Starting your journey with oil paints can be incredibly exciting, but choosing the right set can feel overwhelming. This guide focuses on helping beginners find the perfect oil paint set to kickstart their artistic endeavors without breaking the bank. We’ve considered factors crucial for newcomers, such as ease of blending, vibrant color payoff, and student-grade quality that still delivers professional results.
Whether you’re a complete novice or have dabbled in other mediums, selecting a set that offers a good range of colors and a smooth, forgiving texture is key to building confidence and enjoying the process. Look for sets that include essential colors like titanium white, cadmium yellow, cadmium red, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, and ivory black – these form the basis for countless color mixes and will allow you to explore a wide variety of painting techniques.
Beyond the core colors, consider the type of paint. Student-grade oil paints are a fantastic starting point, offering a great balance of quality and affordability. They are generally more forgiving than professional-grade paints, making them ideal for learning and experimenting. Pay attention to the pigment concentration; higher concentrations generally lead to richer, more vibrant colors. Finally, don’t overlook the importance of good quality brushes and mediums.
While the paint is the star of the show, the right tools will significantly enhance your painting experience and help you achieve better results. Investing in a small set of brushes in various shapes and sizes, along with a linseed oil medium, will complete your beginner’s oil painting setup and allow you to explore the versatility of this timeless medium.
Choosing Your First Oil Paints
Starting with oil paints can be exciting! The rich colors and smooth blending capabilities are a huge draw for many aspiring artists. However, the sheer number of brands and types available can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, though; we’ll guide you through selecting the best options for your beginner journey. This initial phase is all about exploration and finding your artistic voice.
Student-Grade Oil Paints A Great Starting Point
Student-grade paints are a fantastic choice for beginners. They offer a good balance of quality and affordability. These paints often have a higher proportion of fillers compared to professional-grade paints, resulting in a slightly less vibrant color intensity. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing for beginners, as it allows for more forgiving blending and easier color corrections. Experimentation is key at this stage, and student-grade paints allow you to do just that without breaking the bank.
Many reputable brands produce excellent student-grade oil paints. Look for paints that are easily accessible and readily available in your local art supply store. Reading online reviews can also be helpful in narrowing down your choices. Remember, the most important thing is to start painting and develop your skills. The quality of your materials will improve over time as your technique refines.
Don’t be afraid to try out different brands and colors to see what works best for you. Each brand might have a slightly different consistency or texture, influencing how the paint applies to the canvas. This hands-on experience is invaluable in helping you discover your preferences and build your artistic confidence. The journey of learning is just as important as the final result.
Essential Colors to Begin With
When starting out, you don’t need a massive collection of colors. A limited palette allows you to focus on mastering color mixing techniques, a crucial skill for any oil painter. A good starting point includes titanium white, ivory black, cadmium yellow light, cadmium red medium, and ultramarine blue. These five colors can be mixed to create a wide range of hues and shades.
Titanium white is essential for lightening colors and creating highlights. Ivory black provides depth and shadows. The cadmium yellows and reds offer warm tones, while ultramarine blue contributes cool tones. By learning to mix these primary colors, you’ll develop a strong understanding of color theory and its practical application. This foundation will serve you well as you expand your palette later.
As you progress, you can gradually add other colors to your collection, such as a yellow ochre for earth tones or a cerulean blue for brighter skies. However, initially, concentrating on mastering the mixing of a smaller set of colors will significantly improve your painting skills. It’s about quality over quantity in the beginning. Focus on understanding how colors interact and create depth.
Considering Your Budget and Needs
Budget is often a primary concern for beginners. Student-grade paints offer an excellent balance of quality and affordability. They allow you to practice and experiment without significant financial investment. However, if budget allows, consider investing in a few tubes of professional-grade paints in your most frequently used colors. This will give you a sense of the difference in pigment concentration and vibrancy.
Think about the types of paintings you want to create. If you’re primarily interested in landscapes, you might want to invest in earth tones. For portraits, skin tones and flesh-like colors will be important. Understanding your artistic goals will help you make informed decisions about which colors to prioritize. Don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once; build your collection gradually as your needs evolve.
Ultimately, the best oil paints for beginners are those that inspire you to create. Don’t get bogged down in technical details; focus on the joy of painting. The process of learning and experimenting is just as important as the end result. Enjoy the journey and let your creativity flow!
Top 7 Best Oil Paints for Beginners – Quick Comparison
#1 Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color…
Brand: Winsor & Newton
The Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Set is an excellent choice for aspiring artists taking their first steps into the world of oil painting. This comprehensive set includes 20 vibrant and essential colors, packaged in 12ml tubes, providing ample paint for numerous projects and experimentation. The high-quality pigments ensure rich, saturated hues that will bring your artwork to life. The stiff consistency of the paint allows for excellent control, making it easier to achieve precise brushstrokes and detailed work, a crucial aspect for beginners learning to master oil painting techniques.
One of the standout features of the Winton range is its impressive pigment load. This means you get more pigment per tube compared to many other student-grade oil paints, resulting in vibrant, intense colors that are true to their names. This makes a significant difference in the overall quality of your paintings, allowing you to achieve professional-looking results without breaking the bank. The uniform consistency across all colors ensures a predictable and enjoyable painting experience, free from frustrating inconsistencies in texture or application.
Beginners will appreciate the ease of use offered by the Winton Oil Colors. The slightly stiffer consistency, while beneficial for control, also makes blending and layering colors relatively straightforward. This is important for beginners who are still developing their skills in color mixing and technique. The set includes a wide range of colors, from warm yellows and oranges to cool blues and greens, allowing you to explore various color palettes and develop your understanding of color theory. This versatility is invaluable for developing a strong foundation in oil painting.
Furthermore, Winsor & Newton prioritizes lightfastness and permanence in their Winton range. This means your artwork will retain its vibrancy and color accuracy for years to come, ensuring your creations remain beautiful and enduring. The selection of pigments used reflects this commitment to quality, offering a reliable and consistent painting experience. The set is a complete starter kit, though supplementing with additional mediums and solvents from Winsor & Newton’s range will enhance your creative possibilities and allow you to explore a wider variety of painting techniques.
Pros
- Excellent pigment load for vibrant colors
- Stiff consistency for precise brushstrokes
- Wide range of 20 essential colors
Cons
- May require additional mediums/solvents
- Slightly more expensive than some beginner sets
#2 XXL Oil Paint Set – 24…
Brand: Norberg & Linden
The Norberg & Linden XXL Oil Paint Set is a comprehensive starter kit designed for both children and adults venturing into the world of oil painting. This all-in-one package eliminates the need for separate purchases, offering everything needed to begin creating immediately. The set includes a generous selection of 24 vibrant oil paints in 12ml tubes, providing a wide range of colors suitable for various painting styles, from portraits to landscapes. The inclusion of primary colors, earth tones, and skin tones ensures a versatile palette for diverse artistic expressions.
Beyond the paints, the set boasts 25 high-quality brushes, encompassing a variety of bristle, nylon, and foam options. This assortment caters to different painting techniques and preferences, allowing for both broad strokes and fine details. The inclusion of different brush types and sizes empowers beginners to experiment and develop their skills, exploring various textures and applications. The addition of an 8×10 stretched canvas panel and a metal paint palette further enhances the convenience and completeness of this beginner-friendly set. The convenient palette makes mixing colors a breeze.
The Norberg & Linden XXL Oil Paint Set stands out due to its exceptional value. The sheer number of paints and brushes included far surpasses what’s typically found in comparable starter kits. This abundance of materials encourages experimentation and allows for ample practice without the worry of running out of supplies. The inclusion of a pre-stretched canvas eliminates the need for additional preparation, allowing artists to begin painting immediately. The set’s comprehensive nature makes it an ideal gift for aspiring artists of all ages and skill levels, providing everything necessary to embark on a creative journey.
While the large number of supplies is a significant advantage, the quality of the individual components should be considered. While suitable for beginners and hobbyists, experienced artists might find the paints and brushes to be less robust or versatile than professional-grade options. The focus on quantity over premium materials is a trade-off inherent in the set’s affordability. However, for those just starting out, the XXL Oil Paint Set offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the medium without a large upfront investment. The value and convenience of having everything in one place outweigh potential limitations in quality for many beginners.
Pros
- Complete all-in-one set
- Large quantity of paints and brushes
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Not professional-grade materials
#3 Castle Art Supplies 24 X 12ML…
Brand: Castle Art Supplies
Castle Art Supplies’ 24 x 12ML Oil Paint Set is an excellent choice for beginners venturing into the world of oil painting. This comprehensive set provides a vibrant array of colors, allowing for exploration and experimentation with various palettes and techniques. The paints boast a buttery smooth consistency, making them easy to apply and blend, even for those with limited experience. The improved formula ensures rich pigments and superior blending capabilities, contributing to a satisfying painting experience from the outset. The inclusion of a tutorial further enhances its beginner-friendliness, guiding new artists through fundamental techniques and best practices.
The set’s impressive presentation box not only adds a touch of elegance but also provides convenient storage for the paints. The individual tubes are clearly labeled, making color selection straightforward. The no-mess screw caps are a practical detail that prevents leaks and keeps the paints fresh, minimizing waste and ensuring longevity. The lightfast and long-lasting nature of the pigments is a significant advantage, guaranteeing that artwork created with this set will retain its vibrancy for years to come. This is a crucial factor for beginners who might be concerned about the longevity of their early works.
One of the key benefits of this set is its versatility. The paints are highly pigmented, offering excellent coverage and allowing for effective layering. The fat-over-lean compatibility prevents cracking, a common issue in oil painting, ensuring that beginners can develop their layering techniques without fear of damaging their artwork. The vegan-friendly formula is another positive aspect, catering to a growing number of environmentally conscious artists. The set’s affordability adds to its appeal, making it an accessible entry point into the world of oil painting without breaking the bank.
Beyond the technical aspects, the Castle Art Supplies set inspires confidence in aspiring artists. The included tutorials provide valuable guidance, helping beginners overcome initial hurdles and build a solid foundation in oil painting techniques. The smooth application and vibrant colors encourage experimentation and creative expression, fostering a positive and rewarding learning experience. Whether tackling landscapes, portraits, or still lifes, this set equips beginners with the tools and resources they need to develop their skills and create beautiful, lasting artwork. The overall value and quality make it a standout option for those taking their first steps in this captivating art form.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly with included tutorial
- Vibrant, highly pigmented colors
- Smooth, easy-to-blend consistency
Cons
- None explicitly stated
#4 Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable…
Brand: Winsor & Newton
Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Color Paint is an excellent choice for beginners venturing into the world of oil painting. This set offers a convenient introduction to the medium without the intimidating cleanup process associated with traditional oil paints. The six included colors provide a diverse palette for exploring various techniques and subjects, allowing you to experiment and develop your skills without a significant upfront investment. The water-mixable formula is a game-changer for beginners, eliminating the need for solvents and making the entire painting process cleaner and more manageable.
The paint itself boasts a rich, buttery consistency, providing a smooth application and blending experience comparable to traditional oil paints. This makes it easier to achieve subtle gradations of color and create realistic textures. The vibrant pigments deliver excellent color saturation, resulting in vivid and expressive artwork. The small tube size is perfect for beginners, preventing waste and allowing for experimentation with different color combinations without committing to large quantities of paint. The set is a thoughtfully curated selection of versatile colors suitable for a wide range of subjects and painting styles.
One of the most significant advantages of the Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Color Paint is its ease of cleanup. Simply use water and soap to clean brushes and palettes, eliminating the need for harsh solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits. This not only makes the painting process more environmentally friendly but also significantly reduces the health risks associated with traditional oil painting. The water-mixable nature also allows for greater flexibility in your workflow, enabling you to easily adjust the consistency of the paint and blend colors seamlessly. This ease of use makes it ideal for beginners who are still developing their technique and confidence.
Overall, the Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Color Paint Beginners Set is a fantastic starting point for aspiring artists. The combination of high-quality pigments, user-friendly water-mixable formula, and convenient set size makes it an accessible and enjoyable introduction to oil painting. The set provides everything needed to begin creating beautiful artwork, allowing beginners to focus on developing their skills and exploring their creativity without being overwhelmed by complicated techniques or hazardous materials. The vibrant colors and smooth application make the process rewarding and encourage further exploration of this versatile medium.
Pros
- Easy water cleanup
- Vibrant colors
- Smooth application
- Beginner-friendly set
Cons
- Limited color selection in the set
#5 Ohuhu Oil Paint Set, 24 Oil-Based…
Brand: Ohuhu
The Ohuhu 24-color oil paint set is a fantastic option for beginners venturing into the world of oil painting. This comprehensive set provides a diverse range of colors, including primary colors, earth tones, and several vibrant hues, allowing for a wide array of artistic expression. The 12ml tubes offer a generous amount of paint for practice and experimentation, making it ideal for those learning to mix colors and develop their painting techniques. The non-toxic nature of the paints ensures safe use for both adults and children, making it a suitable choice for classroom settings or family art projects.
One of the key advantages of this set is its affordability. Compared to purchasing individual tubes of professional-grade oil paints, the Ohuhu set offers excellent value for money. The range of colors included is surprisingly extensive for a beginner’s set, covering a broad spectrum of shades commonly used in various painting styles. The smooth application of the paint contributes to a pleasant painting experience, making it easier for beginners to achieve desired effects without excessive struggle. The quick-drying nature of the paint is also beneficial, allowing artists to layer colors efficiently and minimizing waiting times.
While the vibrant colors and smooth application are significant strengths, it’s important to note that the pigment concentration might not be as high as in professional-grade paints. This means the colors might not be as intense or have the same level of permanence as more expensive options. However, for beginners focusing on learning techniques and exploring different color combinations, this difference is less critical. The set’s portability is another advantage, making it suitable for outdoor painting sessions or travel. The individual tubes are easily stored and transported, allowing for convenient painting wherever inspiration strikes.
Overall, the Ohuhu 24-color oil paint set presents a balanced combination of quality, affordability, and versatility. It’s a great starting point for aspiring artists who want to explore oil painting without a significant financial investment. The wide color selection and user-friendly application make it an excellent tool for learning fundamental techniques and developing artistic skills. While it might not be the ultimate choice for professional artists, its suitability for beginners and its comprehensive nature make it a highly recommended option for those just starting their oil painting journey. The non-toxic nature adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Wide variety of 24 vibrant colors
- Smooth and easy application
- Non-toxic and safe for use
- Portable and convenient for travel
Cons
- Pigment concentration may be lower than professional paints
- Not suitable for professional-level artwork
#6 RoseArt Premium Oil Paint – Set…
Brand: RoseArt
RoseArt Premium Oil Paint is an excellent choice for beginners venturing into the world of oil painting. This 12-color set provides a diverse palette of vibrant hues, allowing for a wide range of artistic expression. The paints boast a smooth, buttery texture, making them easy to blend and layer, a crucial aspect for beginners learning to manipulate oil paints. The high-pigment concentration ensures rich, saturated colors, resulting in vivid and impactful artwork. The convenient size of the tubes (0.4 oz each) is perfect for experimentation without excessive waste, ideal for those still developing their technique and exploring different color combinations.
The set includes a well-balanced selection of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, covering a broad spectrum of tones. This allows beginners to explore color mixing and develop a strong understanding of color theory. The inclusion of both warm and cool variations of certain colors (like yellows and blues) further enhances the versatility of the palette. The paints adhere well to various surfaces such as canvas, wood, and paper, giving beginners the freedom to experiment with different mediums and textures. The ease of application and forgiving nature of these paints makes them less intimidating for newcomers to the art form, fostering a positive learning experience.
RoseArt, a brand with a century-long legacy in art supplies, ensures a commitment to quality. Their Premium Oil Paint set reflects this dedication, offering a high-quality product at an accessible price point. This makes it particularly attractive to beginners who may be hesitant to invest heavily in expensive paints before establishing their artistic skills and preferences. The set’s comprehensive nature, coupled with its user-friendly properties, makes it an ideal starting point for aspiring oil painters. It provides the necessary tools and materials to embark on a creative journey without feeling overwhelmed by complexity or cost.
Pros
- Vibrant, high-pigment colors
- Smooth, buttery texture, easy to blend
- Affordable price point for beginners
Cons
- Tubes are relatively small (0.4 oz)
#7 Artecho Oil Pastels Set of 24…
Brand: Artecho
Artecho’s 24-color soft oil pastel set is an excellent choice for beginners venturing into the world of oil painting. The vibrant, high-quality pigments offer a wide range of colors to experiment with, allowing for the creation of diverse and expressive artwork. The soft texture makes blending and shading incredibly easy, a crucial aspect for beginners learning to control color transitions and depth. The individual paper sleeves protect each pastel, preventing breakage and ensuring longevity, a welcome feature for those still developing their painting techniques and handling skills. The convenient size makes them portable and suitable for on-the-go sketching and painting.
Beyond their ease of use, these pastels offer a fantastic introduction to various painting techniques. Whether you’re interested in illustration, stenciling, scratching, impasto, or dotting, these versatile pastels can accommodate your exploration. The set’s affordability makes it a low-risk investment for beginners, allowing them to discover their artistic potential without a significant financial commitment. The non-toxic nature of the pastels ensures safe use, making them suitable for artists of all ages and skill levels. The positive reviews and emphasis on customer service further solidify Artecho’s commitment to providing a quality product and a satisfying artistic experience.
Pros
- Vibrant, high-quality pigments
- Easy blending and shading
- Individual paper sleeves for protection
- Portable and convenient size
- Affordable price point
Cons
- May be too soft for some techniques
- Limited color selection compared to larger sets
FAQs
How should I choose the right Best Oil Paints for Beginners?
Start with your budget and core use‑cases, shortlist a few options that match those needs, and compare build quality and warranty. Read recent buyer feedback and test within the return window to confirm comfort and performance in your routine.
What features matter most?
Focus on the few specs that impact everyday results—durability, comfort and speed. Extras are useful only after these basics are solid and reliable.
How many models should I compare?
Three to five is ideal. It gives a clear sense of trade‑offs without overwhelming you, and keeps decisions fast.
Do brands and warranties really matter?
Yes. Good brands provide clearer documentation and faster support. A decent warranty reduces risk and makes ownership easier.
When’s the best time to buy?
Look for seasonal sales like Back‑to‑School, Black Friday and Prime Day. Price‑tracking for a week or two helps you catch dips.
What accessories should I budget for?
Only the ones you’ll use—cases, mounts, refills or extra cables. Quality accessories extend lifespan and usability.
How do I avoid buyer’s remorse?
Set clear expectations, keep packaging, and test early. Exchange quickly if something feels off so you don’t carry small annoyances for years.
Bottom Line
Pick the option that fits your needs, budget and comfort. Compare a short shortlist, verify real‑world feedback, and buy from a trusted seller so support and returns are painless.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.