Oil Painting

FearlessFiona · Aug 31, 2026

Hello all. I've read just about every post online about oil painting and parrot ownership. Basically, don't do it. Ever. Never again. Problem for me is, that's my job. I haven't oil painted since adopting my sweet girl, because I don't want to risk harming her in any way. She is a large scarlet macaw.

I can't afford a separate building, but was wondering if y'all thought painting in my garage would be safe? I would only use linseed oil and maybe a solvent free gel medium (Gamblin brand). Please drop any advice or things you've learned along the way

Vampiric_Conure · Aug 31, 2026

Painting in the garage is safe, especially if you can get a lot of good ventilation. We used to use a barn in Art School. It was a known health hazard because the ventilation SUCKED. A Fan may help, or partially opening the garage door(S).

onamom · Sep 1, 2026

I would think the garage would be ok. Personally we do things like that at our place for anything we aren’t sure about. Anything not bird safe is used in the garage or sunroom. We haven’t had any issues with that. I also like an air purifier and ventilation when necessary.

osklvste · Sep 2, 2026

A hospital grade hepa filter will help a lot. Hospital grade removal of 99.9% of particles in air.

GaleriaGila · Sep 2, 2026

If you can force yourself to use acrylics, I can tell you that I've done so for 40 years (in a ventilated area) with no harm. All the portraits I've done for folks here were acrylic.
Examples -