Does anyone know why they are not selling water soluable oil paints in the stores anymore such as MAX 2?

Answer 1

Go to the websites for Jerry's Artarama, Cheap Joe's Art Stuff and Dick Blick. They still have water solubles aplenty and all are a lot cheaper than the retailers. I think that stores just can't stock everything so they have a little watercolor, a little acrylic and a little oil - usually one professional grade and one "student" grade. That's what most of the "dabblers" are looking for. I swear by Grumbacher Max. I'm a professional portrait artist who doesn't want to die young from cancer and Max is my choice. The water solubles are SO MUCH less toxic than the traditional oils. Go for the Max instead of the Max 2 if you can. It has a lot more pigment and less binder and filler.

Answer 2

Water-soluble oil paints are a niche market. While they do approximate the texture and consistency of regular oils, they are not for everyone due to the cost. Water-soluble oils are considerable more expensive and have less of a pallet range than classic oil paints. As a former manager of an art supply store, I can definitely say that overhead in inventory cost is a major concern. For smaller stores and suppliers, expensive product that does not move well and has a limited shelf life is not worth keeping in stock. My suggestion for obtaining water-soluble oils on a regular basis would be to use an online supplier. Such vendors as Pearl Paint http://www.pearlpaint.com will offer a better price and greater selection than what you can find in most smaller art supply stores.

LA.

Answer 3

It may just be your local supply stores stopped stocking them due to low sales. I prefer using the classic oil paints, however, I do know that misterart.com is one place that sells the water miscible oils. I have had good experiences purchasing materials from them in the past.

Answer 4

Try asking for Acrylics