Let’s get you started!
Here are my personal recommended list of supplies you will need to begin oil painting
Paint
A painter’s palette of colors is somewhat of a personal preference. However, after years of working with most all of the pigments, this is my recommendation when working with a primary palette of colors. Working with an expanded primary palette is a great way to have a great range of mixing options while practicing your color theory. Essentially, that means to have a WARM and COOL version of each primary color. To learn how to work with a limited palette of colors, make sure to grab a seat in one of my Oil Painting 1 workshops where I cover all about pigments, color theory and my process of color mixing.
In class, we use the brand Gamblin 1980. It’s a great starter grade paint that is the best mix of affordable and good quality.
Cadmium Yellow Medium - Warm Yellow
Cadmium Lemon Yellow - Cool Yellow
Cadmium Red Medium - Warm Red
Quinacridone Red or Permanent Alizarin Crimson - Cool Red
Ultramarine Blue - Warm Blue
Pthalo Blue - Cool Blue
Titanium White - 150ml
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Helpful to have on hand:
Extras
Palette:
Glass Palette DIY:
Use an old (or thrifted) picture frame glass. Cut a piece of cardboard to fit behind the glass and tape the edges.
Miscellaneous:
Solvent
Solvent: used to thin the paint for a more fluid consistency and to clean brushes.
Medium
Medium: an additive used to alter the properties of oil paint, such as its consistency, drying time, transparency, and sheen
Galkyd - Increases the drying speed & smooths paint
Linseed Oil - Smooths paint
Cold Wax - Matte finish
Solvent-Free Gel - Keeps paint thicker
Medium container (any small jar works)
Support
Support: The surface on which paint is applied. Each artist determines what support works best for them. I recommend trying out as many as you’d like to determine what offers you the best surface for your paint style/results.
Tools
Palette Knife (metal) - Grab a variety of shapes and sizes
Brushes - Grab a variety of synthetic/natural materials and shapes and sizes
My personal brush preferences:
Miscellaneous Tools: