Pure patchouli oil:While tea tree and eucalyptus have fresh smells, patchouli oil is a completely different oil. The two elements of ‘Colour and Light in Oils’ that interested me most were the discussions about colour composition and utilising under-paintings. Verrall and Capon explained, among many other things, that a great way to make a powerful painting is to focus on just a selected few relationships within your subject. They wrote that you can home in on those important elements by carefully curating your colours to create moods and draw attention to specific areas. Throughout the book Varrell provided many examples of this in his paintings, showing and describing how he generated atmospheres and narratives by being considerate with his palette and colour-based decisions. He also discussed colour theory in depth, analysing his use of contrasting and complimentary colours within his work. This was supported with photographs of his underpaintings and painting progress shots to show the evolution of his decision making. While you won’t find an index of every oil ever made in here, the 45 oils that are listed are the most common, most popular ones and described in detail so that you can definitely learn how to apply them in your daily life.

Books mean various things to people. It’s important to read books, but it’s equally as important to keep in mind what you read and set it to good use. I hope you enjoy learning from these amazing books about aromatherapy and essential oils as much as I have. They truly are an invaluable resource for information and inspiration!Tea tree oil:Sourced from the Australian tea tree, Melaleuca Alternifolia, this oil is one of the most well-known thanks to its distinctive smell and many uses. So it is always worth consulting a healthcare professional for advice before using essential oils if you are unsure. It is great for helping to clear the senses and, when used in massage, it can help support circulation in yours hands and feet as well as help to ease muscle cramps. Publisher’s blurb: “Smell is a social phenomenon, invested with particular meanings and values by different cultures. Odors can enforce social structures or transgress them, unite people or divide them, empower or disempower. This book breaks the “olfactory silence” of modernity by offering the first comprehensive exploration of the cultural role of odors in Western history – from antiquity to the present – and in a wide variety of non-Western societies. Its topics range from the medieval concept of the “odor of sanctity”, to the aromatherapies of South America, and from olfactory stereotypes of gender and ethnicity in the modern West to the role of smell in post-modernity.”

This book is a thorough, yet easy-to-understand aromatherapy book that introduces the wonderful world of aromatherapy and essential oils. It’s an easy read that makes it fun for the beginner to get the total essential oils picture in one book only. Tea tree oil also blends well with other essential oils, including rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus and lavender. Two of our favourites are Miaroma Patchouli Pure Essential Oil and Tisserand Organic Patchouli Essential Oil. I found this section of the book fascinating and wanted to test the versatility and usefulness of Verrall’s comments. I went out and photographed a street during the Golden Hour (a period of time in the day shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which daylight is redder and softer than when the Sun is higher in the sky) as I was interested in both the type of light and the process of rendering architecture, both subjects that ‘Colour and Light in Oils’ focus heavily on. I then decided which elements of my subject I was most interested in; I was fascinated by the type of light, how it shone on the building and the planes of the left house.Sandalwood Oil:With its distinctive earthy, yet sweet smell, there’s no mistaking the classic scent of sandalwood oil, which is often used in perfumes and air fresheners.

Its purifying properties have made it a popular ingredient in beauty products for those dealing with problem skin concerns. There are dozens – if not hundreds – of pure essential oils. For those with no experience of using them, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Aromatherapy is useful for many different things in life. Applications range from colds to headaches, psoriasis, or to make toxin-free cleaning products. The goal is to get away from chemical solutions and shift our lives towards more natural ways of living. Patchouli oil has an earthy fragrance which is both calming and sensual. Traditionally, it has been used to help ground the user and ease feelings of stress. But there are some scents that should be in everyone’s basic kit, including pure lavender oil, ginger essential oil, lemongrass oil and pure peppermint oil, among others. Nicholas Verrall has been working as a full time artist since 1970 and is currently a member of the Royal Society of British Artists. I reviewed his book, ‘Colour and Light in Oils’, co-written by experienced author and art journalist Robin Capon, by making a painting that tested their suggestions. The essential oil is made from the dried leaves of the patchouli plant, a member of the mint family, native to many Asian countries.

Traditionally, tea tree oil has been used by Aboriginal people as a natural antiseptic, as well as for insect bites and stings. There are various brands on the market including Dr Organic Tea Tree Pure Oil, Miaroma Tea Tree Pure Essential Oil and Tisserand Organic Tea Tree Oil.Here, we look at a few more in detail. It is worth noting that several essential oils are not recommended for pregnant women, or some health conditions. Patchouli essential oil blends well with other essential oils, including ylang-ylang, sweet orange and jasmine.