Getting Started with Oil Paints

If you intend to begin creating oil paintings these are the essential things you will need to have.

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Studio Setup
First you will need a space to paint. You can create a mobile setup, so this may equate to multiple spaces, but you will need somewhere dedicated to your work where there is little distraction. In the same room as the television is an example of somewhere that is not conducive to painting. Look for someplace that is out of the general flow of traffic where you can set up a table or easel with a chair and good lighting. A well ventilated area is not needed unless using solvents (which are not necessary).

Paints
​You’ll need at least three primary colors in Blue, Red, and Yellow along with White. All colors can be created from just these three colors. White is necessary for creating lighter tints of the colors. Once again, start on the inexpensive end and work up. Student grade paints may substitute inferior color pigments (cheaper) that are more prone to fading when exposed ultraviolet light, but they are great for learning and experimentation. Upgrade to artist quality for those heirloom paintings that you want to stick around for generations.

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Brushes
​You’ll need a brush or brushes to apply your paints.  Your brushes can be flat tipped, rounded (filberts), or round (like a barrel). They can have long or sort handles and bristles that are soft or stiff, long or short, or synthetic or natural. If you are just starting out, purchase brushed that are inexpensive but good quality enough that the bristles don’t fall out. Purchase a variety of types and experiment to see which you prefer. Upgrade to the 'better' brushes once you've established a preference. Be wary of the specialty brushes, like "fan" brushes that are really only used to make specialty marks. Buy them only if you have a need for them.

Palette and Paint Mixing/Scraping Tool
​You’ll need something to mix your paints on. This could be a palette specially made for this or something that is smooth and easily scraped, wiped, and cleaned, like a large, flat plastic container or sturdy piece of glass (tape the edges!). You'll also need something with which to mix the paint if you intend to mix colors together before applying them to your substrate. A palette knife can do double duty as a mixer and scraper. Plastic or metal razor blades scraping tools can make the palette cleaning process easier. Dab a paper or fiber towel in either painting oil or light solvent to give your palette a final wipe down. 

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Easels
​You’ll’ need someplace or thing to set or hold your painting while working on it, such as an easel, stand, or wall mounted space. If your painting is small you can hold it in your hands while working on it but at some point it will become difficult to handle your work without destroying what you’ve already created and getting paint all over yourself. A small portable easel may serve you well. For larger work a full studio easel may be necessary. You can mount large works to a wall if you have a space that can accommodate the size and a wall that you don't mind splattered with paint.

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Clean up
​You’ll need items for clean up such as paper towels, soap, and hot water, (preferably). If you are working with modest sums of paint, a simple dish soap may be all you need. Soaps manufactured specifically for oil painting can condition as well as clean your brushes and hands. Solvent is not necessary, but may be a far more viable option when working with large amounts of paint. 

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Substrates
You’ll need some type of substrate to paint on, such as paper, canvas, or panel. You can buy pre-stretched canvas on thin (regular) or thick ("Box or"Gallery") frames. Panels are sold flat or cradled (framed edge)  with either a smooth or canvas surface. Fiber paper board with a canvas surface ("canvas board") is a low cost alternative. Oil-primed paper or watercolor paper (taped down and primed) is the most cost effective option when just starting out. When you purchase substrates made to paint on they are usually "primed" with a white or black surface that the paint will easily adhere to. Primer can be purchased separately.

These are the very basics of oil painting. Subscribe to the feed for ongoing painting tips.