As a oil paint beginner, it can be overwheling to know where to start when it comes to gathering the right supplies. I still remeber my first time walking into a art store, feeling like a kid in a candy store, not knowing what to choose. That’s why I want to share my personal experience with you, and guide you through the process of selecting the essential oil paint beginner supplies.
Getting Started
First things first, you’re going to need some basic supplies, like paints, brushes, and a canvas. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “what kind of paints should I get?” Well, let me tell you, as a beginner, you don’t need to break the bank on expensive paints. You can start with some student-grade paints, they’re more afforable and still good quality. Please note, these are solely the author’s personal views.
Paints and Brushes
When it comes to paints, you’ll want to get a variety of colors, including titanium white, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. These colors will give you a good foundation to start with. As for brushes, you’ll want to get a mix of natural and synthetic brushes, in different sizes and shapes. I like to use a mix of flat and round brushes, they’re super useful for creating different effects. By the way, I’m gonna be honest with you, I made a mistake once, I bought a bunch of cheap brushes, and they were totally useless, so don’t make the same mistake, invest in some good quality brushes.
Now, let’s talk about canvases, you can choose from a variety of sizes and types, including cotton, linen, or synthetic. I personally prefer linen, it’s more durable and has a nice texture. Anyway, moving on to the next topic, you’ll also need some solvents, like turpentine or mineral spirits, to thin out your paints and clean your brushes. Just remember, when working with solvents, it’s me and you, against the fumes, so make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area.
Additional Supplies
In addition to the basic supplies, you may also want to consider getting some additional supplies, like a palette, a easel, and some rags. A palette will give you a surface to mix your paints on, and an easel will allow you to work on your canvas at a comfortable height. Rags are also super useful for wiping your brushes clean and removing excess paint. I mean, trust me, you don’t want to be stuck with a bunch of paint-stained clothes, it’s a real pain to get them clean.
Lastly, I want to say, that practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first few paintings don’t turn out as expected. Keep at it, and you’ll eventually get the hang of it. And, don’t forget to have fun, that’s what it’s all about, right? So, go ahead, get creative, and happy painting!