Watercolor PALETTE SETUP GUIDE ✶ how to choose the BEST colors (non toxic)

I was on a mission to find non-toxic, single pigment colors to create a new watercolor palette setup. This video shows all my research and choices. Join me for the in-depth process!
Updated version of this video: • Watercolor landscape p...
Patreons get all the research results, spreadsheets, and high-res scans here:
➤ / choosing-non-37925209
(Note: in the video I misspelled "anthraquinone" blue)
Regarding "non toxic" / sustainability:
Let’s get something straight. I am not here to preach. I am not an expert on this topic, but I have been researching a lot. I am simply a health-conscious and nature-conscious person trying to make informed decisions.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a wide range of colors that have the vibrancy of many of the most toxic paints on the market, BUT there are some great non- or less-toxic options out there. Most of us don’t have time to harvest, grind, and make our own paints so we are at the mercy of the manufacturers (and have to trust the information they share about their paints).
Ultimately you have to decide for yourself if your choices are the “lesser of evils!” For me, it’s an ongoing learning process and I am constantly adjusting my choices to my research.
I have to admit, at first this process was really overwhelming. There are so many brands, colors, and pigments out there, and some of the information is either misleading or conflicting.
If you want to go through this process but are unsure how, you can follow this step by step process that worked for me.
00:00 Why I'm doing this
01:51 The Goal
02:23 Learning about my paint
04:08 Testing my paint
06:07 Pruning my palette
08:49 Swatching final colors
20:29 Plans for the future
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➤ Prints: bit.ly/sbbookshop

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

This is several weeks worth of research, video, editing...probably one of the most difficult videos I've made so far! Please feel free to ask questions, but know that I'm not an expert and I'm constantly learning and adjusting my materials based on the ongoing research.

[@sammiller9855]

Thanks to your video and Honey Silvas' "How to Paint Safely" video, I am now considering Daniel Smith's introductory mixing set of six watercolors (warm and cool version of each primary). I live in the woods and don't want to have to take my paint water to some special waste facility. How do you dispose of your paint water now that you have your relatively non-toxic palette of colors sorted out?

[@grannysmithart]

This is amazing as i did this same analysis last fall, creating what i like to call my "perfect palette" -lightfast, non toxic to the user, transparent and single pigment. Also to speak to kookatsoojan's comments,its not just what is toxic to the artist, but also what about the people who do the mining and processing of these toxic substances. To reduce the depositing of paint into the waterways, my dirty water goes into a 2 qt bucket which sits and gradually evaporates. When the bucket fills, i gently decant the liquid (which surprisingly is nearly clear) and remove the pigment paste with a rag. The rag eventually goes to the trash which in my state is incinerated. Excellent research on your part, thank you.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yes yes and yes 😄

[@schuhujin5019]

Thank you very much, Sarah. This was very helpful to me, as I like to paint with environmental friendly, transparent colors too. As a (Bio) Chemist, I struggle with those pigmentnames and formulas too, so don't worry. My fear is, however, that we focus too much to heavy metals. There is no guarantee for a synthetic pigment to be environmentally friendly and I have no idea how to check this other than trust the companies. You can synthetically synthesize the most toxic substances. And even if they are not: if the colors are shipped all over the globe, because we want to use a brand from overseas this is not environmentally friendly - not even for a secondhand color. Throwing away all those colors, one don't like to use any more, is also not a good idea, so I liked your comment, that you are using them in workshops. What I want to say: there is much more to take under consideration than the pure pigment. And, after all, these pigments are invented for the industry - not for as artists - so they are in the environment anyway (which is of cause no excuse for us to do so too).

[@s.maskell7134]

John Cogley, who talks paint and paint chemistry on the Daniel Smith KZbin channel (May 13, 2021 episode) notes that some colour 'mixes' become chemically bonded and so should rightly be considered as a single colour as the parts cannot be separated out. This is such a difficult process, I enjoyed how you thought through it.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

That’s another side to it, very fascinating!

[@everartokelli]

I really appreciate artists (or anyone!) who care about their impact on the environment! Thanks for sharing your journey and thought process, and giving us some wonderful watercolor choices to contemplate! If you're looking for a more transparent yellow ochre choice, look at the Daniel Smith ochres, they're lovely, and I think Schmincke makes a transparent ochre too if I'm remembering correctly.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you so much! Yellow ochre became one of my favourites. I may have to take a look at the DS options!

[@koz9320]

Nice video Sarah, great information! Your enthusiasm and excitement is easy to see. As a recovering Liquin/Gamsol/Cobalt/Cadmium user I would urge you to pay zero attention to those who are unwilling or incapable of understanding this. 👍💖👍

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you ❤ I'm just doing my thing, I guess there's always going to be opinions

[@amis400]

Wonderful video Sarah! Your change to being environmentally friendly and posting the process will cause many people to stop and think before they purchase paint. I myself have never used paint with cobalt or cadmium and I am so happy to see others understanding the environmental impact of their actions and making positive steps to change !!! Much love ❤❤

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Awesome to hear. I loved cobalt blue so much, but I am super happy with my alternatives!

[@tessa6307]

Love this! I buy most of my paints second hand, and if buy a lot of them I’m guaranteed to get at least a couple toxic tubes. I feel compelled to use them up so I just try to be careful about how I dispose of my paint water when using those. Perylene violet is my favorite in a skin tone palette, I love hearing that it’s as useful for landscapes!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

You know the saying "reduce, reuse, recycle" - Reuse is an important part of that, if something is already made, already in your home, it should go to use rather than being thrown away. We have to weigh the pros and cons of such things like toxic material... so I'd say it's better to use the paint on something that can be enjoyed for years to come rather than just dispose of unused paint. That's why I saved all my other tubes for future use (Like someday when I'm teaching live workshops and the students don't have their own paint)

[@Andidejager.]

Always such a pleasure to watch your amazing videos ❤ I love that you went non toxic and showed safe alternatives to the toxic pigments! I was also adamant about using safe pigments for many reasons. Obviously environmental but also because my cats and I are pretty stupid so I’ll often end up washing my brush in my cup of tea without realising and I have to chase my cats away from the paint water from time to time. Personally; I’m a fan of opaque watercolours, I find them quite fun! 😊❤️ but I understand your reason for ruling them out! Also; I don’t know how on earth you are able to change your palette so often without getting bamboozled 😱 I maybe change one colour like once a year 😂 speaking of, I just axed Qor ultramarine from my palette (it’s just waaay to agressive with my schmincke paints) in favour of delft blue so a new space has just opened up on my little palette😍 the new colour will DEFINITELY be perylene green! Wanted that colour for over a year now so I really enjoyed the part where you swatched it because it is so SO pretty 😍

[@myartwalk]

Wow Sarah! This was fascinating to watch!! I enjoyed hearing your thoughts and reason behind the final colours chosen. This will be a very valuable resource for many painters! Well done!!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@saujanyaroy4942]

I love PR 122 and PB60 like these two were probably the very first colours I ever bought on my own after researching. I just love the purple it gives and the various mixes? Totally rocks my limited palette options.

[@pgonzaga6681]

Wow been looking for a video like this!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

This was so great Sarah! I love how you did so much research and broke down your methods. In creating a summer themed palette 🎨 and you've inspired me!

[@robynburgess3995]

I love all your videos. You're so very down to earth. I really enjoy the detail you give when you describe the color that you are using and how you use it or mix it. I'm getting ready to make a new palette of my favorites. I can't wait 😁. Thank you for all your inspiration you give and I love the knowledge you share.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

This was so interesting, thank you! And your palette looked so beautiful - really pure colours that work beautifully together. I have also had the M. Graham Anthraquinone Blue on my Jackson's wish list for at least a couple of months now, but seeing this made me actually add it to my cart so that when I next place an order, I'll finally get it! It looked stunning on your swatches.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

You will LOVE it - it has become my replacement for indigo (which I never thought would happen). And it mixes absolutely beautifully with my other colors.

[@CarolynZbavitel]

Holy content Sarah!! I really enjoyed your video as I've also been trying to replace cadmiums and toxic paints in my palette. Your video will be shared to my peeps! I especially liked the blues and reds!!

[@ameliaameliaworks3678]

That was really great. Keeps life simpler to have a single smaller palette. And the spreadsheet, wow!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Haha I'm addicted to spreadsheets... I have one for everything!

[@GeorgeBanis]

I love hearing the reasoning behind your choices! So useful!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Glad you think so!

[@louisapdjones]

Hello again! and thank you for another informative video. I'm currently assembling a palette ifor gouache. Hearing you work through the process (for watercolor) has been helpful. IMO, ones own health is reason enough to be careful when selecting materials, I completely agree with your reasons too. Than you again!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I find that the color selections for gouache is much more limited and depending where you live you might only have access to one or two brands. You also have to be careful about lightfast ratings especially in the reds, pinks, purples.

[@Julie-vy3oz]

Wow. What an undertaking. Thanks for sharing!

[@elagleza1996]

This video is a gem! Thanks Sara! Im learning a lot from your channel.

[@feshgogulululu]

Thank you so much for making this video! I’m planning on following your footsteps and using the most non toxic watercolor paints I can find :)

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sue6002]

I have been doing the same thing as well. It’s so helpful to see I am not alone. Thanks for the time effort and the great video. I definitely want to use safe watercolor paints and one pigment and transparency. 🥰🙏🏽

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@belindahall5220]

This is an amazing video!! 👏 Love your color choices, and your painting at the end of the video is just lovely:) Thank you for sharing your research and color choices, as well as your expertise. I'm sure we'll be making some changes on our own pallettes as well;)

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@jwilliams5273]

Your a brave and clever girl you are!! I too love to research the pigment colours, where they come from and when they were first introduced. It's interesting stuff. Great video honey 🎨

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I agree! The more I learn, the more I want to learn 😄

[@palnagok1720]

Check Kimberly Crick who is building the best base on light-fast WC.Her tests go for a whole year in the sun. Manufacturers aren't necessarily going to tell you everything. DS put extras in their primatek mineral colours to maintain consistency. Some of them fade as well. Better refer to KC on that note. You can mix just about all the primatek range yourself. She has about 20 colours you can do just about anything with . If you have a phthalo blue RS + ultra blue, you can mix a cobalt blue , just add a touch of white zinc .Cheers.

[@stacys447]

I would be interested in hearing how/if your palette has evolved and why over the past year. Thanks for the fun and informative video!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I did post a new palette video this summer 😃

[@andrelloyd4010]

A wonderful video Sarah !

[@louisapdjones]

this vid is awesome

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

That is my goal! My goal is to make videos I would want to watch (although I can’t watch my own because i hate my voice lol) so I always think about how I love to hear people talk through their process

[@cristinalattuada5322]

Great research, thank you. I’m not throwing away the paint in my palette that are toxic but I will definitely make more conscious choices in the future. I try very hard with brushes to buy synthetic hair.

[@heatheralbanese7919]

Boy, this is really useful. Thank you

[@cindya07]

I just started with watercolor, and I've been watching different videos to understand the terminology, values, tonalities, etc. And to tell the truth this video has actually been very overwhelming, but it's always good to learn something new (especially if it's good for the environment). I think I´ll come back to watch this video a few more times in the future as I continue to learn to understand it better, about pigments and materials and so on. 😊Thanks a lot.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Welcome! I know it’s a lot to take in when you first start. Don’t forget to stay inspired!

[@libellula3313]

Brilliant Sarah, that’s saved me a lot of work. I had to do a similar task with dyes I use on the wool I spin. Jo in France 🇫🇷

[@gabss2618]

This is a very helpful and encouraging video thank you ♡

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@biabri7471]

And yes, Schmincke is my brand of choice! I love that they are manufactured in Germany as well and not china

[@jilliancrawford7577]

Thank you for giving me all the more validation for not liking cadmiums or cobalts!

[@maryhazlett]

Loved this!

[@CreativeMind-ux1ob]

Very informative thanks for sharing!

[@AnnetteZimmerman]

Thanks! Very helpful. Jane Blundell is also an excellent source for watercolor paint info. Thank you for taking steps to minimize your impact on the environment. I wish all artists would realize how important this is!

[@asayeed2853]

A subject that's been a lot on my mind and one I've been trying to research. I was delighted to chance upon your video! I'm stuggling to find a sustainable cool blue. I used to love Prussian blue and although it's considered 'not toxic' unless heated to very high temperatures (when it releases cyanide!) with the alarming way the earth is warming these days, I'm not sure it's worth the risk...I can appreciate how you must have felt clearing out your favourites, but very well done for taking that step!! And a big thank you, for posting such a relevant and useful video!!

[@YachtsLiving]

Wow, such a huge ang great work!!!

[@5t4n5]

Thank you for sharing and educating.

[@kr2112]

Wow! That was REALLY GOOD!!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you Kimberly!

[@AyaSmith]

I was desperate to make your perfect sky color, but I didn’t have helio turquoise… so I used a little Phthalo green instead! It actually gave me the same color! 😱😍 I just wanted to share that real quick as none of my family cared 😂

[@AliceDel]

your 'watercolor family' cares!! :)

[@tut_Leska_tworyt]

Oh God, you did awesome work! I feel so thankful, i will "clean" my paints too, its so important for environment. Funny how we work with watercolor and never think this friendly technique can be so harmful. The next important thing is, with this video artists can save bunch of money and buy only friendly and clean paint. Thank you!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you!

[@findingagain]

I want to say thank you for all of the information that you have put out on this!! Your resources, process, and blog have been invaluable to my own work on this and the considerations I am making with my paints! It is definitely a task and a half and even more so in making other special considerations like what kind of waste system is going to be used, if regulations like California prop 65 hold importance in one's life, and those tough to research phthalocyanine pigments. I'm luckily in the stage of planning and building my palettes and paint collection, so I have been going through each brand's color charts (I did decide to work with only a few brands based on where they manufacture) making marks on them regarding what to beware and why. When a brand is really generous about this kind of information I almost feel more attached to them. 😅

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I think it's so great that you are taking the time to research it! And I don't know about you, but when I did it I felt so much more empowered!

[@bonnieshapiro3511]

Great video. Learned so much. Never liked the usual reds which tend to be less natural. I also watched you portable painter palette choices. I’m setting up my portable painter after your choices. I have to order the greens and perplene violet. I had to use cotman yellow ochre but may order DS brand. I love Daniel Smith. And I’m going to start using neutral tint. I need to start practicing more often. I’ve only watched a few of your videos so far. I’m looking forward to watching more. Love your trips into nature. Haven’t done plain air painting. Maybe I’ll give it a try. Weather is so unpredictable. So I haven’t attempted it as yet. Thanks

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

It can be a challenge for sure! Just do it when it feels right and enjoy the experience regardless of the results :)

[@wanderingtrainvlogs]

Great video!

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

This video was perfect, cause I’ve decided to not buy or use the toxic colours. So I wanna go to Your website to see and read more, once again thank You for making these videos

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Go for it!

[@loutrearts4996]

Awesome video ! very instructing even if you know a bit about color and pigments ! You convinced me to take the step and ditch my beloved green gold, cobalt and co. as soon as I've finished the current tubes. On a side note, I presume you know it already but PR 122 is THE pigment for real primary red so it's a really good choice for your palette. I'll look your's up because DS quin. magenta is PR 202 (so not magenta at all è-é ) Thank you

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yep, PR122 is an amazing color...it creates the most gorgeous vibrant mixes. I need a reason to use it LOL my landscapes tend to be more earthy...maybe I should paint some flowers!

[@DAYbreaking_Ideas]

So helpful

[@DigitalViscosity]

I've been using Mijello Pure pigment paints which fits this category mostly. Making colour choices and mixing is a lot easier than before.

[@DigitalViscosity]

I've been doing my swatches like that too! the matrix is just eh, if you know color theory and enough experience with the paint you just know how it will function.

[@Tonisfarm2024]

Awesome! What a great thoughtful selection of colors. I am soo excited to see the upcoming videos with this palette. I recently purchased a travel set of synthetic brushes that I absolutely love..the Escoda Versatil series. I was going to treat myself to an actual sable brush..but just couldn't bring myself to it. I instead tried a versatil and loved it so much I bought 3 more. I have many of the colors you have chosen here and might put together a smaller palette of the colors I have and see what I can do. Thanks for this and happy painting!💝

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Ohhh I love my Escoda Castagnet brushes, so if I ever need to buy more, I'll check out the Versatil set!

[@heidishrum8128]

Thank you so much for this informative video! I'm currently setting up my own watercolor palette and love to see your choices. Can I ask why you chose the Schmincke Ultramarine Finest over other brands of ultramarine? Thanks again!

[@nursen2106]

this was very interesting. though at several points my choices/preferences differ, that was an fascinating journey. and I like, when a colour selection makes sense in how it is used and one the person does show the work. so I can get a picture. esp. I liked to learn about Anthraquinone. and my alltime favorite for mixes (apart from the classics like ultramarine, raw sienna, phtalo green..) transparent orange by schmincke. having discovered this (recommended by an artist teacher on his homepage) made mixing so much more easy and fun - and I am talking as a beginner. hobby painting. I had made a big jump then, after using only 14 colours and mixing a lot. I even got bored by the ready mixes, although I like them to play with, when I do abstracts just to relax.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Ohh I'll have to look into transparent orange, thanks for the tip :)

[@VictorianStudio]

Thank you so much Sarah for sharing all your incredibly hard work on this. I only have 1 palette of half-pan watercolours and want to begin purchasing tubes so this is perfect timing for me! I have a question though - would these findings and results be the same for gouache? You have such a beautiful aesthetic and loved seeing Vader in your pretty garden!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yes, the same pigments are used in all painting mediums, the binder is what changes. I added that info to my spreadsheet on patreon. The sad thing is I realized almost all of my gouache is not lightfast (or not very much) and it was a moment of devastation 😭 so now im down to like 4 tubes

[@VictorianStudio]

@@SarahBurnsStudio Oh that sucks - but this is great to know going forward. I just joined your Patreon so I'm looking forward to exploring more over there! Thank you for answering so quickly!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you so much!! Ill definitely keep sharing what I learn. Im not sure why the gouache brands insist on using so many non lightfast pigments ☹

[@emmamariamakes]

I feel like it doesn't hurt that much to use up the cobalts and cadmiums that I already own. When painting I use a really small part and if the tube would get thrown out in its entirety it would be worse. With new tubes I do look for non toxic pigments :)

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yea I think it's better to not waste what you already own.

[@angelas5488]

I’m 5yrs in on your journey as a Patreon Sarah ❤️

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

You are amazing

[@angelas5488]

I have loved it Sarah and I have 6 of your beautiful paintings on my walls and I always look forward to my monthly post cards and stickers x

[@katciazynska499]

Thank you for doing this so we don't have to! :)

[@mirjamnordstrand4152]

Great video! Thank you so much for sharing it with us 😊 i tried to find the link to the blog post but couldn't 🤔 is it only available only in patreon now?

[@mirjamnordstrand4152]

Found it 🤦😂

[@jenna2431]

Really thorough, thoughtful run-down of this process. Thanks! Sharing with a friend new to watercolor. (Note: There are toxic substances that are natural--including the metals. Those two categories cannot be mutually exclusive. Yin and Yang. Without "death" there would not be "life.")

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Very true. Metal comes from the earth so its "natural" in that sense. So do poisonous mushrooms. 🤣 I'm trying to do my best to make good choices and I try to consider the entire life cycle of a product I use.

[@chelseaclerke948]

This is great and some of the colours I have never seen before are so beautiful especially the blues, I was wondering if this palette is all transparent colours? I have been looking for a very vibrant Turquoise that is transparent and the last blue mixed with Phthalo Green looks like it would be perfect! I have DS Cobalt Teal Blue and Holbein Turquoise Blue but I find they have too much opacity and sometimes I just don't want that.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yes, all my colors except the yellow ochre and venetian red are considered transparent. So the blues would be great for you!

[@biabri7471]

Wow this is so good and thoughtful! I am not at that level yet, but i tried starting to buy less colors and mix more. So i don‘t have have that many paints anyways and usually i do stick to one brand. But eventually i will look into the subject of environmental friendly colors. But i have just one question that is stuck in my head: are tubes more efficient? Because i do only use the small half pans. See, i am at the start:)

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

In the long run, buying tubes is cheaper. You get more for your money. Squeeze them into the pans and let dry per usual. Yep, love schmincke quality! And Its easier to get in UK than some other brands

[@michaellink9564]

Sarah - This was a very thoughtful approach to choosing your colors. Most impressive work and I do appreciate the process you used and shared so well. I hate to do this,. but what if you had to reduce your spectrum to 6 or maybe 8 colors? Have you considered that? Thanks you for the really wonderful manner which you shared the final color choices. I so enjoy your style and your brushwork. Lastly since you are mixing brands have you found problems in that area? I'm not good enough or experienced enough but I've heard artists who say they stick with one brand of paints.. Thanks again. You have such a good teaching style.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

If you watch my more recent watercolor plein air videos you can see the colors I use when I'm limited. And no I've never experienced problems mixing brands. I have a few in use!

[@oscarlopez2052]

Hello, I just discovered your channel and the truth is it is very good and very interesting, thanks for all the info you give us, for those of us who started is watercolor thanks again, I have a question. I don't know if you can help me? Do you know if the primary colors of Winsor and Newton "cotman" the Lemon Yellow Hue, Ultramarine and Permanent Rose primary set are toxic? I would like to start with those and some earth colors, could you recommend a primary set that is not toxic? thank you very much for your help.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you! The way you can find out is to look at the pigment number on those tubes. Then you can look up that number in the Color database www.artiscreation.com/Color_index_names.html It will tell you if it's made with anything toxic/heavy metals

[@henriquejanuario881]

Great research and vídeo! Thanks for sharing! These new pigments are more expensive? Peace!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

The most expensive ones are the Daniel Smith Primateks, but so worth it (to me). The others are comparable with other brands I can get in the UK - I only buy professional grade paints, so "expensive" is relative

[@henriquejanuario881]

@@SarahBurnsStudio thanks Sarah! I asked this because i live in Brazil and I pay 100% of tax if I import ...peace!

[@DanBuell]

I love this palette - any changes since June 2020? Do you recommend any other local colors? I live in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Thanks Sarah - love all of your videos!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I have not changed any colors yet. I am still exploring it and loving it!

[@susanyoung1600]

Sarah, I was really getting into your video and all of a sudden I see something hanging in effigy behind you! I can't stop laughing! He sure doesn't look happy! I can't stop! Maybe I just need to go to bed and I'm overtired? Awesome video.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

HAHA! That's my little zombie...a friend made him, his body parts come apart (even his brain, heart, lungs, etc. come out of his chest!) it is sooooooooo weird and cute 🤓

[@kathygore6615]

may I ask what brand of palette you are using here - is this your favourite for palette?

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

It's basically the same as the Mijello 18 well palette but mine is some random cheap brand - love it, I need portable options so this is the best.

[@Angela27red]

Can you do this with a gouache pallette?

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yea I'm working on a couple gouache videos that I can hopefully release during November :)

[@crookshankspaw2829]

Great video❤️ Since I am a cancer patient, I want to use non-toxic paints too and I do research for it.According to schmichke watercolor safety data, some of this colors are not non toxic. Do you think the information is wrong? Also, mijello is said to be completely non-toxic, but I don't know if it's true.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Instead of looking at the brands - go straight to the source, look up the pigment numbers and find out how they are made and dig a little deeper.

[@crookshankspaw2829]

@@SarahBurnsStudio Thank you:) I've been searching for this type of things for a while and it can be tiring but I think it's important. And I really wonder if we can trust what is written in the safety datas. For example, some of the paints mentioned in the video are not mentioned as non toxic in the schmichke safety data. Perhaps those documents on the Internet are out of date.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

@@crookshankspaw2829 Toxicity in my research came down to one thing: pigments made from heavy metals. The binder itself is organic. Something fascinating I found in my research is that some pigments that used to be made with metals were later replaced with man-made alternatives (chemical/heat reactions in the lab), but it's VERY hard to find out how each brand sources their pigment - proprietary information to avoid competitors stealing their recipe? I had to go off of research using the sources I mentioned, because I do NOT trust what any brand tells me. Many brands list their pigments as "lightfast" as well, but with your own tests you will discover some have terrible permanence.

[@barbararivera2380]

Metals that come from the earth are bad? As far as non-toxic, are you planning on eating them?

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Heavy metals accumulate in living organisms, and over time can cause damage. Don't eat them or inhale (pastel powder). Avoid getting them on your skin. Avoid washing them into any wildlife habitat.

[@bentheben1145]

This is a honorable thing to do

[@emarekica]

Bad news: a LOT of DS Primateks are highly toxic with lasting effects on aquatic life so you will probably have to revisit that part. :(

[@kookatsoonjan]

I am sooo sorry that you feel that using cobalt water colours,or Nickel Azo Yellow, or Cadniums, will contribute to the toxicity of the environment...All these colours will add TONS of stuff to your paintings...and the diluted version of the waste water...will make a mml or less on your environment...sorry...I can't get over this trend...mostly with people your age... I wish you all the best, love your paintings and style and personality...but PLEASE...GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK...It is just wrong for your painting, that you have to eliminate stuff, / colours...due to the pressure you have to be so enviromently, so terribly to feel bad to use a toxic pigment..in SUCH LOW DOSE...the key here...it is SUCH low dose...anyways...sorry to hear this...best wishes to you. Janis from the Yukon Canada

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I'm sorry you feel the need to judge my decisions as wrong... why? To each their own.. I don't care if one tiny drop of my paint makes barely a difference at all, if I can avoid adding ANY undesirable effects on nature I will. It's not a trend, it's a lifestyle to minimize my impact on the thing I love, beautiful nature and animals. I'm not preaching to anyone or trying to change anyone's practice, this is MY journey and I have been asked repeatedly to share it, so I have. Good luck on your journey.

[@Lovelesangel]

Ohhh I'm soooooo sorry that you feel that putting your own negative comments and injecting your opinion on other peoples videos contributes to the toxicity of the world today. I can't get over this trend, mostly with PEOPLE YOUR AGE looking down on others. Don't comment on something you don't know about. If this is what she wants to do, then this is what she is going to do. it doesn't matter if you think that its SUCH A LOW DOSE. its still a dose. so PLEASE. GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK and step away from these videos. Her colours are SPECTACULAR without these. If YOU feel like YOU should use them, then do it. You don't know what her art is like. You can't TELL her what is "wrong for her paintings". she makes her own pigments that are BITCHIN and VIBRANT and completely natural. She's trying to help the environment any way she can while being healthy. So please go take your LOW DOSE somewhere else.

[@amis400]

If all artists think like this about the environmental impact of their paint the contribution of heavy metals to the environment will be significant. I'm sorry people your age seem to miss this point and think only about yourself. In a time where the Environment is so significantly polluted seeing a video like this one will influence so many people to think more about the paint they use and may even eventually influence companies to change as well. And just incase u didn't know some organisms such as shellfish bioaccumulate heavy metals in their tissues, so this seemingly insignificant amount of pollutants to you may actually be significant to one of the animals on your food chain.

[@everartokelli]

Like some of the other commenters, I let most used paint water evaporate and carefully dispose of the sediment. I don't use cadmiums because it's such a heavy metal and municipal waste water systems cannot safely eliminate it (which I learned about many years ago when Daniel Smith decided to stop using cadmiums and magnesiums). I know my local waste water system does treat for cobalts and nickels, but I still try to minimize any impact. There's also the issue of mining metals and it's effect on the environment (unfortunately our phone batteries probably have more negative impact than a lifetime of painting), but synthetics made of petroleum products and other metals have a negative impact as well. However we can be guided by which paints are designated as potentially dangerous by wonderfully vigilant Californians who are trying desperately to survive our environmental follies. Ironically iron, nickel, cobalt, copper, magnesium, etc, are all needed in trace amounts in the human body, and of course are in our foods grown in the soil. I don't pretend to understand it all as it's very complicated :) I know that many artists avoid animal products, but I'd rather use natural animal byproducts than petroleum products when I have a choice (although I don't eat meat), but as I look around my house, I see a daunting amount of metal and plastic. We all make an impact on the earth, and unlike other mammals, contribute little to our ecosystems so the more we educate ourselves, the more we can contribute to making it a better place and sustainable for the earth's quickly growing population. Thanks for ALL your comments, it's good to hear all points of view.

[@tr33m00nk]

Wow! You folks certainly have the same 'ageist" stance as "kookatsoonjan" who you criticize for being a certain 'type of 'age' ' that you don't even know. The only one here who's age is apparent is Sarah 'cuz you can see her and she's said how old she is. She makes valid points in this video for her preferred choices. To properly have a more inclusive "discussion" about artist's paint toxicity one would have to research the effects of the organic chemicals that are replacing the heavy metals (many of these chemicals haven't even been properly and independently tested for this--like most plastics). Just saying. I treat all of my art materials with caution as many of them have toxic effects just because we are exposed to them so much. I applaud her thoughtful choices, but where's the data about the replacement color formulations that would make her selections more than just personal preferences?