I *think* (and without bothering to verify it) that artists oil paints are still made the same way they were centuries ago, from raw linseed oil. I used to paint with oils a lot when I was younger (some 30 years ago) and I loved it. Interestingly, some colors would dry much faster than others, I presume because of the effects the various pigments had on the oil. You could also (still can, I presume) buy the linseed oil itself to mix your own paint or make it flow better. It was my understanding that it was not at all toxic and I can still remember the wonderful smell, but I can't remember if I actually ever tasted it. :-)