Oil painting is my cherished medium for its rich textures, vibrant colors, and the ability to create stunningly detailed and expressive works of art. Selecting the right materials is crucial for achieving the best results. Here is my list of the essential art materials I use for oil painting, including paints, brushes, canvases, and more.
1. Oil Paints
Quality Matters: When it comes to oil paints, quality can significantly impact your results. Artist-grade paints offer better pigmentation, consistency, and lightfastness compared to student-grade options. They’re worth the investment for their superior performance and longevity. I always purchase the best quality I can afford. It is also so much more enjoyable to paint with good quality paint.
Basic Colors: I start with a basic palette of primary colors (Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Ultramarine Blue). I include white (Titanium White) and black (Ivory Black) for mixing and creating various shades and tints.
Specialty Colors: Most often I also add specialty colors like Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Umber, or Cerulean Blue to expand my palette and achieve more nuanced hues.
2. Brushes
Besides good quality paint, I believe that your brushes are the second most important addition to your art materials.
Types of Brushes: Oil painting requires a variety of brushes, each suited for different tasks. These are my favorite brushes that I use.
- Flat Brushes: Ideal for broad strokes and covering large areas.
- Round Brushes: Versatile for detailed work and fine lines.
- Filbert Brushes: Useful for blending and creating soft edges.
- Fan Brushes: Perfect for textural effects and foliage.
Brush Materials: I choose brushes made from high-quality synthetic or natural bristles (e.g., hog hair or sable). Synthetic brushes are durable and more affordable, while natural brushes often offer a finer point and better paint retention. And I prefer to buy brushes from Rosemary & Co., but I also have some cheap brands in my collection of brushes.
Brush Maintenance: Proper cleaning is essential for maintaining your brushes. I use a solvent to remove most of the paint, followed by soap and hot water to clean the bristles.
3. Canvas and Painting Surfaces
Canvas: For oil painting, canvases should be pre-stretched and primed. Cotton and linen canvases are common choices, with linen being more durable and less prone to warping, however linen is more expensive I more often use canvas.
Priming: Most canvasses you buy at the stores these days are already primed, but I prefer to prime my canvasses with an extra layer of gesso. This prepares the surface for paint and prevents oil from seeping through the fabric, which can lead to deterioration.
Alternative Surfaces: Besides traditional canvases, you can also paint on wooden panels, canvas boards, or even metal plates. Each surface offers different textures and effects.
4. Palettes
Material Choices: Palettes come in various materials, including glass, acrylic, and wood. Glass palettes are easy to clean and allow you to see true colors. Wooden palettes, often used by traditionalists, have a warmer feel and are durable but require more maintenance. I used to use a plastic palette but since I have my glass palette I will never use something else. Maybe I will get a wooden palette, to feel more like an old master!
Palette Knives: A palette knife is essential for mixing paints and applying texture. They come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for different effects and techniques. I have various palette knifes, but I most often use one my mom bought me when I just started painting more than 40 years ago!
5. Solvents and Mediums
Solvents: Solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits are used to thin paint and clean brushes. I don’t use that anymore. I prefer to use lamp oil.
Mediums: Mediums alter the consistency and drying times of oil paints. Common mediums include:
- Linseed Oil: Enhances paint flow and gloss while extending drying time.
- Stand Oil: Provides a smoother texture and longer drying time.
- Turpentine or Odorless Mineral Spirits: Used for thinning paint and cleaning brushes.
- Gesso: Priming medium for preparing surfaces.
6. Easels
Types of Easels: Choose an easel based on your working style and studio space. I have two studio easels, a tabletop easel and a protable easel.
- Studio Easels: Large and adjustable, suitable for indoor use and heavy canvases.
- Portable Easels: Lightweight and collapsible, ideal for plein air painting or small spaces.
- Tabletop Easels: Compact and perfect for small canvases or working in confined areas.
7. Rags and Paper Towels
Cleaning and Blending: Rags and paper towels are essential for cleaning brushes, wiping excess paint, and managing spills. Choose lint-free rags for better results and avoid using too much paper towel to reduce waste.
8. Storage and Organization
Paint Storage: Store your oil paints in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use airtight containers for open paint tubes to prevent them from drying out. How do you know someone is an artist? Look in their fridge – most artists store their paint there!
Brush Storage: Keep brushes in a brush holder or jar to maintain their shape. Avoid storing them with bristles down to prevent damage.
Studio Setup: Organize your studio space for efficiency and comfort. Ensure proper ventilation and lighting to create an ideal working environment.
Conclusion
Equipping yourself with the right art materials is the first step towards successful oil painting. By investing in high-quality paints, brushes, canvases, and accessories, you’ll be better prepared to create vibrant, lasting artworks. Remember, while materials are important, practice and experimentation will truly help you master the art of oil painting. Embrace the process, and enjoy the journey of creating beautiful oil paintings. Happy painting and visit my art shop to buy my art!
