Oil Painting Basics
Oil painting is a rich medium that gives depth, drama and vibrancy to your artwork, and allows you to work in various techniques.
Oil Paint
The main course.
Try a basic set of oil paints. Make sure you include the primary colors, white, black and some ochres, umbers and siennas for natural tones and hues.
I like Winsor Newton oil paints, you can choose your own individual colors instead of a set if you like. Make sure you stock up on that Titanium White.
Water and oil paints are usually unable to be combined. Water and oil, you know? The H2O will not blend into the paint and will compromise the quality of your work. This set allows you to use water, however, for an easier mixing and cleanup situation...
Large individual tubes of paint help you feel free with your color usage and handmade paints usually have a wonderful creamy texture and depending on the brand can help support small artisans.
If you want a pretty solid starting kit that will help you practice sketching for your underdrawings as well. Acrylic can also sometimes be used as a base for oil paint, but never over it if you want to maintain the integrity of the work.
Brushes & Palette Knives
You need a "brush with guts" as my teacher used to say.
Natural bristle brushes are best for oil painting. Specifically boar bristle. You can definitely use other materials, a stronger brush will help you manipulate the paint better. Having a variety of brush styles leaves your technique options open.
Synthetic brush set instead of natural hair options. Can be used with oil or acrylic paint.
A set of wider brushes helps with preparing surfaces and covering large areas.
I like to have a variety of metal palette knives to work with. Make sure you don't leave them in liquid or they rust and get ruined.
Stir or spread with silicone.
Canvas & Surfaces
Heavy duty canvas so your work will last.
These are available in multiple sizes and you can also find them with varying thicknesses.
I really like painting on linen for the texture. These stretches linen's will take your artwork to another level.
Properly prepared Masonite is a long lasting surface to paint on.
You can prime these how you want but you don't always have to worry about archivability. You can do what you like and paint on these raw if you wish.
Accessories & Storage
Other necessities and useful items.
Paintv mixed on palette paper can be saved by folding over the paper and pressing lightly around the paint. This is a good temporary or quick paint mixing surface, though if left for too long it will suck the oil from the paint.
A tempered glass palette is reusable and the perfect material to mix your paint on
A nice brush holder with a bit of storage space.
A box that will last that can be taken on the go.
Good lighting that can be adjusted to your needs is essential.
Additives & Solvents
For cleaning your brushes.
Mineral spirits for a safe solvent.
For thinning your paint and speeding the drying time.
Linseed oil is good for glazes, slows drying speed and generally makes paint more transparent.
Easels
A sturdy table easel with a storage drawer for smaller works.
A nice compact plein air easel with a strap for working outdoors.
A metal easel with sturdy legs doesn't wobble can be left in place so you can pick where you left off easily.
This convertible easel can be positioned upright, angled, or flat if you like to work that way or varnishing and surface prep.
This drafting table is like a tiny studio space with small storage and expandable areas.
Cleaning & Disposal
When its time to dispose of the evidence.
If you are using shorter or smaller brushes you may prefer a brush washer like this.
Oil paint can be tough to get off skin but this soap does the trick.
Stock up on some Dawn dish soap the best thing to wash your brushes with.
You want to keep any flammable waste in the right place and this is good for oil and solvent refuse.
Guides and Tutorials
An encouraging basic guide
Detailed information to help you begin oil painting.
A supply list.
Different techniques to try.
Learn some tips for painting outdoors.