Sustainable practice has been a long-term interest; I use environmentally responsible materials where possible, from companies that demonstrate a thoughtful environmental ethos. I work predominantly in oils and gouache, I find there is a good consistency between the two mediums in terms of application and colours. For oils on board I like to use an absorbent ground which I make with chalk whiting and marble dust, which also helps to give a more matt finish. I work with Gamblin oil paints, solvent-free medium and odourless mineral spirits, I use a brush-cleaning and solvent recycling system. I work with M Graham gouache, a solvent-free paint which binds pigments with blackberry honey and gum arabic. Brushes are from A.S. Handover and I use papers such as renewable bamboo mixed media paper by Hahnemuhle for gouache work; oil papers from Fabriano and Clairefontaine. Frames and boards for my oil paintings are from Picture Frames of Shaftesbury – the world leaders for FSC Certification – and I use Brampton Framing for my gouache paintings. You can read more on my website https://catcoulson.art/about/environmental-statement