Best 9 Oil Paint Brands for Beginners in 2024
Diving into the world of oil painting can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when faced with the myriad of paint brands lining the shelves. As a beginner, you want quality paints that won’t break the bank but still offer rich pigments and smooth application. That’s where we come in.
We’ve scoured the market to find the best oil paint brands for beginners, focusing on those that provide a balance of affordability and performance. Whether you’re just starting your first masterpiece or experimenting with new techniques, these brands will help you bring your creative visions to life. Let’s explore the top choices that’ll make your artistic journey a colorful adventure.
Budget-Friendly Basic Set: Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint
Winsor & Newton’s Winton line is a perfect choice for beginners looking for a budget-friendly option. The set includes ten 21-milliliter tubes, offering a range of colors like cadmium yellow pale hue, cadmium red deep hue, french ultramarine, phthalo blue, and more. You get a good starting palette to practice your skills without breaking the bank.
Winton uses moderately priced pigments, ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality. Its high level of pigmentation provides good covering power and tinting strength. This means you’ll get brighter, more vibrant colors that are easier to mix and layer.
Each tube is designed with the student and amateur artist in mind. The diversity in hues allows you to experiment with various shades and textures. For instance, titanium white can be used for highlights, while burnt sienna is great for creating warmer tones.
Consistency is another win for Winton oils as they balance well on different surfaces. Whether you’re painting on canvas, wood panels, or even paper, the colors adhere smoothly, maintaining their vibrancy over time.
Let’s highlight some key technical details:
- Brand: Winsor & Newton
- Color: Multicolor
- Finish Type: Satin
- Size: 7.1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
- Item Volume: 43.2 Fluid Ounces
- Special Feature: Pigmented
- Unit Count: 7.1 Fl Oz
- Paint Type: Oil
- Specific Uses For Product: Indoor, outdoor
- Surface Recommendation: Canvas, Wood Panels, Paper
- Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor, Indoor
- Item Form: Liquid
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Model Name: Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Colour Paint Basic Set, Ten 21ml Tubes
- Package Information: Tube
- Coverage: Good
- UPC: 020268982078 094376895247
- Global Trade Identification Number: 00094376895247
- Manufacturer: ColArt Americas
- Product Dimensions: 1.25 x 9.15 x 4.9 inches
- Item Weight: 9.2 ounces
- Country of Origin: USA
- Date First Available: November 26, 2008
Comprehensive Beginner’s Kit: MEEDEN Oil Painting Kit
Starting with value, the MEEDEN Oil Painting Kit offers a complete set ideal for beginners. This kit includes a variety of artist-grade oil paints, canvas panels, and essential tools to kickstart your painting journey. Everything’s packaged neatly, so even a novice can dive in without needing to purchase extra supplies.
Including twelve rich colors, the oil paints in this kit are vibrant and blend smoothly. They’re perfect for beginners experimenting with color mixing and layering techniques. The paint quality ensures a pleasant painting experience without frustration.
Boasting high durability, the wooden easel included in the kit is made from durable beech wood. It can be adjusted to various angles, making it versatile for different painting styles. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to transport, perfect for outdoor painting sessions.
Featuring additional tools, the MEEDEN kit comes with palette knives, brushes, and a palette—everything required for a productive painting session. These tools are designed for comfort, ensuring a smooth painting process for beginners.
Overall, the MEEDEN Oil Painting Kit is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a comprehensive, high-quality setup to start your painting journey.
Technical Details:
- Color: Natural
- Product Dimensions: 15″D x 11″W x 2.5″H
- Material: Beech
- Item Weight: 5 Kilograms
- Style: Artist-grade
- Assembly Required: No
Water Mixable Option: Winsor & Newton Artisan Oil Color Paint
Looking for a safer oil painting option? Winsor & Newton’s Artisan Water Mixable Oil Color Paint is a standout. It’s been crafted to work just like traditional oil paint, offering rich pigmentation and a buttery texture. However, unlike regular oils, it thins and cleans up with water, making harmful solvents unnecessary. This aspect is perfect for shared workspaces, schools, or home studios.
Key features set this paint apart, particularly its modified linseed and safflower oils that blend seamlessly with water while maintaining the classic characteristics of oil paint. It stands out for its vibrant color depth, excellent lightfastness, and versatile application possibilities, allowing you to employ various oil painting techniques without any compromise.
The beginner set includes six 37 ml tubes: Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, Permanent Alizarin Crimson, French Ultramarine, Phthalo Green (Blue Shade), Yellow Ochre, and Titanium White. This selection provides a balanced range of colors to start your oil painting journey.
- Brand: Winsor & Newton
- Color: Cadmium Yellow, Alizarin Crimson
- Finish Type: Gloss
- Size: 6.25 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
- Item Volume: 37 Milliliters
- Special Feature: Water Mixable
- Unit Count: 6.25 Fl Oz
- Paint Type: Oil
- Specific Uses For Product: Beginners or learning oil painting
- Item Form: Solid
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Model Name: Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colour Beginners Set, Six 37ml Tubes
- Package Information: Tube
- Coverage: Good
- UPC: 094376896329 884955022900
- Global Trade Identification Number: 00094376896329
- Product Dimensions: 4.65 x 1.42 x 7.09 inches
- Item Weight: 0.01 ounces
Professional Brush Set: ARTIFY Oil Paint Brush Set
Holding the ARTIFY Oil Paint Brush Set feels natural due to its ergonomic design. These long handles, ranging from 10.4” to 12”, provide precise control, making them perfect for beginners needing steady hands. The set includes additional nylon brushes to expand your creative possibilities, allowing a variety of stroke techniques.
Using these brushes is easy. Before your first painting session, gently separate the bristles with your fingers, then soak them in warm water at around 30°C for three minutes. This step ensures the brushes are ready for use, enhancing their flexibility and performance.
Crafted with natural hog bristles, the brushes offer durability and a smooth application. These bristles hold paint well, ideal for oil, acrylic, and gouache projects. Whether you’re working on delicate details or covering large areas, ARTIFY brushes perform reliably. User reviews mention the comfortable grip and excellent paint retention as standout features.
Lightweight and compact, this set is easy to store and transport, making it a practical choice for artists on the go. The black color and quality materials ensure a professional look and long-lasting use.
- Color: Black
- Material: Natural Hog Bristle
- Paint Type: Oil, Acrylic, Gouache
- Handle Type: Long Handle
- Bristle Type: Natural Hog Bristle
- Product Dimensions: 3 x 1.5 x 14 inches
- Item Weight: 9.6 ounces
Large Tube Water Mixable Paint: Winsor & Newton Artisan, Titanium White
Winsor & Newton’s Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colour offers a unique solution for beginner artists looking to avoid the mess and fumes of traditional oil paints. This paint has been developed to work like conventional oil, replicating its rich texture and blendability while allowing easy cleanup with water. It’s an excellent choice for those learning oil painting without the need for hazardous solvents.
Winsor & Newton Artisan Titanium White provides a pure and strong color. Pigments like linseed and safflower oils have been modified, ensuring they mix with water smoothly. This water-mixable feature makes painting safer in shared environments, such as schools or home studios.
Winsor & Newton’s Titanium White is praised for its high opacity, which makes it perfect for creating stark highlights and mixing with other colors. For beginners, this large 200ml tube offers ample paint for practice and projects without frequent restocking.
- Brand: Winsor & Newton
- Color: Titanium White
- Finish Type: Satin
- Size: 6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
- Item Volume: 200 Milliliters
- Special Feature: Pigmented
- Unit Count: 6.0 Fl Oz
- Paint Type: Oil
- Item Form: Solid
- Coverage: Opaque
Popular Single Color Choice: Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color, Titanium White
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color in Titanium White is a fantastic option for beginners seeking a dependable and affordable paint. Crafted with moderately priced pigments, this oil color is perfect for student and amateur artists and even appeals to more accomplished painters needing large volumes of color.
Offering beautiful, high-quality pigments, the Titanium White in this series provides remarkable coverage and tinting strength. This specific color is incredibly versatile, making it an essential addition to any beginner’s palette. Beginners will appreciate its superior surface performance, providing consistent results on canvas paper or wood.
Available in 55 colors, Winton Oil Colors are known for their fine art quality. The Titanium White is especially popular due to its bright, opaque qualities, which are great for creating highlights and mixing. It’s easy to work with and blends smoothly, ensuring beginners won’t struggle with application.
Winsor & Newton’s attention to quality and affordability means you won’t find a brand that compromises on pigment load. While it may not match the top-of-the-line ranges, it stands well above many other artists’ quality offerings.
If you’re starting with oil paints, Winsor & Newton’s Titanium White is strikingly reliable, budget-friendly, and perfect for experimenting with various techniques.
- Brand: Winsor & Newton
- Color: Titanium White
- Finish Type: Satin
- Size: 1.25 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
- Item Volume: 37 Milliliters
- Special Feature: pigmented
- Paint Type: Oil
- Surface Recommendation: Canvas, Paper, Wood
- Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor, Indoor
- Item Form: Liquid
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Package Information: Tube
- Coverage: Good
- Product Dimensions: 1 x 1.65 x 4.1 inches
- Item Weight: 2.08 ounces
All-In-One Oil Painting Bundle: KEFF Oil Paint Set
Leverage the KEFF Oil Paint Set to kickstart your artistic journey with ease. This all-in-one bundle is ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and even advanced artists. Packed with vibrant, rich colors, this kit ensures that anyone can create a stunning masterpiece.
Enjoy the convenience of having everything you need in one box. The KEFF set includes not only high-quality oil paints but also essential tools for creating art. Think brushes, palette knives, and canvas panels. You won’t need to hunt for additional supplies.
Gift this thoughtful set to an aspiring artist or pick it up for yourself as a creative outlet. The KEFF Oil Paint Set makes an excellent gift for various occasions, offering a fun and relaxing activity for artists of all levels.
Encourage creativity by painting with family and friends. The set’s comprehensive nature allows for shared artistic experiences, making each creation memorable.
Here’s a quick look at some relevant details:
- Package Dimensions: 15.47 x 9.02 x 5.67 inches
- Item Weight: 4.2 pounds
- Best Sellers Rank: #39,536 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing
- Date First Available: December 21, 2020
Rich Color Variety: U.S. Art Supply Professional Oil Paint Set
Provides a fantastic palette for beginners, the U.S. Art Supply Professional Oil Paint Set stands out with its rich color variety. This set includes twelve 12-milliliter tubes, ensuring a comprehensive range of hues to fuel any creative journey. Each color is designed to be vibrant, non-toxic, and acid-free, making it a safe choice for artists of all ages, including kids.
Ensures that beginners can explore their creativity without worrying about the harmful fumes often associated with oil paints. These paints come in a tube form, making them easy to squeeze out and mix. The glossy finish of the paints delivers a professional look to completed works, enhancing the brilliance and depth of the colors.
Encourages artistic exploration with its versatile application. Whether you’re painting on walls or canvas, the smooth consistency allows for a seamless blend. The gel-like texture provides excellent control, making it easy to achieve precise strokes and details. Ideal for various techniques, from thick impastos to delicate glazes.
Ideal for those starting their painting journey, this set is a blend of affordability and quality. It’s lightweight and compact, with a total item weight of only 1 pound. Measuring 10.1 x 4.3 x 1.1 inches, it’s also convenient to store and transport. These features make it a practical choice for students, hobbyists, and anyone looking to experiment with oil painting.
User-friendly and highly rated, this oil paint set has garnered positive feedback, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Users appreciate the vibrant colors and the non-toxic formula. The gloss finish adds a professional touch to artworks, making them shine.
- Color: Oil Paint Set
- Finish Type: Gloss
- Size: 12 Count (Pack of 1)
- Item Volume: 12 Milliliters per tube
- Special Feature: Non-Toxic
- Unit Count: 4.87 Fl Oz
- Paint Type: Oil
- Surface Recommendation: Walls
- Age Range Description: Kid
- Package Information: Tube
- Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 4.3 x 1.1 inches
- Item Weight: 1 pound
Primary Colors Starter Kit: PHOENIX Oil Painting Kit
Offers a versatile selection of five primary oil colors: Zinc White, Lemon Yellow, Vermilion, Ultramarine Blue, and Lamp Black. Provides a great starting point for beginners to mix and create a broad spectrum of hues from a limited palette. Includes five quality oil paint brushes in various shapes: Liner, Flat, Bright, Filbert, and Round, offering flexibility for different painting techniques.
Comes with 12 ml tubes, ideal for practice and small projects without overwhelming beginners with too much paint. Delivers vibrant pigment quality, ensuring that learners can achieve rich, vivid results from the get-go. Contains flagged bristle brushes that retain a good quantity of paint and provide smooth application.
Presents an affordable yet high-quality option tailored for novices to jumpstart their painting journey. Fits comfortably in a compact 9.45 x 0.67 x 8.74 inches package, making it easy to store and carry around for on-the-go creativity. Weighs just 9.1 ounces, adding minimal bulk to art supplies.
Ideal for a controlled environment where beginners can experiment with fundamental blending and shading techniques. Received positive user feedback for its ease of use and satisfying performance, boasting a 4.2 out of 5-star rating from customers.
- Color: Paint & Brush Set
- Material: Oxford fabric
- Size: 12 Milliliters
- Paint Type: Oil
- Bristle Type: Flagged Bristle
- Product Dimensions: 9.45 x 0.67 x 8.74 inches
- Item Weight: 9.1 ounces
Factors to Consider When Choosing Oil Paints for Beginners
Quality and Pigment
First, focus on quality and pigment. High-quality oil paints contain a higher concentration of finely ground pigments, resulting in vivid, long-lasting colors. For beginners, it’s crucial to choose paints that offer good color payoff without breaking the bank. Winsor & Newton and MEEDEN offer beginner oil paints that excel in this area. Vibrant pigments allow new artists to explore color blending and layering, essential skills in oil painting.
Consistency and Texture
Second, consider consistency and texture. Oil paints come in varying viscosities, affecting how easily they spread on the canvas. Beginners often benefit from medium-consistency paints like the ones in the Winsor & Newton Winton series. These are neither too thick nor too runny, providing excellent control while being easy to manipulate. Look for smooth, buttery textures that make application straightforward, helping you focus on technique rather than wrestling with your materials.
Water Mixable vs. Traditional Oil Paints
Lastly, decide between water-mixable and traditional oil paints. Water-mixable oils, like Winsor & Newton Artisan, are beginner-friendly because they can be thinned and cleaned with water, eliminating the need for harmful solvents. Traditional oils require specific thinners and solvents, which can be intimidating for new artists. However, traditional oils, like those offered in the MEEDEN kit, provide a rich texture that many artists prefer. Consider your workspace and safety preferences when making this choice.
By focusing on these factors, beginners can select oil paints that enhance their learning experience, making the journey into oil painting both enjoyable and rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Student and Artist Grade Oil Paints?
Student-grade oil paints use less pigment and more fillers, making them cheaper but with lower color intensity. Artist-grade paints have higher pigmentation, richer colors, and better durability. For beginners, student-grade is a cost-effective choice for practice, while artist-grade offers superior results for more serious projects.
How Long Does Oil Paint Take to Dry?
Oil paint drying time varies, usually taking 24 to 48 hours for the surface to dry. However, complete curing can take months. Factors like paint thickness, brand, and environmental conditions (humidity, temperature) affect drying time. For example, Winsor & Newton paints might dry faster due to their formulation.
Can Water Mixable Oil Paints Be Mixed With Traditional Oils?
Yes, water mixable oils can be mixed with traditional oils, but the resulting mixture loses some water miscibility. Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Color, for instance, can be combined with regular oils, requiring solvents for cleanup.
What Are Essential Accessories for a Beginner Oil Painter?
Essentials include good-quality brushes like the ARTIFY Oil Paint Brush Set, palette knives, a sturdy easel such as the MEEDEN Oil Painting Kit’s beech wood easel, and primed canvas panels. Palette paper or a glass palette is also helpful for mixing colors. Aprons, rags, and brush cleaners, especially water for water-mixable paints, are indispensable for keeping your space clean and tools in good condition.
Additional Resources and Tips for Beginners
Starting out with oil paints can be a bit daunting. Here are some extra resources and tips to help you get the most from your beginner set.
- Online Tutorials
Hopping onto YouTube or enrolling in online courses can provide step-by-step guidance. Websites like Udemy or Skillshare offer courses specifically tailored for beginners using oil painting kits. - Books and eBooks
Diving into books like “Oil Painting for the Absolute Beginner” by Mark Willenbrink offers structured, easy-to-follow lessons. eBooks are a great portable option for those who prefer digital formats. - Local Art Classes
Joining local art classes can provide hands-on experience with personalized instruction. Community centers and colleges often offer beginner-friendly courses. - Practice Sketching
Sketching simple subjects before diving into full paintings helps build fundamental skills. Beginners shouldn’t overlook practicing with a pencil or charcoal to improve their hand control and understand proportions. - Invest in Quality Supplies
While it might be tempting to cut costs, investing in quality brushes, canvases, and paints like those mentioned—MEEDEN, Winsor & Newton, and ARTIFY—can make a big difference in your painting experience. - Use Mediums Wisely
Paint mediums can affect the drying time, texture, and transparency of your paints. Start with basic mediums and gradually experiment as you become more comfortable. - Keep Your Workspace Clean
A clean workspace contributes to better results. Organize your tools, clean your brushes properly, and cover surfaces to avoid unwanted paint splatters. - Practice Safety
Ensure that your workspace is well-ventilated, especially if you’re using traditional oil paints. Using water-mixable oils like Winsor & Newton’s Artisan series can reduce exposure to harmful solvents. - Join Online Communities
There are numerous forums and groups where you can share your work, ask for feedback, and find inspiration. Websites like Reddit and Facebook groups dedicated to oil painting can be very helpful.
By utilizing these resources and tips, beginners can enhance their painting skills and enjoy a more fulfilling artistic journey.
