Why Choose Oil Painting?
Oil painting is unique due to its ability to blend smoothly, create rich textures, and dry slowly, offering great freedom for working in layers. Unlike other types of paint, oil allows constant modification of the surface, making it ideal for fine details or complex effects. However, to fully exploit the potential of oil painting, it is essential to know and choose the right materials.
Begin with a premade kit
Starting oil painting with a premade kit can be a great idea for beginners as it provides all the essential materials needed to get started saving time and effort in selecting the right tools. It offers a curated selection of quality items that help beginners focus on learning techniques, rather than worrying about sourcing individual supplies.
If your idea is to start with such kit, the Black Series Oil Painting Easel Kit by Royal-Langnickel is a good way to start you creative journey.
However, if you'll willing to dive a bit and make a more personalised kit, follow the guide. Everything you need will be detailed below to get you custome-made kit to begin oil painting.
Oil Paint: Choosing the Right Colors
Essential Colors for Beginners
Primary colors are the foundation of your palette. They allow you to create almost all other colors through mixing. Here are the recommended shades to get started:
- Lemon Yellow (or Cadmium Light): A bright yellow that allows you to create warm and luminous tones.
- Cadmium Yellow Medium: Richer and warmer, it is perfect for subtle mixes.
- Cadmium Red Light (or Medium): A powerful red that blends well with yellows to achieve warm tones.
- Alizarin Crimson: A deep and saturated dark red, perfect for shadows and cool tones.
- Phthalo Blue: A vibrant and intense blue, essential for creating cool shades.
- Ultramarine Blue: A deep and mysterious blue, perfect for shadows and skies.
- Ivory Black: For shadows and dark details.
- Titanium White: Essential for lightening and creating lighter tones.
With these colors, you can create a balanced palette capable of producing a wide variety of shades. Once you have these colors, you can experiment with mixing to discover new nuances and expand your creative possibilities.
Canvases: Choosing the Right Surface for Oil Painting
Linen and Cotton Canvases
Linen canvases are considered the best for oil painting because of their durability and smoother texture. However, they are also more expensive. Cotton canvases, though slightly less durable, are more affordable and can be used for less complex projects.
It is important to choose canvases that are ready to paint on. Gesso is a primer that protects the canvas fibers from oil and prevents the medium from deteriorating them. Many canvases on the market are pre-primed, saving you time and allowing you to focus on creating.
As part of this guide, we highly recommand the Tofino Canvases.
Brushes: Choosing the Right Tools for Oil Painting
Types of Brushes
It is recommended to have a variety of brushes to cover all aspects of painting. Among the most common are:
- Flat Brushes: Perfect for broad layers and blending.
- Round Brushes: Ideal for details and small touches.
- Fan Brushes: Used for subtle textures or blending effects.
Natural bristle brushes are particularly suited to oil painting because they are more resistant to solvents. Sable brushes are especially appreciated for their flexibility and durability, while hog bristles are more robust and suitable for thick layers.
We recommand a pack of Winton Hog Brushes.
Oil Mediums: Adjusting Paint Consistency
Linseed Oil
Linseed oil is the base medium for oil painting. It helps to fluidify the paint and prolong drying time, allowing you to work in successive layers. Be cautious, as adding more oil will increase drying time, so adjust the quantity according to the desired effect.
Our recommandation : Demco Linen Oil
Other Mediums
There are other mediums that modify the gloss, drying time, and texture of the paint, such as glazing mediums for glossy finishes or fast-drying mediums to speed up the process.
You'll find a well curated selection of oil painting medium on our dedicated page.
Solvents: Cleaning and Diluting Oil Paint
Choosing the Right Solvent
It is advisable to use odorless solvents if you work indoors, as traditional solvents can release irritating fumes. A quality solvent, such as lavender oil or mineral spirits, is also effective for cleaning brushes without damaging the bristles.
We recommand the Gamsol Solvant.
Additional Tools: Palettes, Spatulas, and Painting Knives
A palette is essential for mixing colors, especially for beginners :
- Color Mixing Practice: Using a palette allows beginners to experiment with mixing colors, which is crucial for understanding color theory and creating harmonious compositions.
- Organization: A well-maintained palette keeps colors organized and easily accessible, reducing frustration and saving time.
- Paint Control: Beginners learn to manage the consistency and amount of paint, which is vital for blending and layering in oil painting.
- Cleaner Workspace: A palette keeps paints confined to a single surface, preventing messes and preserving the workspace.
Spatulas and painting knives are versatile tools that allow you to create thick textures or add fine details to the canvas.
Our recommandation : DeSerres's 6 piece painting knife set
Table Easels: A Stable Support for Painting
A table easel is an indispensable tool for keeping your canvas in a comfortable position. Table easels are compact and adjustable, allowing you to work comfortably while maintaining optimal control over your artwork. Choose a lightweight yet sturdy easel that can accommodate various canvas sizes.
Light and practical, we highly recommand this Black Aluminium Table Easel
Cleaning and Storing Brushes and Tools
After each painting session, it is crucial to clean your brushes and other tools thoroughly to avoid the buildup of dried paint. Use a brush cleaner specifically designed for oil paints, and ensure your brushes are dried thoroughly before storing them in a dry, ventilated area. Store solvents in airtight containers to prevent evaporation.
Our recommandation : the Brush and Studio Cleaner by Demco
