Answering the question “which artist oil paints should I buy?” this guide highlights five reliable, accessible options for a range of studio needs. Whether you’re starting a new hobby, upgrading to professional colors, or seeking bulk options for large works, these picks cover beginner-friendly sets, stubborn pigments for heavy applications, and single-color workhorse tubes. Best for students and hobbyists, better for expanding color palettes, and choose this if you value pigment load and consistency. The included buying guide helps compare sets by pigment quality, texture, and practicality for various painting styles.
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint, Basic Set, 10 x 21ml Tubes | Beginners & students | Affordable starter colors with individual formulation |
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Set, 20 x 12ml Tubes | Developing artists | Higher pigment load and uniform consistency for broad painting |
| Paul Rubens Oil Paint, 20 Colors x 50ml Tubes | All-around professionals and enthusiasts | Large tubes, rich pigmentation, broad color range |
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color, 200ml Tube, Titanium White | Big projects & studios | High-volume white for extensive canvases |
| PHOENIX Studio Oil Paint Set – 20 Colors x 50ml | Professional results with strong permanence | High color saturation and lightfastness |
Winsor & Newton Winton Basic Set (10 x 21ml)
The Winsor & Newton Winton Basic Set provides a compact range of 10 colors in 21ml tubes. This set is ideal for beginners who want to explore color mixing and basic painting techniques without an upfront high investment. The pigments are formulated for consistency and predictable results, enabling smooth brushwork and reliable coverage. Best for students and hobbyists who want a solid starter palette that can be expanded later. Caution: Limited color variety may require additional tubes for advanced palettes.
Winsor & Newton Winton 20-Tube Starter Set
This 20-color Winton set offers a broader spectrum with a slightly stiffer consistency to hold brush and knife strokes better. It’s well-suited for beginners moving into more ambitious landscapes or still-life compositions. Higher pigment load supports rich color results, while the uniform consistency helps painters predict mixing outcomes. Best for developing painters who want more variety without jumping to pricier artist-grade lines. Limitation: Requires compatible solvents and mediums to achieve extended techniques.
Paul Rubens Oil Paint, 20 Colors x 50ml
The Paul Rubens oil color set emphasizes high pigmentation and smooth blending across a broad palette of 20 colors in 50ml tubes. The large tubes help in ongoing projects and exhibitions where consistent color is important. This set is best for artists who want rich coverage and the ability to mix bold, vibrant hues. Choose this if you value color strength and a good balance between price and performance. Caution: Some colors may require careful ventilation during initial opening to avoid strong fumes from pigments.
Winsor & Newton Winton 200ml Titanium White
This single 200ml titanium white tube is a practical option for artists running large-scale works or simulating white underpainting. Winton whites are valued for reliable permanence and consistency across projects. Best for studios and advanced painters who need a steady supply of white pigments. Better for those who already own a broad color set and want to ensure a uniform white is readily available. Caution: Using large amounts requires proper palette management to avoid waste.
PHOENIX Studio Oil Paint Set, 20 Colors x 50ml
The PHOENIX Studio Oil Paint Set emphasizes high color saturation, strong tinting strength, and excellent lightfastness. The 50ml tubes provide ample product for extensive canvases and the pigments are described as finely ground for smooth application. This set is best for artists seeking durable, studio-ready colors with longevity. Better for professionals who require consistent permanence and texture. Limitation: As with many professional sets, it may require longer drying times and specific mediums for advanced glazing.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when choosing artist oil paints?
- Pigment load and coverage: Higher pigment load often means better opacity and color intensity. If you plan large areas of color or bold strokes, a set with strong pigmentation is advantageous.
- Consistency and handling: Some ranges are stiffer and hold brush marks better; others are smoother and suit delicate blending. Decide which texture matches your technique.
- Tube size and quantity: Larger tubes (50ml, 200ml) reduce replacement frequency for ongoing projects. Starter kits typically use smaller tubes for budget-friendly experimentation.
- Lightfastness and permanence: For lasting works, choose paints with good lightfastness ratings and proven permanence in various lighting conditions.
- Solvent and cleanup considerations: Some brands offer water-mixable options that simplify cleanup. Consider your studio setup and cleanup preferences.
How many colors do I need?
Begin with a core palette: white, black, burnt umber, ivory black, titanium white, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, lemon yellow, and cerulean blue. You can add earth tones and greens as you expand.
What’s the difference between student and artist grade?
Student-grade paints prioritize lower cost and easier handling, with lighter pigment loads. Artist-grade paints offer higher pigment concentration and lightfastness, yielding richer colors and longer-lasting results.
How should I store my oils?
Store paints in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tubes tightly closed to prevent skinning and solvent loss. Label color names if colors are mixed frequently.
Do water-mixable oils work the same?
Water-mixable oils use an alternative solvent system for cleanup and thinning. They behave similarly in composition but behave differently with mediums and drying times. They are best for studios prioritizing ease of cleanup and safer solvent use.
Is a large color range always better?
A larger palette offers more mixing possibilities, but beginners can start with a focused set and add colors as needed. Choose breadth if you paint a variety of subjects or plan to mix complex tones.
FAQs
- Q: Which oil paint is best for beginners?
- A: A starter set with balanced pigmentation and moderate price, such as Winsor & Newton Winton or similar sets, provides reliable learning material without overwhelming.
- Q: How long does oil paint take to dry?
- A: Drying times vary by pigment and medium, typically from days to weeks depending on thickness and environment.
- Q: Are water-mixable oils safer for beginners?
- A: They can be easier to clean up, but drying behavior and handling may differ from traditional oils, so test before large works.
- Q: Should I buy a white tube separately?
- A: Yes; a large white tube like titanium white is useful for primaries and underpaintings in big canvases.
- Q: What medium should I use with these paints?
- A: Aids like linseed oil, standing oil, and gloss mediums can extend working time and alter gloss; use according to technique and desired finish.