Oil Painting Essentials I Can’t Live Without

After years of painting, experimenting, and refining my process, I’ve developed a deep love for the tools that truly make a difference in my work. These aren’t just “nice to haves” — they’re the oil painting essentials I genuinely can’t live without.

High-Quality Brushes

Not all brushes are created equal. I reach for long-handled filberts, flats, and rounds — often in natural hog bristle or a high-quality synthetic blend. A good brush holds its shape, responds to pressure, and allows me to sculpt paint confidently. I always keep a set for detail and another for broader, expressive strokes.

Artist-Grade Oil Paints

I’ve tried many brands, but artist-grade oil paints offer a vibrancy and pigment load that’s impossible to replicate with student-quality paints. A few of my go-tos:

·         Titanium White (I always stock up)

·         Burnt Umber and Ultramarine Blue (perfect for mixing deep neutrals)

·         Cadmium Red, Yellow Ochre, and Viridian (my power trio for landscapes and natural tones)

A Reliable Palette Surface

I prefer a glass palette — easy to clean, durable, and perfect for seeing the true color values. I tape a piece of neutral grey paper underneath for better contrast while mixing.

Linseed Oil & Solvent (Low-Odor or Eco-Friendly)

I use refined linseed oil to extend and loosen the paint slightly, especially for early layers. For cleaning, I stick with a low-odor mineral spirit or an eco-friendly alternative like Gamsol — ventilation is still key, of course.

A Mirror

Stepping back helps, but using a mirror or viewfinder is one of my favorite ways to spot composition issues. Seeing your work in reverse shows things your eyes have tuned out.

The truth is: your tools evolve with you. What you "can’t live without" today might change next year — and that’s part of the journey. Stay tuned for affordable oil painting must-haves. Ready to Take Your Art to the Next Level?

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