same pigments, it’s the solvents,you may try some of the other types of cleaners. One lady uses baby oil to clean her brushes.

[@sandihester]

Nice tip!

[@TheWipal]

oh noooo! baby oils not a good oil because it never drys so it can effect the paints if you still have some on the brush is what i hear, oil soap seems to be good though

[@isabeedemski3635]

I use coconut oil to clean my brushes

[@julietoye9872]

😊💝🤗

[@helenkosmicki3283]

Your dog is always laying at your feel under the table. You should put him under there in your painting

[@sandihester]

I've thought about that too Helen but I never paint him or draw him well - he always looks sooooo weird - but maybe I should practice!

[@susanebertfairbanks7907]

Sandy you need to look at coastal Pamela Vosseller. You can find her on FB. Your work reminds me of her. You will love her and she will inspire you!!!

[@sandihester]

I'll check her out! Thank you!

[@avashevlin1758]

So I haven’t finished watching the video but, oil paints are toxic ,they don’t smell good and they are bad for breathing in long term like painting inside without ventilation , mainly due to the OMS most people use and the solvents. But also, most brands use synthetic cadmium yellows and oranges and synthetic cobalts ,but both of the real pigments are very much toxic,you aren’t supposed to get them on your skin as they can absorb through the skin into your bloodstream. This has definitely put me off oil paints. Maybe Oil sticks would be better for you as long as you use gloves because you can control how much paint you’re exposed to.

[@annhaycock2122]

Oils don't agree with me. I had to give them up as they gave me really bad headaches. I now only use water based paints. I am sorry if you do have to give them up as they are a wonderul medium.

[@sandihester]

I'm hearing from a lot of people that oils don't agree with them - thankfully there's lots of options out there!

[@wakar1122]

First, have you tried alkyd oils? They have less oil in them. Second, there's a small collapsible table you have that I cover. :) Can you tell me the brand or where you got it. In this video you can see it about minute 17 w/laptop on it. Third, fun video!

[@sandihester]

I don't know where I got that table - it came in a set and I've had it for forever! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@wakar1122]

@@sandihester NP. Thanks.

[@MSKCCooke]

Two things. First, I want a pair of earrings with that cute crescent shaped kitty! Second, and I don't work in oil so I don't know why I am asking, but why do you keep a jar of your "yucky chunky" paint you take off the palette? You can't re-use it like a water color, can you?

[@sandihester]

No, once oil dries - it’s dry- no re wetting it

[@MSKCCooke]

@@sandihester so you keep it in a jar why? Lol... Sandi! If you like Vincent vanGogh at all try, try to get to the "Immersive VanGogh" exhibit when it comes to Nashville. I just went to the one in Chicago yesterday. Unbelievable! I think you would really enjoy it!

[@SorrensSorrow]

Gloves and a respirator!

[@darkmoonlady2002]

I learned I was allergic to oils as a kid (mom was an artist). During my art classes in college as a 30 year old my instructor insisted I try them again, I think he thought I was faking? Anyway did as he asked and my eyes started swelling up, so yep I definitely am. It happens.

[@sandihester]

That's terrible if he thought you were faking! ugh!

[@sandihester]

Yikes - that sounds scary!

[@jamiegossett]

the "bamboo thing" is a Reed pen, not a paint scraper. it's a dip pen for inkwork. why ruin it?

[@Mountaingirl494]

Try an air purifier instead of a fan, it helps my allergies better than a fan.

[@sandihester]

We've considered that! I need to have Grady look into those.

[@thirdrockjul2224]

Wear surgical gloves when paining with oil paints. ❤️

[@TheWipal]

im not sure why people use traditional oils anymore... i got some traditional student grade because they were cheaper than watermixable but lungs were like 🔫🔫💨💀💀💀 if ur using winsor and newton water oils alot of people that come from regular oils hate them and say they're poopy and the best are cobra water oil or holebein oils, but thats just the word on the street I've heard. idk what water oils you really use so just a guess, sorry if its an annoying comment and ur not using W&N and you've already been through the research, thats just a common one people get~ overall i hope u find a way to work with oils if u so choose to,,,, maybe an air purifier? or a mini fan blowing whatever smell towards the window, or spike lavender oil!! i hear it doesnt cause health problems but a little pricey💸💸💸😭, but then again maybe it's the paints or oil not solvent thats the problem....... 😔😔 Anywaysss i hope your lungs and you are having a good day!! 🤝💃🖌

[@valerijohnson2839]

More likely an allergy to the solvents. I paint solvent free with oils. Makes an enormous difference!

[@barrybark3995]

i notice the youtube artist jose trujillo uses Walnut oil and makes a big thing about it in his vids as hes scared to use the usual stuff

[@sandihester]

I've heard of other artist's using that too but I don't think oil is the only thing causing allergies because I use several different brands - could even be the turps.

[@rollo.q]

Sandi Hester if it is only the turps causing problems I think some artists have had success with solvent free oil painting (using only plain poppy/walnut/linseed oil as a medium). There’s also oil of spike/citrus based solvent alternatives that can work slightly better for turps allergies if they are not severe. Wet canvas forum used to have bunch of folks writing about these if you need more info. Forgive me if you have already found these options, and best of luck! I love your work.

[@sandihester]

@@rollo.q No, it's actually the paint - I've narrowed it down and I tried painting without any solvents. Thank you though!

[@gradyhester4456]

Nice job! My takeaway, hire a contractor for real air movement/ventilation... I need to stop watching your videos, My to-do list is growing!

[@sandihester]

Yep - lllllllloooooonnnnnngggg list buddy! - love you!

[@athieliagriffin7957]

Sorry didn't know you hated them lol.