Starting Your Oil Painting Journey
At The Artist Outpost in Ocean Beach, San Diego, we believe that creativity should be accessible to everyone—especially when it comes to something as expressive and classic as oil painting. Whether you’ve never touched a paintbrush or you’re returning to your creative roots, oil painting offers a rich, slow-drying medium perfect for building skill and confidence.
This guide on Oil Painting for Beginners is designed to walk you through everything you need to know to get started—from choosing your materials and understanding basic techniques to avoiding common beginner pitfalls. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by oil paints, don’t worry. This step-by-step guide will give you the encouragement, tools, and practical know-how to start painting with confidence.
Before we jump in, check out our Painting Classes if you’re ready to get hands-on support in a welcoming, creative space.
Why Oil Painting? Understanding the Magic of the Medium
When it comes to paint mediums, oil paints are like the slow-cooked comfort food of the art world—rich, forgiving, and full of depth.
What Makes Oil Painting Unique?
- Blending Power: Because oil paint dries slowly, you have more time to blend, soften edges, and rework your composition.
- Color Richness: Oil pigments retain their vibrancy and richness more than most other mediums.
- Durability: Finished oil paintings can last centuries (yes, centuries!) with proper care.
Is Oil Painting Hard for Beginners?
Not at all! Many people mistakenly assume oil paints are only for “serious artists,” but oil painting for beginners is totally doable with a few smart techniques and a little patience.
Want to see how oil painting compares to other mediums? Check out our blog on 11 Watercolor Techniques Every Artist Should Know to explore another popular painting path.
What You’ll Need: The Basic Oil Painting Starter Kit
Let’s talk about supplies. The best part? You don’t need a full art studio to start.
Your Beginner-Friendly Oil Painting Supply List:
- Oil Paints (start with 5–7 essential colors)
- Brushes (a mix of flats and rounds in bristle and synthetic)
- Canvas or Canvas Board
- Palette (wood, glass, or even a paper palette pad)
- Palette Knife (for mixing or texture)
- Linseed Oil (to modify paint consistency)
- Turpentine or Odorless Mineral Spirits (for cleaning brushes)
- Rags or Paper Towels
- Easel (optional but helpful)
Don’t get overwhelmed buying supplies. Start simple. You can always build your collection as you grow more comfortable with oil painting for beginners.
Step-by-Step Guide: Your First Oil Painting Project
Let’s walk through your very first oil painting project together. You can follow this structure to build confidence and understand how to work with oils step-by-step.
Step 1: Sketch Your Composition
Lightly draw your subject with a pencil or charcoal. Keep it loose—this is just a roadmap.
Step 2: Block In Basic Colors
Using thinned paint (mix with turpentine or linseed oil), lay in your major shapes and colors. Don’t worry about details just yet!
Step 3: Add Layers and Build Depth
Now the fun begins. Add new layers of paint using the “fat over lean” rule (more oil in each layer as you build up). This prevents cracking and helps drying.
Step 4: Blend and Refine
Take advantage of the slow drying time to soften edges, create transitions, and shape your forms.
Step 5: Let It Dry and Varnish Later
Oil paintings can take days to weeks to dry. Don’t rush the process. Once fully dry, you can varnish to protect the surface and boost color.
Need a bit more structure? Our in-person Painting Classes walk you through this process with live guidance in a fun, collaborative setting.
Foundational Techniques Every Beginner Should Try
Whether you’re painting a bowl of fruit or your dog’s regal portrait, these oil painting techniques are beginner must-knows.
- Underpainting: Lay a monochromatic base layer to define shapes and values.
- Scumbling: Lightly drag paint over a dry layer to create texture or soft highlights.
- Glazing: Thin, transparent layers of color that add richness and luminosity.
- Dry Brush: Use minimal paint on a dry brush to create scratchy, textured marks.
- Impasto: Load your brush or knife with thick paint to create a bold, textured finish.
Looking to dive deeper into foundational knowledge? Don’t miss our article: 7 Must-Know Secrets to Master Painting for Beginners (Even If You’ve Never Picked Up a Brush!)
Common Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Even the most confident artists started with wonky color mixes and awkward brushstrokes. The good news? Every mistake is a lesson.
Mistake #1: Using Too Much Paint Medium
Too much turpentine or linseed oil can thin your paint too far and affect the vibrancy. Use medium sparingly—like seasoning, a little goes a long way.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the “Fat Over Lean” Rule
Oil paints dry from the inside out. If you paint thick layers over thin ones, the top layer may crack as it dries faster than the bottom. Avoid this by increasing oil content in upper layers.
Mistake #3: Not Letting Paintings Dry Between Layers
Patience is part of the process. Adding layers too soon can cause smudging and unwanted color mixing.
Mistake #4: Overblending
It’s tempting to keep blending until everything is smooth, but contrast and visible brushwork can bring energy and texture to your painting.
Mistake #5: Skipping the Sketch
A loose sketch helps guide your proportions and composition. Don’t skip it!
Tips to Grow Your Skills Faster
Building confidence in oil painting for beginners is all about repetition and exploration. Here are some ways to level up your skills without stress.
- Paint Small: Start with small canvases so you can complete pieces faster and build momentum.
- Limit Your Palette: Fewer colors = better understanding of color mixing and harmony.
- Study the Masters: Recreate a famous painting to study technique and composition.
- Join a Class or Studio Session: Surround yourself with other creative minds. It’s a game-changer for both inspiration and feedback.
- Keep a Painting Journal: Track what you learned, what worked, and what you’d try differently next time.
At The Artist Outpost, we encourage everyone to make art in a way that feels joyful and meaningful to them. No two painters work the same way—and that’s what makes art so exciting.
FAQ: Your Top Oil Painting for Beginners Questions—Answered
How do I clean my brushes?
Use turpentine or odorless mineral spirits to remove paint. Follow with soap and warm water until brushes are clean and soft.
Do I need to prime my canvas?
Most store-bought canvases are pre-primed with gesso, but if you’re making your own, be sure to prime first to protect the canvas from the oils.
How long does oil paint take to dry?
Anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks, depending on the thickness, color, and humidity.
Can I mix oil paints with water?
Nope! Oil and water don’t mix. Use linseed oil or turpentine instead.
Is oil painting safe?
Yes—with good ventilation and the right materials. Stick with odorless mineral spirits and always wash hands after painting.
Your Next Steps as an Oil Painter
Getting started with oil painting for beginners doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right materials, a little bit of guidance, and a whole lot of curiosity, you can create stunning, expressive artwork at your own pace. Remember, oil painting isn’t about perfection—it’s about exploration.
If you’re ready to take your next step, join us in a Painting Class at The Artist Outpost and experience firsthand how fun and freeing this medium can be. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, technique, or simply time to create, we’re here to support your artistic journey.
Happy painting!
