What Makes Oil Painting So Unique?
Oil painting is one of the most expressive and long-standing art forms. Known for its rich colours and smooth blending, it offers a level of depth and control that few other mediums can match. Artists have used oils for centuries to create detailed portraits, dramatic landscapes, and still life compositions that stand the test of time.
While oil painting might seem intimidating at first, it becomes a highly rewarding process once you understand the basics. With the right materials and a few essential techniques, anyone can begin exploring this medium. Whether you’re hoping to paint your first oil portrait or simply learn how to mix colours effectively, The Deckle Edge is here to help you get started.
What Supplies Do You Need for Oil Painting?
Starting your first oil painting project requires a few key materials. Here’s a simple checklist to help you build your toolkit:
- Oil paints – A basic set with titanium white, cadmium red, cadmium yellow, ultramarine blue, and burnt umber is a good place to begin. Visit us in-store or online to explore the full world of oil painting supplies, including beginner-friendly options like the Mont Marte H2O Water Mixable Oil Paint. This versatile paint offers the rich texture of traditional oils with the added convenience of water-based clean-up. It can be mixed with acrylics, gouache, or even classic oils, making it a great choice for artists experimenting with multiple mediums.
Recommended Products
- Brushes – Choose long-handled hog bristle or synthetic brushes made specifically for oils
- Palette and palette knife – Used for mixing and applying paint
- Canvas or oil painting paper – Make sure your surface is primed and ready to accept oil paint
- Mediums – Linseed oil, odourless mineral spirits, or turpentine can be used to alter drying time and paint flow
- Easel – Helps support your posture while working
- Jars and rags – For cleaning brushes and storing solvents or mediums
You can find many of these essentials in our Art Materials, with options for both beginners and more experienced painters.
How to Start Your First Oil Painting
You don’t need a formal class to begin oil painting, although lessons can be helpful. Here is a simple step-by-step process to guide your first painting session:
- Lightly sketch your composition on canvas using pencil or charcoal
- Block in basic shapes using a thin, diluted paint layer (this is called an underpainting)
- Begin painting in layers, moving from dark values to light
- Follow the fat-over-lean rule to avoid cracking, adding more oil to each successive layer
- Allow drying time between layers. This could take several days or more, depending on the thickness of the paint
- Clean your brushes thoroughly with solvent, followed by soap and warm water
The process takes patience, but it also allows for deep exploration and creative freedom. Mistakes are part of the learning process, and each painting will teach you something new.
Painting Oil Portraits: Tips for Beginners
Portraits in oil are expressive and rewarding to paint. For beginners, it helps to work from a reference photo and keep the colour palette simple. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Begin with a monochrome underpainting to map out values
- Use a mirror or flip the canvas to check for symmetry
- Mix skin tones ahead of time to avoid unnecessary blending on the canvas
- Apply highlights and small details slowly in the final stages
High-quality brushes and paints make a noticeable difference in achieving detail and control. Explore our selection of oil brushes to find tools that support precision and long-term results, whether you’re working on portraits, landscapes, or detailed studies.
What Surfaces Can You Use for Oil Painting?
The most traditional surface for oil painting is stretched, primed canvas. However, there are other good options, especially for beginners:
- Oil painting paper – Great for practice and more affordable than canvas
- Canvas boards – Lightweight and easy to transport
- Wood panels – Ideal for detailed work, especially when you want a rigid surface
Each surface has its own texture and absorption, so trying a few options will help you discover what works best. You can browse our available formats in the Paper collection.
Safe Studio Practices for Oil Painting
Oil painting involves materials that need thoughtful handling. To keep your workspace safe and comfortable, follow these tips:
- Work in a room with good ventilation
- Use odourless mineral spirits to reduce fumes
- Never leave oily rags in open containers, as they can self-ignite. Store them in a sealed, fireproof tin
- Dispose of paint waste responsibly. Do not pour solvents down the drain
- Use dedicated containers and clean-up cloths to keep your tools organised
Why Shop Oil Painting Supplies at The Deckle Edge?
We stock a curated selection of oil painting materials suited to artists at every stage of their journey. Highlights include:
- Trusted names like Dala, Winsor & Newton, and Schmincke
- A range of professional and beginner-friendly products
- Safer, low-toxicity options for home studios
- Expert guidance from a team of working creatives
- Convenient online ordering with national delivery
We also offer carefully selected brush sets, palettes, mediums, and canvas surfaces, so you can shop everything in one place.
Explore the Art of Oil Painting
If you’re ready to learn more, our Workshops and Events offer practical sessions in oil painting and other creative techniques. You can also visit our Art Blog for more inspiration, tips, and product guides.
Whether you’re preparing for your first still life or building confidence with oil portraits, we’re here to support your creative process. Visit us in-store or online to explore the full world of oil painting supplies.