Inspiration, Painting How To
Why I Love M. Graham Oil Paints
Caring for Myself and the Planet
Creating beautiful oil paintings without harming my health or the world is a priority for me. M. Graham’s walnut oil–based paints let me do just that. Their oil colors are solvent-free, and many are labeled non-toxic—though pigments like cadmium remain inherently hazardous and require careful handling. This means I don’t have to breathe solvent fumes, and I can reduce my environmental impact. The company is deeply committed to sustainability: they purchase 100% renewable power, minimize energy use with efficient lighting and controls, buy carbon offsets to balance their energy use, and recycle/reuse factory wash water.
Exceptional Color Quality
The richness of M. Graham’s pigments is stunning. Their colors are vibrant, strong, and consistent. Because the paints are made with pure walnut oil and contain no fillers or additives, they mix beautifully and create luminous glazes. I work with thin layers and transparent colors, and these paints give me the depth and clarity I need.
Easy, Solvent-Free Cleanup
One of the joys of using M. Graham oils is how simple they are to clean up. A little walnut oil (safflower oil also works) followed by mild dish soap is all it takes—no solvents, no harsh chemicals—just a smooth, safe process from start to finish.
Proudly Made in the USA
I also love that M. Graham paints are made in Oregon. Supporting an American company that prioritizes both quality and environmental responsibility makes painting with their oils even more satisfying.
In short, M. Graham oil paints give me everything I want: vibrant color, safer materials (with appropriate pigment precautions), easy cleanup, and a clear commitment to the planet.
My Palette
I have always use M Graham oil paints and medium
Titanium White
Alizarin Crimson
Cadmium Red
Cadmium Yellow Deep
Cadmium Orange
Cadmium Yellow Light
Indian Yellow
Viridian
Terra Rosa
Cobalt Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Burnt Umber
Ivory Black
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FAVORITE BOOKS
Great instruction and wonderful inspiration for all level.
Alla Prima II Everything I Know about Painting by Richard Schmid
Richard Schmid, the legendary artist, offers the ultimate guide for both aspiring and experienced painters. Drawing on his classical training and years of painting and teaching, Schmid shares the techniques and insights that have established him as a master of alla prima. With warmth, clarity, and authority, he makes complex concepts easy to understand. His lessons provide valuable guidance for artists working in any style. I strongly encourage you to add this treasure to your collection.
Alla Prima II Companion: Richard Schmid's Materials, Tools and Techniques
Richard Schmid's Materials, Tools and Techniques - By Katie Swatland. The path to creating great works of art begins with knowing the capabilities of your materials and tools.Contained within the pages of this book are detailed descriptions of the processes that go into the creation of a painting.
Luminous: The Art of Michael Lynn Adams
Check Price on AmazonPainter Michael Lynn Adams explores how his childhood nurtured his artistic curiosity and shares methods for creating luminous works, illustrated with over 95 paintings and drawings.
Lessons in Classical Painting: Essential Techniques from Inside the Atelier
Lessons in Classical Painting presents aspiring artists with the fundamental skills and tools needed to master painting in the atelier style. With more than 25 years of experience in ateliers and as an art instructor, Aristides pairs personal examples and insights with theory, assignments, and demonstrations for readers, discussions of technical issues, and inspirational quotes.
The Art of Still Life
The Art of Still Life offers a comprehensive, contemporary approach to the subject that instructs artists on the foundation basics and advanced techniques they need for successful drawing and painting. In addition to Casey's stunning paintings, the work of over fifty past and present masters is included, so that the book is both a hardworking how-to manual and a visual treasure trove of some of the finest still life art throughout history and today.
The Art Spirit by Robert Henri
"Art when really understood is the province of every human being." So begins The Art Spirit, the collected words, teachings, and wisdom of innovative artist and beloved teacher Robert Henri. Henri, who painted in the Realist style and was a founding member of the Ashcan School, was known for his belief in interactive nature of creativity and inspiration, and the enduring power of art.
What other M. Graham oil paints have you used that are not listed on this page? Also, have you ever used any other media (acrylics, gouache, or watercolors) or any combo of?
LC – I keep my palette pretty simple. The list of colors on this page are nearly all that I currently use. I have recently been trying out Quinacridone Red but will probably only use it occasionally. I actually don’t use Terra Rosa often, either.
I do M Graham watercolor and like them very much. I do not paint with acrylics, but my wife does and likes both M Graham and Golden.
What other M. Graham oil paints have you used that are not listed on this page? Also, have you ever used any other media (acrylics, gouache, or watercolors) or any combo of?
I love my M. Graham oil paints! I’ve used them for about ten years. I have almost the entire range, because I enjoy collecting pigments as well as painting with oil. I also have the entire Graham range in watercolour, I’ve used those longer, and just adore them. I use Graham Alkyd medium and Gamblin solvent-free gel when oil painting. I keep a jar of cheap walnut oil to rinse brushes in, let the paint settle, decant and re-use. I use Chroma brush cleaner if I won’t paint for a while. Occasionally a stubborn colour gets cleaned out with Zest-It citrus brush cleaner if I’m in a hurry. Some days I paint solvent-free, others I paint solvent minimal. We’re all so lucky to have such choice! 🙂
I have been using Golden Acrylics for years and I am considering changing to M Graham oils because of no toxins. I work in a very small studio. How soon can you varnish if you use the alkyd walnut oil for blending?
How do you clean your brushes?
I have used M. GRAHAM paints for many years as a fine arts oil painter and still exploring all of their capabilities.
I completely agree. I have been painting with M. Graham oil paints for many years and am still exploring all of their capabilities as a fine arts oil painter.
I’m sure the M. Graham paints are of the highest quality, but I think it is important for people to understand that one can paint solvent free with any brand of regular oil paint. The oil paints of M. Graham are not unique in this regard. None of them (with the exception of alkyd oil paints plus one brand of regular oils) contain any solvent in the paint. Where M. Graham differs from most other oil paint makers is that their mediums contain no solvents and they were one of the first oil paint makers to offer a combination medium (one that is not 100% oil) that is solvent free, their Walnut Alkyd medium. So, kudos to M. Graham for promoting solvent free painting, but you can do the same with virtually every other oil paint brand.
Hi Don,
I know it’s been some time since this article was written. What I have found is if you call many of the popular oil brand companies they will tell you that their paint has a small amount of solvent. They say not enough to mention according to the FDA. So it’s not mentioned on their label.
I couldn’t agree more. It is hard not to sound like a commercial for them. I also use M. Graham watercolors and have been very pleased with the quality. I’m not doing much with the oil paints. . . all I wanted was to do some spot illustrations for a project with more control than I have when I paint with watercolor. But the colors are great. I needed kid like colors so I was able to get away with not buying the cadmiums and cobalts but it is working out just fine. The only problem is that I’m a collage artist when I’m doing my fine art and I may just back to oils since I love these so much!
I used M. Graham’s walnut oil for brush cleaning, etc when I was pregnant – they do make a great product!!
And I do love my liver!
I completely agree with you Mike. Graham are simply the best paints money can buy. Made by a true colour-man, who really knows his business.
I stopped using toxic turpentine years ago thanks to these paints, and love the soap and water clean up.
I must admit I miss the lovely smell though, but that’s a small price, imo.