Quote:
Originally Posted by twisted Illustration
Ok dude ... I went to art school for 4 years ... does this mean my opinion will count?
You're talking out of your ass! LOL... Seriously ... toxic and poison yes ... if you fucking eat the shit or sleep on a bed made of it ! But to draw a picture with it ... dude ... seriously, chill out 
Oil Pastel is NOT going to kill you ... I've used it enough in the past ... and I'm still alive ... I've never used a mask or anything.
Seriously, scare mongering is really not good. |
Talking out my ass? Fuck you I am not trying to scare monger, obviously she's a beginner so I doubt she knows much about them so here are some excerpts...
From Danielsmith.com I assume in the 4 years of your art training you've heard of them:
The popularity of pastels continues to increase. All of the safety suggestions given for oil painting apply to pastels, too, although the focus is somewhat different. The following three recommendations are key.
Minimize skin contact
Since pastel painting is such a tactile experience, it is doubly important to reduce skin contact. Many pastelists working in both soft and oil pastels now wear latex gloves because they are thin and close-fitting, and can essentially preserve the nuances of application achievable with bare fingers.
For artists who make their own soft pastels, wearing gloves, a respirator and other protective equipment is strongly advised.
Reduce exposure to airborne particles
Soft pastels are a crumbly, particulate medium. Since pastel painting involves transferring particles of loosely-bound pigment from pastel sticks to textured paper or grounds, pastel dust is created. Some of this dust contains hazardous components such as heavy metal pigments. Even if the colors used are free of hazardous pigments,
inhaling dust is detrimental to the respiratory system.
Pastels are usually painted on a vertical surface, ideally slanted slightly forward so that dust falls off the painting. In a pastel studio, dust collects on the floor, worktables and other surfaces (including the artist!), making good studio hygiene very important.
Always wipe up pastel dust with damp cloths to keep the dust from becoming airborne again.
Using a respirator is advised. Although this is somewhat uncomfortable, many artists agree the protection received is worth the discomfort. As with other media, it is ideal to have a space separate from your usual living quarters in which to work. It's also smart to have painting clothes such as a smock or coveralls that you can remove in the studio, to avoid bringing the dust into other living areas. Wash painting clothes separately.
From Artpaper.com
Care & Safety
* Pastels can be very dangerous, because it's easy to breathe in their dust. Also, watch out for the fixatives.
* Use a rice container to store and cushion the fragments of pastel sticks.
* Use corrugated cardboard to keep sticks from rolling onto the floor and breaking.
*
Wear a mask when you work with pastels; the dust is very toxic.
* Using an air filter machine is another good safety precaution.
* Never blow hard on your work; work on upright easels and allow the pastel dust to settle by itself.
But, hey what do I know??? I am just talking out my ass...