Hi Linda, yeah theres a degree of positive momentum today i must say. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

This art therapy service (in Aberdeen) has been around for a couple of years (i think) but its still a trial run apparently.
Still, its making great progress with people - i guess because the staff are quality, committed to the job.
Ive gone from perfectionistic / photo-realist to abstract expressionist (LOL) now theres a paradigm shift <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Have to be careful with materials though obviously. Chalk pastels for example contain metal pigments, Lead etc which can be inhaled/absorbed through skin. Turps gives me a nasty headache. Vermillion red paint was originally mercury based too - the 'safer' version is made with... cadmium!
I do wonder what i was exposed to at art school in this regard.
I was badly sick one night after attempting to finish off a pastel landscape - doing the sky quite roughly created a fair bit of dust. But in a way it might be a good sign that my body is reacting rapidly and *legitimately* to toxins...? Annoying though cos i love pastels... and that pic just isnt 'right'...lol.

Anyway, acrylic water-based paint seems to be the safest + most affordable option now. You can find it in supermarkets even, if they have a DIY/decorating section. Dries quickly, cleans up easily - any old piece of card / cardboard / cereal box will do, give it a shot! Just messing about with colours, its amazing what comes out.
Expression is another method of excretion so... it really helps <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Virago