Are you ready to embark on your oil painting journey but feeling overwhelmed by the vast array of paint options? Many beginners struggle to choose the right oil paints, unsure of which brands offer the best quality for their skill level. Fear not! This guide will introduce you to artist-grade oil paints, with a focus on Gamblin’s excellent range, perfect for novice painters looking to create professional-quality artwork from day one.
Oil Paints: What Beginners Need to Know
Embarking on your oil painting journey? Let’s dive into the essentials you need to know about oil paints.
Oil Paint Composition Basics
Oil paints consist of two main components: pigments and a binding medium. The pigments provide color, while the binding medium, typically linseed oil, holds the pigments together and allows for smooth application.
Student vs Artist-Grade Paints
As a beginner, you’ll encounter two main categories:
- Student-grade paints: More affordable, with lower pigment concentration.
- Artist-grade paints: Higher quality, with richer pigments and better lightfastness.
While student-grade paints are budget-friendly, investing in artist-grade paints like Gamblin can significantly enhance your work’s quality and longevity.
Key Oil Paint Qualities
When selecting oil paints, consider these crucial factors:
- Pigment concentration
- Lightfastness
- Consistency
- Drying time
Gamblin Artist’s Oil Colors excel in these areas, offering beginners a professional-grade product that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Top Artist-Grade Oil Paint Brands for Beginners
Navigating the world of artist-grade oil paints can be daunting for beginners. Let’s explore some top brands that offer quality without breaking the bank.
Gamblin Artist’s Oil Colors: Starting Point
Gamblin Artist’s Oil Colors stand out as an excellent starting point for novice painters:
- High-quality pigments
- Consistent texture
- Excellent lightfastness
- Environmentally conscious production
Their 1980 Oil Color line is particularly beginner-friendly, offering professional quality at a more accessible price point.
Recommended Brands for Novice Painters
- Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Colours
- Blick Artists’ Oil Colors
- Williamsburg Handmade Oil Colors
These brands offer a balance of quality and affordability, perfect for beginners looking to explore artist-grade paints.
Price Points & Value for Money Comparison
- Gamblin: Mid-range pricing, excellent value
- Winsor & Newton: Slightly higher price, but often on sale
- Blick: Budget-friendly option without compromising quality
- Williamsburg: Higher-end, but offers unique colors
While Gamblin offers the best overall value, each brand has its strengths. Consider starting with a limited palette from Gamblin to experience professional-grade paints without overwhelming your budget.
Lightfastness in Oil Paints
When choosing oil paints, lightfastness is a crucial factor to consider, especially for beginners aiming for long-lasting artwork.
What is Lightfastness?
Lightfastness refers to a paint’s ability to resist fading or changing color when exposed to light over time. It’s essential for preserving the vibrancy and integrity of your paintings.
Lightfastness Ratings
Paint manufacturers use standardized ratings to indicate lightfastness:
- ASTM I: Excellent lightfastness
- ASTM II: Very good lightfastness
- ASTM III: Fair lightfastness
- ASTM IV: Poor lightfastness
Gamblin Artist’s Oil Colors predominantly use pigments rated ASTM I and II, ensuring your artwork remains vibrant for generations.
Benefits of Lightfast Paints
- Long-lasting artwork
- Consistent color appearance
- Professional-quality results
- Increased value of paintings
By choosing lightfast paints like Gamblin’s, beginners can create enduring art from the start of their journey.
Essential Oil Paint Colors for Your Beginner’s Palette
Building a versatile palette is crucial for beginners. Let’s explore the essential colors you need to kickstart your oil painting journey.
Must-Have Primary Colors
- Cadmium Red Light
- Ultramarine Blue
- Cadmium Yellow Light
These primary colors form the foundation of your palette, allowing you to mix a wide range of hues.
Secondary & Tertiary Colors
- Secondary: Green, Orange, Purple
- Tertiary: Yellow-Green, Blue-Green, Red-Orange, Yellow-Orange, Blue-Violet, Red-Violet
Add these to expand your color range:
- Titanium White
- Ivory Black
- Yellow Ochre
Color Mixing Tips
- Start with small amounts
- Mix colors on your palette, not the canvas
- Experiment with different ratios
- Keep a color mixing chart for reference
Gamblin’s Artist’s Oil Colors offer excellent pigment quality, making color mixing a joy for beginners.
Gamblin Artist’s Oil Paints
Gamblin offers a comprehensive range of high-quality oil paints perfect for beginners and professionals alike.
Gamblin’s Product Range & Sizes
Gamblin Artist’s Oil Colors come in various sizes to suit different needs:
- 37 ml (1.25 oz) tubes: Ideal for beginners or trying new colors
- 150 ml (5 oz) tubes: Great for frequent use
- 237 ml (8 oz), 473 ml (16 oz), and 947 ml (32 oz) cans: Perfect for larger projects
Gamblin’s Quality & Safety Commitment
Gamblin prioritizes artist safety and environmental responsibility:
- Uses high-quality pigments for vibrant colors
- Ensures excellent lightfastness (ASTM I and II ratings)
- Produces paints with the well-being of artists and the environment in mind
First Project Tips with Gamblin Paints
- Start with a limited palette of primary colors
- Experiment with mixing to understand color relationships
- Use Gamsol as a safe, odorless solvent for thinning and cleaning
- Try Gamblin’s Solvent-Free Gel medium for impasto techniques
With Gamblin’s quality and versatility, beginners can confidently embark on their oil painting journey.
Quality Oil Paints: Elevating Your Art
Choosing the right oil paints can significantly impact your artistic journey and the longevity of your work.
Why Oil Paint Choice Matters
- Higher pigment concentration for vibrant colors
- Better lightfastness for long-lasting artwork
- Smoother consistency for easier application
- More predictable drying times
Artist-Grade Paint Investment Benefits
- Professional-quality results from the start
- Less frustration with color mixing and application
- Increased value of finished artwork
- Long-term savings by using less paint
Gamblin: Where to Buy & How to Start
- Purchase Gamblin Artist’s Oil Colors from art supply stores or online retailers
- Begin with a limited palette of primary colors
- Explore Gamblin’s website for tutorials and resources
- Join online communities to share experiences with fellow artists
Investing in quality oil paints like Gamblin’s can elevate your art, providing a solid foundation for your creative journey.
