Table of Contents:

1. What whites are best for oil painting by Natural Pigments

2. What Does Sustainability Really Mean - Short

3. The Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) (Unicorn of the sea)

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1.0 What whites are best for oil painting by Natural Pigments

Here is a great article by Natural Pigments that informs us about the options available for White paint and why the go-to Titanium White may not be your best option. It may even be the reason why you are struggling to achieve your desired effect.

https://www.naturalpigments.ca/artist-materials/best-whites-for-oil-painting?ccem=hSyUL0YtkXh27cHIaZyI81oI6IP_

2.0 What does Sustainability Really Mean? Short article

Note: The full-length article can be found here: https://petermspencer.com/pages/what-does-sustainability-living-realy-mean

I’ve been thinking a lot about sustainability lately.

But what does sustainable living actually mean?

The more I look into it, the more I realise that there probably isn’t one simple answer. We all live differently, have different circumstances, and make different choices.

For me, it has become a question of asking:

“Could I do this in a better way?”

Sunrays over StMarychurch by Peter M Spencer

I’ve always had a dream of living close to nature — perhaps somewhere surrounded by woodland, growing some of my own food and living a simpler life.

The reality is rather different. At 70, I have to be realistic about what I can change, and my present home isn’t particularly suited to growing vegetables or making major changes to the way it is heated.

So I’ve started looking at the things I can change.

What do I eat?
How much meat do I consume?
Where does my food come from?
How much do I waste?
What do I buy, and where does it come from?
And perhaps most importantly, do I really need it?

Glass Jars from Charity Shop, bulk-buy loose-leaf tea and herbs, wood shelves from leftover countertop. 

I’ve also begun to think more carefully about my life as an artist.

The materials I use, the packaging I send artwork in, the printers and suppliers I work with — all of these choices have an impact.

I may not be able to make every part of my life perfectly sustainable, but I can gradually make better choices.

And perhaps that is the important thing.

Oil Paint Supply, Using up what is already there and paints gifted.

Sustainability Isn't About Being Perfect

I don’t believe sustainability should become another reason to feel guilty.

None of us can change everything overnight. We have spent decades developing our habits, and changing them takes time.

Instead, I’m trying to take one step at a time.

Perhaps one month I’ll look at food. Another month I might consider waste, energy, transport or the materials I use in my studio.

There is something quite liberating about simply asking:

“Is there a better way I could do this?”

I’ve also become increasingly interested in the idea of regeneration — not simply trying to do less harm, but looking at how we might restore, renew and improve the natural world around us.

That idea really struck a chord with me.

What We Buy Matters

One thing I’ve realised is that sustainability isn't only about what we do at home.

Our purchasing choices matter too.

Every time we buy something, we are supporting the people and businesses who produced it.

That means we can encourage better practices by choosing products, materials and services that reflect the kind of world we want to support.

This is something I want to explore within my own art practice too — finding more sustainable materials, reducing waste and working with suppliers who share those values wherever I can.

I certainly don't have all the answers.

I'm still learning.

But perhaps sustainability isn't about having all the answers. Perhaps it's about being willing to ask better questions — and then taking the next small step.

I’ll be sharing more about my own journey towards a more sustainable and regenerative way of living, including what I discover, what works, and probably a few things that don't!

After all, we don't have to do everything. We just have to start somewhere.

3.0 The Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) (Unicorn of the sea)

Read about the Narwhal here: The Revelator - Environmental Truth and Justice. https://therevelator.org/whale-of-the-month-narwhals/?ceid=1314994&emci=a1291597-3fa6-f111-9b33-0022482a9a8d&emdi=d1ce0c74-bca7-f111-9b33-0022482a933b

Narwhal Art by John R Platt

https://www.instagram.com/johnrplatt/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=A7rcFRDDjAadInXDxdBoG5j