Monthly Archives: February 2018

How can art supplies be vegan?

Believe it or not, art supplies aren't an exception when it comes to using animal ingredients. In this article we collected art materials and products that contain animal ingredients, and those that are free of them.

Eco friendly art products are made out of recycled materials, or pencils made out of bamboo instead of wood, etc. Artist tend to use environmentally unfriendly and even harmful products in their practice, therefore being a little bit more environmentally conscious where you can is advised!

Animal products in Art Supplies:

• brush bristles are traditionally made with animal hair

Hog bristle brushes

Sable brushes

• Shellac , a material made out of the secretion of the lac insect, is used as binder in inks and for a glossy finish
• Ox gall is a watercolour medium that improves the flow of the paint, and is made of animal protein
• Cochineal is the secretion of insects that is used in the making of carmine dyes.
• Bone black is a very strong black, made from the charring of bones.
• Tempera paints contain egg as a pigment binder.
• Gelatin is made by boiling animal skin and bones in water, used to size paper and canvas.
• Casein is a binder, made out of cow milk protein that can be found in pencils.
• Rabbit skin glue is used in the making of gesso, a glue in bookbinding and as a sealant.
• Beeswax, found in crayons and pencils.

Art Products and Brands free from animal ingredients:

• Hahnemuhle bamboo paper

• Royal Talens Amsterdam Acrylic Standard Series
  
• Cobra Water soluble oil paints
  
• Inktense Watercolour Pencils
  
• Recycled sketchbooks:
  Kraft Sketchbook
  Starter Eco-Friendly Sketchbook
  Eco-Friendly Spiral Sketchbook
  Spiral Euro Sketchbook

As well as graphite, charcoal, Damar Varnish, all Strathmore Watercolour paper (except 'Gemini'), all Fabriano paper (except: 'Roma', 'Esportazione', 'Secolo'), all Canson 'Heritage' and 'Montval' range, St Cuthberth's Mill Bockingford paper.

Hopefully this was a useful guide for those who want to remain cruelty free in their art practice as well. And most importantly, even if your supplies aren't completely eco-friendly and vegan, always make sure you dispose of turps, paint and dangerous chemicals properly!

References:

• http://emptyeasel.com/2009/01/29/the-vegans-list-of-art-supplies-art-products-free-of-animal-ingredients/
• http://www.artdiscount.co.uk/blog/vegan-vegatarian-and-eco-art-supplies/
• http://www.veganwomble.co.uk/wordpress/veganartandcraftsupplies/
• http://www.colorsofnature.com/VeganCrueltyFreeArtSupplies.html
• http://deliciousliving.com/blog/10-things-you-thought-were-vegan-arent
• http://artonthefridge.com/animal-free-art-supplies/?i=1
• https://www.hahnemuehle.com/en/digital-fineart/digital-fineart-collection/matt-fineart/p/Product/show/8/6.html