Elena Rossi
Blood is a problematic medium for artists because it decays over time and dries brown. Musicians and artists have used blood as a symbolic gesture, but it is not a common practice due to the health risks and dull colour. However, some artists have found ways to preserve blood paintings using sealants and UV-filtering varnishes. One artist suggested using a gel medium or a GAC medium to encapsulate the blood and canvas. Another recommended using Damar Varnish, which slightly darkens the hue of the blood but gives it a deep thick appearance. To prevent blood from turning brown, one must stop the oxidation process by using a spray lacquer or varnish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blood type | Human blood is a serious health issue due to HIV. Animal blood grows various nasty things at room temperature that can make you very ill. |
| Blood preservation | If you plan on preserving blood for art, you can use water. However, do not use too much as the quality of the blood will decrease. |
| Preventing discolouration | To prevent blood from turning brown, you need to stop the oxidation process. You can use a UV filtering varnish, lacquer, or a sealant to encapsulate the blood and the canvas. |
| Blood consistency | Blood can be "thinned" with water, but this will make it less vibrant and controllable. |
| Surface | Dry blood produces a brownish surface. |
| Alternatives | You can use alternatives such as iron oxide, rust, plant products (tea, beets, berries, walnut ink, etc.), or mix a couple of blood drops into your regular paint. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a sealant to encapsulate the blood and the canvas
Blood is a challenging medium to work with due to its propensity to decay and turn brown over time. To preserve your artwork and prevent the blood from oxidizing, it is essential to use a sealant. This process will encapsulate the blood and the canvas, protecting them from the elements and ensuring the longevity of your creation.
One recommended sealant is a gel medium, such as a GAC medium, which can be applied to both sides of the canvas. This will create a barrier that shields the blood from oxygen and light, preventing discolouration. You may also consider using a UV-filtering varnish as an additional layer of protection. These sealants are designed to be applied directly to the surface of your artwork, forming a protective coat that prevents the blood from coming into contact with oxygen, which is the primary cause of the brown discolouration.
It is important to note that the sealant should be chosen carefully, considering factors such as the type of blood used (human, animal, or synthetic) and the surface you are working on. Some sealants may interact differently with certain types of blood, so testing on a small area first is advisable. Additionally, the surface you are painting on, whether it is canvas, paper, or another material, will also affect the choice of sealant.
While sealants can provide effective protection, it is worth mentioning that blood is inherently unstable and prone to degradation. Over time, even with the best preservation methods, some discolouration may occur. To prolong the life of your artwork, it is recommended to store it in a dark room with subtle lighting. This will slow down the oxidation process and delay the onset of any colour changes.
Finally, when working with blood, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Blood can harbour bacteria and pose health risks, so it is essential to source it responsibly and handle it with care. Always follow local guidelines and regulations regarding the use of blood in artistic endeavours.
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Use a UV filtering varnish
Blood is not lightfast, so it will likely turn brown over time. To prevent this, you can use a UV-filtering varnish as a protective layer over your blood-based artwork. This varnish will act as a barrier, reducing the amount of UV light that reaches the blood and slowing down the oxidation process that causes discolouration.
There are several options available for UV-filtering varnishes. You can choose between a spray varnish or a brush-on varnish, depending on your preference and the nature of your artwork. Spray varnishes, such as the Krylon® COLORmaxx™ Acrylic Crystal Clear, offer excellent adhesion, durability, and a non-yellowing finish. They are easy to apply and can provide invisible protection for your artwork.
If you prefer a brush-on varnish, you can consider the Rublev Colours Conservar, Finishing Varnish, Regalrez Gloss Varnish with UV Stabilizer. This varnish is specifically designed to provide UV protection and is described as being like "putting a pair of sunglasses over the artwork." It is important to note that this varnish may darken the hue of the dry blood, giving it a deeper appearance.
Another option is to use a retouching varnish as an intermediate step. This type of varnish, such as the Winsor & Newton Oil Colour Artists' Retouching Varnish, provides a temporary layer of protection and an even sheen. It allows the artwork to cure underneath before applying a final coat of UV-protective varnish.
When applying a UV-filtering varnish, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations. For example, some varnishes work best within specific temperature and humidity ranges. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that your artwork is thoroughly cleaned and completely dry before applying the varnish to achieve the best results.
By using a UV-filtering varnish, you can significantly slow down the discolouration process and preserve the appearance of your blood-based artwork for a more extended period.
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Store blood in a freezer to preserve it
Blood is a problematic medium for art because all flesh decays. Once blood is exposed to oxygen, it will inevitably change colour and turn brown. This is due to the pigment in dried blood, which is mostly iron oxide.
If you are set on using blood for art, you can store it in a freezer to preserve it. Freezing blood is a common practice, especially in Finland, where bottled animal blood is sold for traditional foods. However, it is important to note that frozen blood will still undergo colour changes once it is thawed and exposed to oxygen.
To delay the browning process, you can try to stop the oxidation process by using a sealant or varnish. A UV-filtering varnish can help preserve the colour and protect the artwork from light damage. Additionally, storing and exhibiting the artwork in a darker room with subtle lighting can prolong its lifespan.
It is worth considering the health risks associated with using blood for art. Animal blood can grow various pathogens at room temperature, and human blood carries the risk of HIV. These health concerns may limit your ability to exhibit your artwork in public spaces.
Finally, when working with blood, it is advisable to use a different room for painting to minimise the risk of mould, thick layers of blood, and flies.
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Use deoxygenated blood to prevent it from turning brown
Blood is a problematic medium for painting because it decays over time. When blood dries, it turns brown due to oxidation. To prevent this, you can use deoxygenated blood, which will result in a darker shade of red rather than brown.
Deoxygenated blood is blood that has been deprived of oxygen. This can be achieved through various means, such as storing the blood in an airtight container or using anticoagulants to prevent the blood from coagulating and decaying.
Using deoxygenated blood for painting can be challenging, as it requires careful handling and preparation. It is essential to prioritize safety when working with blood and to consult medical professionals for advice on safe blood handling and extraction.
Additionally, you may want to consider using a sealant or fixative to preserve the blood and prevent it from decaying further. Sealants like gel mediums or GAC mediums can be applied to the canvas to encapsulate the blood and prevent oxidation.
While using deoxygenated blood can help prevent the blood from turning brown, it is important to note that blood is not lightfast. This means that it will still be susceptible to fading or discolouration over time, especially when exposed to light. To mitigate this, you can use a UV-filtering varnish to protect the painting and prolong its lifespan.
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Mix a few drops of blood into regular paint
Blood will turn brown as it dries, and it will be quite runny until it congeals, so it is not ideal for painting. However, if you are keen on using blood in your artwork, it is better to mix a few drops of blood into regular paint.
Firstly, you need to acquire the blood. If you are using your own blood, consult a doctor on the safest way to draw blood. If you are using animal blood, you can purchase bottled animal blood from certain stores, especially in Finland, where it is sold for traditional foods. Be aware that blood can grow various nasty things at room temperature that can make you very ill, and human blood carries the risk of HIV.
Once you have the blood, you can mix a few drops into your regular paint. You can thin the blood with water, but be aware that this will lighten the colour and make it less vibrant. It will also be less controllable, and the quality of the blood will decrease. If you are using deoxygenated blood, it will turn a darker shade of red than brown.
If you are looking to create the effect of dried or coagulated blood, you can mix khorne red with a little bit of brown and then add a dot of BFTBG in the middle to make it look like a drop of blood that is drying from the outside in. You can also use cad red or naphthol red as a base and then mix in green to get a natural "dark" red. Avoid mixing in black, as this will only muddy the colours.
Keep in mind that there may be health concerns, controversy, and exhibition issues surrounding the use of blood in artwork.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent blood from turning brown, you can use a sealant to encapsulate the blood and the canvas. You can also try to stop the oxidation process by using a UV filtering varnish or lacquer. Additionally, consider using deoxygenated blood, which turns into a darker shade of red than brown.
There are several alternatives to using real blood in paintings due to the health risks and dull colour associated with it. You can mix a few drops of blood into regular paint, or use alternatives like iron oxide, rust, plant products (tea, beets, berries, walnut ink), or even coffee.
Yes, there are potential health risks when using blood in paintings, especially with human blood due to HIV. Animal blood can also grow various bacteria at room temperature that can be harmful. It is recommended to consult a doctor if you plan to use your own blood and be cautious when exhibiting such paintings.
