Oil painting is a classic medium that has been used for centuries by artists to create stunning works of art. However, if you’re new to oil painting, choosing the right paints can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best beginner oil paints.
When it comes to oil paints, there are two main types: artist grade and student grade. Artist grade paints are of higher quality and are often more expensive, while student grade paints are more affordable and are designed for beginners. For this guide, we’ll be focusing on the best student grade oil paints for beginners.
When choosing beginner oil paints, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to consider the pigment quality. Look for paints that have a high pigment load, which means they have a high concentration of pigment compared to filler. This will give you more vibrant colors and better coverage.
Another thing to consider is the drying time. Oil paints take longer to dry than other types of paint, which can be frustrating for beginners who want to see their finished work quickly. Look for paints that have a moderate drying time, so you don’t have to wait too long to add additional layers or make changes to your work.
Overall, the best beginner oil paints should be easy to work with, provide vibrant colors, and have a moderate drying time. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the top options on the market.
Best Beginner Oil Paints
If you’re new to the world of oil painting, finding the right set of paints can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best beginner oil paints to help you get started on your artistic journey. These paints are easy to work with, affordable, and produce beautiful results. Whether you’re a student or a hobbyist, these paints are perfect for anyone looking to experiment with oil painting.
KEFF Oil Paint Set
Looking for a beginner oil painting set? The KEFF Oil Paint Set has everything you need to get started and create your own masterpiece.
Pros
- Rich and vibrant oil-based colors that are easy to blend
- Complete oil painting kit with adjustable tabletop easel and various canvas sizes
- Ideal for creative projects, paint parties, and school projects
Cons
- Some users may find the included brushes to be low quality
- The included canvas panels may warp over time
- The included paint sponges may not be very useful
This oil painting kit is perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at oil painting. It includes a wide range of painting supplies, such as canvas panels, paint brushes, a roll-up case, paint sponges, and palette knives. The included oil-based paints are highly pigmented and easy to blend, allowing you to create a variety of shades.
The adjustable tabletop easel is lightweight and easy to use, making it convenient to paint from the angle and height you prefer. The 100% cotton and acid-free stretched canvases are of exceptional quality, providing a smooth surface to paint on. The included palette knives allow you to blend various shades, while the paint brushes can be used for a variety of techniques to achieve great results.
This painting kit is perfect for creative projects, paint parties, school projects, home wall decoration, and art classes. It also makes an excellent gift for artists and beginners alike.
In summary, the KEFF Oil Paint Set is an excellent choice for beginners who want to try their hand at oil painting. With its complete oil painting kit, rich and vibrant oil-based colors, and convenient tabletop easel, this set has everything you need to create your own masterpiece.
Norberg & Linden XXL Oil Paint Set
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive oil paint set for beginners, the Norberg & Linden XXL Oil Paint Set might be a good choice for you.
Pros
- The set comes with 24 vibrant colors, allowing you to create a range of hues and tones to bring your artistic visions to life.
- This set also includes 25 finely crafted professional paint brushes, allowing you to create every stroke of your masterpiece with ease.
- The set is reasonably priced and includes everything you need to create an oil painting, making it a great choice for beginner artists.
Cons
- The brushes included in the set leave a little to be desired, and some users may want to invest in higher quality brushes.
- The tubes of paint are relatively small, so you may need to purchase additional paint if you plan to do a lot of painting.
- Some users have reported that the set is missing certain materials needed for specific techniques, such as a fan brush or painting knives.
If you’re a beginner looking for a complete oil paint set, the Norberg & Linden XXL Oil Paint Set is a great choice. With 24 vibrant colors and 25 professional paint brushes, this set includes everything you need to get started on your artistic journey. However, keep in mind that the brushes included in the set may not be of the highest quality, and you may need to purchase additional paint if you plan to do a lot of painting.
Ohuhu Oil Paint Set
If you’re looking for an affordable oil paint set for beginners, the Ohuhu Oil Paint Set might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- With 24 vibrant oil-based colors, this set offers a good range of colors for your paintings.
- The set is portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
- The paint is non-toxic, making it safe for adults and children alike.
Cons
- The tubes are small, containing only 12 ml of paint each.
- The paint may take a long time to dry, which can be inconvenient.
- The paint may smudge if touched before it’s completely dry.
This oil paint set is a great choice for beginners who want to experiment with different colors and techniques. The set includes a good range of colors, making it easy to create a variety of paintings. The paint is also non-toxic, making it safe for children and adults to use.
However, the tubes are small, containing only 12 ml of paint each. This might not be enough paint for larger paintings. Additionally, the paint may take a long time to dry, which can be inconvenient if you need to work on multiple paintings at once. Finally, the paint may smudge if touched before it’s completely dry, so you’ll need to be careful when handling your paintings.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable oil paint set for beginners, the Ohuhu Oil Paint Set is a good choice. It offers a good range of colors, is easy to take with you wherever you go, and is non-toxic. However, it does have some limitations, so you’ll need to consider whether it’s the right choice for your needs.
Caliart Acrylic Paint Set With 12 Brushes, 24 Colors (59ml, 2oz) Art Craft Paints Gifts for Artists Kids Beginners & Painters, Halloween Pumpkin Canvas Ceramic Rock Painting Kit Art Supplies Multicolor
If you’re looking for a versatile acrylic paint set that comes with a range of colors and is safe for all ages, the Caliart Acrylic Paint Set With 12 Brushes is a great choice.
Pros
- The premium paints glide on smoothly and dry quickly, making them ideal for canvas painting, Halloween decorations, pumpkin painting, and more.
- The creamy consistency and high pigments offer great covering power for large areas and fine details, and the fast-dry formula allows you to layer additional coats or add other elements to your work right away.
- The set comes with 24-pack, 2 oz / 59ml bottles in the classic colors, making it a great gift for creative adults, artists, beginners, students, kids, teens, boys, and girls.
Cons
- The bottles can be hard to reopen after they’ve been closed for a while.
- Some users have reported that the paint can be a bit watery, which can make it difficult to get the desired consistency.
- The brushes included in the set may not be of the best quality.
If you’re looking for a versatile acrylic paint set that comes with a range of colors and is safe for all ages, the Caliart Acrylic Paint Set With 12 Brushes is a great choice. The premium paints glide on smoothly and dry quickly, making them ideal for canvas painting, Halloween decorations, pumpkin painting, and more. The creamy consistency and high pigments offer great covering power for large areas and fine details, and the fast-dry formula allows you to layer additional coats or add other elements to your work right away. The set comes with 24-pack, 2 oz / 59ml bottles in the classic colors, making it a great gift for creative adults, artists, beginners, students, kids, teens, boys, and girls. However, some users have reported that the paint can be a bit watery, which can make it difficult to get the desired consistency, and the brushes included in the set may not be of the best quality. Overall, if you’re looking for a good quality acrylic paint set that won’t break the bank, the Caliart Acrylic Paint Set With 12 Brushes is definitely worth considering.
Elan Professional Oil Paint Set
If you’re looking for a high-quality oil paint set that’s both beginner-friendly and professional-grade, the Elan Professional Oil Paint Set might be just what you need.
Pros
- The 24 vibrant colors in this set are perfect for unleashing your creativity and delivering intense color coverage with every brush stroke.
- The non-toxic ingredients make this oil paint set safe and ideal for artists of all ages.
- The color-coded 1.7 oz tubes provide quick and easy identification of the various premium oil paints for artists.
Cons
- The tubes might be too small for artists who use a lot of paint.
- Some users reported that the paint takes a long time to dry, which can be frustrating for those who want to work quickly.
- The set might be a bit expensive for some beginners.
This Elan oil painting set is designed for all skill levels and makes it easy to achieve stunning results. Whether you’re treating yourself, or surprising a fellow artist, this oil paint set makes for the perfect gift. Although the set provides oil paint for adults, the non-toxic paints are also safe to be used as a paint set for kids or painting kit for teens.
The 50ml tubes are easy to use and store, making this professional oil paint set ideal for studio work. The set features a diverse selection of 24 rich oil colors that can be used on canvas or any other surface. The Elan oil paint set is perfect for both professional artists and beginners who want to expand their palette.
Overall, the Elan Professional Oil Paint Set is a great choice for anyone who wants to achieve stunning results with a high-quality oil paint set.
Castle Art Supplies Oil Paint Set
If you’re looking for an affordable oil paint set, the Castle Art Supplies Oil Paint Set is a great option for beginners and advanced artists alike.
Pros
- The set includes a variety of vibrant colors that are easy to use and highly pigmented.
- The paints come in a sturdy presentation box that makes it easy to organize and transport your supplies.
- The set includes a fold-out tutorial that teaches you how to paint Lady Guinevere in five easy-to-follow steps.
Cons
- The paint may take a few days to dry completely, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to work quickly.
- The tubes are small, so you may need to purchase additional paint if you plan on using it frequently.
- Some users have reported that the paint is a bit thin, which can make it difficult to achieve a thick, textured look.
If you’re just starting out with oil painting, the Castle Art Supplies Oil Paint Set is a great choice. The set includes a wide range of colors that are easy to use and highly pigmented, so you can experiment with different techniques and styles. The presentation box makes it easy to keep your supplies organized and the fold-out tutorial is a helpful resource for beginners.
One potential downside of this set is that the paint may take a few days to dry completely, so you’ll need to be patient if you’re working on a time-sensitive project. Additionally, the tubes are relatively small, so you may need to purchase additional paint if you plan on using it frequently. Finally, some users have reported that the paint is a bit thin, which can make it difficult to achieve a thick, textured look.
Overall, the Castle Art Supplies Oil Paint Set is a great option for beginners who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use set of oil paints. Whether you’re a student or a hobbyist, this set is a great way to get started with oil painting.
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint, Starter Set, 10 x 37ml Tubes, 1.25 Fl Oz (Pack of 10) Starter Set – 10 x 37ml
If you’re a beginner artist looking for moderately priced oil colors, Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Starter Set is a great option.
Pros
- The high level of pigmentation provides good covering power and tinting strength
- Ideal for student and amateur artists or more accomplished painters requiring large volumes of color within moderate cost limits
- Introductory set that includes ten 37ml tubes
Cons
- Takes a long time to dry
- Not as pigmented as the Artists’ Oil Color range
- May require more coats to achieve desired opacity
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Starter Set is an excellent choice for beginner artists who want to experiment with oil painting without breaking the bank. With a high level of pigmentation, it provides good covering power and tinting strength. It’s also an ideal option for student and amateur artists or more accomplished painters requiring large volumes of color within moderate cost limits. The introductory set includes ten 37ml tubes, so you can try out a variety of colors before investing in larger tubes. However, it takes a long time to dry and may require more coats to achieve desired opacity. Despite this, it’s a solid choice for beginners who want to explore oil painting.
In conclusion, if you’re a beginner artist looking for moderately priced oil colors, Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Starter Set is definitely worth considering.
MEEDEN Oil Paint Set
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly oil paint set, the MEEDEN Oil Paint Set might be what you need.
Pros
- The set includes 24 vibrant colors that can fulfill different painting and coloring needs.
- The paints have excellent buttery consistency and clarity, thanks to the elaborate grinding process.
- The set is non-toxic and complies with solvent & acid-free, harmless elements and 100% environmental principles.
Cons
- The colors included in the set might not be the classic starting colors, which could make mixing difficult for some beginners.
- Some users might prefer a larger tube size than the 22ml/0.74oz provided in this set.
- The strong smell of the paints might bother some users.
If you’re new to oil painting or looking for an affordable set to spark your imagination, the MEEDEN Oil Paint Set might be a good choice. The set is designed to be all-level friendly, with the best linseed oil and pigment powder ratio.
The MEEDEN Oil Paint Set is also elaborately made, with a grinding process that ensures the single particle dia can reach less than 35μm. This level of fineness empowers the paints with excellent buttery consistency and clarity. Even mixing more than 3 colors, the target color will remain as clear as the original.
Moreover, the set is non-toxic and certified to AP, CE, and ASTM D-4236 standards. This means that the paints are safe for all ages, from toddlers to the elderly.
However, some users might find the colors included in the set not to be the classic starting colors, which could make mixing difficult for some beginners. Additionally, some users might prefer a larger tube size than the 22ml/0.74oz provided in this set. Lastly, the strong smell of the paints might bother some users.
Overall, the MEEDEN Oil Paint Set is a good choice for beginners who want to explore oil painting without breaking the bank.
MEEDEN Oil Painting Kit
If you’re looking for a complete oil painting kit, the MEEDEN Oil Painting Kit is a great option for beginners.
Pros
- The kit includes everything you need to get started with oil painting, including paints, brushes, canvases, and more.
- The professional-grade oil paints have a rich, vivid, and buttery consistency that allows for stereoscopic and 3D effects.
- The tabletop easel box is handcrafted of solid European beechwood and can hold canvases up to 28-½” in height.
Cons
- The kit may be a bit pricey for some beginners.
- The brushes included in the kit may not be of the highest quality.
- Some users have reported issues with the paint tubes leaking.
The MEEDEN Oil Painting Kit is a great option for beginners who want a complete set of high-quality oil painting supplies. The kit includes a tabletop easel box, 13 artist-grade oil paints, 10 oil paintbrushes, a disposable palette pad, a canvas pad, a stretched canvas and panel set, a wooden palette, 2 detail paintbrushes, 2 palette knives, a washing bucket, a double dipper, a drawing pencil, an eraser, and a utility knife.
The professional-grade oil paints have a rich, vivid, and buttery consistency that allows for stereoscopic and 3D effects. The tabletop easel box is handcrafted of solid European beechwood and can hold canvases up to 28-½” in height. However, the kit may be a bit pricey for some beginners, and the brushes included in the kit may not be of the highest quality. Some users have also reported issues with the paint tubes leaking.
Overall, the MEEDEN Oil Painting Kit is a solid choice for beginners who want a complete set of high-quality oil painting supplies.
Ohuhu Oil Paint Set
If you’re looking for a beginner oil paint set that offers a range of colors and is non-toxic, the Ohuhu Oil Paint Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes 36 vibrant oil-based colors, providing a good range of options for your painting needs.
- This is a great value oil painting supplies set that is perfect for beginners and professionals alike.
- The set is portable, allowing you to paint wherever you go.
Cons
- The tubes are small, containing only 12 ml (0.4 oz) of paint.
- The basic colors are included in the set, but some users may find that they need additional colors.
- The paint may take a while to dry, which can be frustrating for some users.
If you’re a beginner artist looking for a non-toxic oil paint set that offers a range of colors, the Ohuhu Oil Paint Set is a great choice. The set includes 36 vibrant oil-based colors, providing a good range of options for your painting needs. Additionally, this is a great value oil painting supplies set that is perfect for beginners and professionals alike. Finally, the set is portable, allowing you to paint wherever you go.
However, there are some downsides to this set. The tubes are small, containing only 12 ml (0.4 oz) of paint, which may not be enough for some users. Additionally, the basic colors are included in the set, but some users may find that they need additional colors. Finally, the paint may take a while to dry, which can be frustrating for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a beginner oil paint set that offers a range of colors and is non-toxic, the Ohuhu Oil Paint Set is a great option.
PHOENIX Oil Paint Set
If you’re a beginner looking for a great value oil paint set, the PHOENIX Oil Paint Set is a solid choice.
Pros
- With its high color saturation, strong tinting strength, and great permanence, AUREUO oil paints are perfect for learning mixing color theory and trying new techniques.
- The set features thick and creamy consistency, allowing you to create wonderful texture or blend with the medium for various effects.
- Certified by EN 71 and ASTM-4236, this safe paint is perfect for adults and suitable for paint parties, painting classes, paint nights, family painting, and more.
Cons
- Some reviewers have noted that the paint doesn’t cover the canvas very well and doesn’t mix well to make other colors.
- The yellow is very light, and some users couldn’t make it deeper by mixing.
- The tubes are small, so you may go through this set quickly if you don’t use paints sparingly.
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly oil paint set that’s safe to use and affordable, the PHOENIX Oil Paint Set is a great option. With its high color saturation, strong tinting strength, and great permanence, you’ll be able to learn mixing color theory and try new techniques with ease. The thick and creamy consistency allows you to create wonderful texture or blend with the medium for various effects. Certified by EN 71 and ASTM-4236, this safe paint is perfect for adults and suitable for paint parties, painting classes, paint nights, family painting, and more.
However, some reviewers have noted that the paint doesn’t cover the canvas very well and doesn’t mix well to make other colors. The yellow is very light, and some users couldn’t make it deeper by mixing. Additionally, the tubes are small, so you may go through this set quickly if you don’t use paints sparingly.
U.S. Art Supply Professional 12 Color Set of Art Oil Paint in 12ml Tubes – Rich Vivid Colors for Artists, Students, Beginners – Canvas Portrait Paintings 12 Count (Pack of 1)
If you’re looking for a beginner oil paint set that is safe, easy to use, and offers a great range of colors, the U.S. Art Supply Professional 12 Color Set of Art Oil Paint in 12ml Tubes might be the one for you.
Pros
- The set includes 12 unique, eye-catching, and vivid colors that allow you to create stunning masterpieces.
- The high-intensity colors are made with premium quality pigments, ensuring that your artwork will look professional.
- The paint is kid-safe, non-toxic, and easy to use, making it perfect for art students, teachers, and beginners.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the paint takes a long time to dry, which can be frustrating.
- The colors you receive may not be exactly as pictured.
- The paint is thick, so you don’t need much, but this can also make it difficult to spread evenly.
If you’re looking for a beginner oil paint set that is easy to use and provides great visual results, the U.S. Art Supply Professional 12 Color Set of Art Oil Paint in 12ml Tubes is definitely worth considering. The set includes 12 unique and vivid colors that will allow you to create stunning masterpieces on canvas and most art media. The high-intensity colors are made with premium quality pigments, ensuring that your artwork will look professional.
However, some customers have reported that the paint takes a long time to dry, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to finish a project quickly. Additionally, the colors you receive may not be exactly as pictured, so keep that in mind when making your purchase. Finally, the paint is thick, so you don’t need much, but this can also make it difficult to spread evenly. Overall, the U.S. Art Supply Professional 12 Color Set of Art Oil Paint in 12ml Tubes is a great option for beginners who want to create beautiful art without breaking the bank.
Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Color Paint, Beginners Set, 1.25-oz (37ml) Tubes, Set of 6 Beginners Set 6 x 1.25-oz
If you’re new to oil painting and want to avoid hazardous solvents, Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Color Paint is a great option.
Pros
- Specifically developed to appear and work just like conventional oil color
- The key difference between Artisan and conventional oils is its ability to thin and clean up with water
- Beginners Set that includes 6 colors in 1.25 oz. (37 ml) tubes
Cons
- Difficult to use without a medium because of the consistency
- Some colors are separated from the oily substance and not mixed with paint
- Some colors may be of different quality than others
Artisan Water Mixable Oil Color Paint is made from linseed oil and safflower oil, but modified so that they will mix and clean up with water. The depth of color, buttery consistency, light fastness, opacity/transparency, performance and drying times of Artisan, allow artists to use this range for all oil color techniques.
This set includes 6 colors in 1.25 oz. (37 ml) tubes, including one each of Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, Permanent Alizarin Crimson, French Ultramarine, Phthalo Green (Blue Shade), Yellow Ochre and Titanium White.
While some users may find the consistency difficult to work with without a medium, the overall quality and ease of use make this set a great option for beginners or those looking for a safer painting environment.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying oil paints for beginners, there are a few factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features to look out for:
Quality
The quality of the oil paint is an important factor to consider. High-quality oil paints contain more pigment and less filler, resulting in a more vibrant and long-lasting color. Look for oil paints that have a high pigment load, which means that they contain a higher concentration of pigment.
Consistency
The consistency of the oil paint refers to its thickness and texture. Different brands of oil paint offer different consistencies, from thin and runny to thick and buttery. The consistency you choose will depend on your personal preference and the techniques you plan to use. For beginners, it is recommended to start with a medium consistency oil paint.
Color Range
The color range of the oil paint is another important factor to consider. Some brands offer a wider range of colors than others, giving you more options to choose from. It is recommended to choose a brand that offers a broad range of colors to ensure that you have all the colors you need to create a variety of paintings.
Price
The price of the oil paint is also an important consideration. While high-quality oil paints can be expensive, it is important to remember that they will last longer and produce better results. However, for beginners, it is recommended to start with a more affordable brand until you become more experienced.
To summarize, when choosing the best oil paints for beginners, consider the quality, consistency, color range, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can find a product that meets your needs and helps you create beautiful works of art.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential supplies needed for a beginner in oil painting?
To get started with oil painting, you will need a few essential supplies. These include oil paints, brushes, a palette, canvas or paper, and a solvent or medium. It’s important to invest in quality materials to ensure the best results.
Which oil paint brand is recommended for those just starting out?
There are many reputable oil paint brands to choose from, but some popular options for beginners include Winsor & Newton, Gamblin, and Daler Rowney. These brands offer quality paints at an affordable price and are widely available.
How do I choose the right oil paint set for a beginner artist?
When selecting an oil paint set, consider the colors included, the quality of the paints, and the price. Look for sets that include a range of colors and are made with high-quality pigments. It’s also important to choose a set that fits within your budget.
What are some good first oil painting project ideas for novices?
Some good first oil painting projects for beginners include painting a simple still life, landscape, or portrait. Start with a basic composition and focus on developing your painting skills. There are many tutorials and resources available online to help guide you through your first painting.
Are there any specific oil paint sets designed for beginner artists?
Yes, there are many oil paint sets designed specifically for beginners. These sets often include a range of colors and are made with high-quality pigments. Look for sets that come with brushes and other essential supplies to get started right away.
What should a beginner look for when selecting oil paints?
When selecting oil paints, beginners should look for paints made with high-quality pigments that offer good color saturation and mixing properties. It’s also important to choose paints that are lightfast and will not fade over time. Consider the price and choose paints that fit within your budget.
