Michael Harding Oil Paint
Winton by Winsor & Newton
Sennelier Oil Paints
Oil painting is one of the art forms that have been loved by many artists for centuries because of its versatility, color richness, and texture, and it continues to be one of the most popular mediums so whether you are making an impressionistic landscape, a portrait with vibrant colors, or an abstract artwork, oil paints will neves disappoint. With trial and error you’ll come to learn that the oil paints you use will always make a difference in the final result, however the task of choosing among the many types of oil paints can be considered overwhelming, but fear not! As someone who has been through many tubes and experimented with many brands for years I am here to guide you through the maze. Whether you are painting the abundant greens of nature or the deep blues of the ocean, the right oil paints will help you to bring your artistic imagery to life. In this article we will talk about all that you should know when choosing the best oil paints for your art. From fundamentals like consistency and pigmentation to other factors like lightfastness and price, we’ll help you find the best paint for you, and present you with a list of curated options to choose from according to your preference and budget. Let’s get started!
Basics of Oil Paints
Oil paints are a traditional medium in the art world, consisting of pigments finely ground and mixed with a drying oil, such as linseed, walnut, or poppy seed oil. This blend creates a thick, malleable substance that artists can apply to canvas, wood, and other surfaces. The most distinctive feature of oil paints is their unparalleled capacity of glaring color vividness, smooth blending and versatility in all types of surfaces and painting techniques.
Key Components
- Pigments: These provide the color and are derived from a variety of sources, both natural and synthetic.
- Oil Medium: Typically linseed oil, it acts as a binder that holds the pigment together and allows for smooth application.
- Additives: Certain oils, solvents, or resins can be added to modify drying time, consistency, and finish.
Student vs. Professional Grade Oil Paints
In most art mediums, finding both professional and student-grade art supplies is common. This distinction doesn’t only reflect a difference in price but also marks a significant variance in quality, performance, texture, and other key characteristics of the medium. In the realm of oil paints, student-grade options, while much more affordable, contain a smaller quantity of pigment. This reduction impacts their longevity compared to professional-grade paints and affects their mixing capability, often resulting in muddy and washed-out colors. Furthermore, student-grade paints may not perform well when mixed with different mediums and are likely to lose intensity, brightness, and fade over time.
On the other hand, professional-grade oil paints boast a much higher pigment load and are crafted with superior types of oils, tailored to enhance each pigment and hue. This careful formulation ensures that the paints do not fade, yellow, or change color when exposed to light. The longevity of professional-grade paints is noteworthy; a small amount can cover a large area, and thanks to their high-quality pigments, their lightfastness rating is also much higher. This means artwork created with professional-grade oil paints can last a lifetime without undergoing changes in appearance.
How to Choose the Best Oil Paints
Pigmentation
Pigmentation refers to the quality and intensity of the color of the paints. Premium paints made with high quality, pure pigments can produce intense, vibrant hues resulting in less paint usage for your artworks. When oil paints are made from pure pigments, they tend to mix more predictably., which allows artists to achieve precise color mixing, as the resulting colors are not influenced by the hidden undertones that mixed pigments might introduce. Pick up the paints with high pigment concentration since they have a great coverage and you can also be able to create a lot of colors from the mix, however, remember that high quality paints and paints made with pure pigments can be more expensive than those that are using mixed pigments so consider your budget as well.
Consistency
The consistency of oil paint affects how it behaves on the canvas and the brush, some artists prefer buttery, thick paints that retain brushstrokes and texture, while others may go for smoother, more fluid paints suitable for fine details or glazing techniques.
The right consistency depends on your personal preference and painting style, and while many brands offer a range of consistencies, experimenting with a few can help you find your ideal texture.
Drying Times
Oil paints are usually known for their slow-drying qualities, which could be a benefit or a challenge depending on your painting goals, while drying times will depend mostly on the type of oil that is used in the making of the paint, it is important to pay close attention to this factor before purchasing any painting set or paint tube. Some artists enjoy the extended working time,which helps them with blending and allows them to work on a piece for a long time. Whilst for some, this might not be an issue, others will rather have fast drying colors to finish the entire process in a shorter time span.
Lightfastness
Lightfastness refers to the resistance of a color to fading or changing when exposed to light, some colors will completely disappear, while others might change or yellow. You want colors that stay bright and true over time, even if they hang in a well-lit spot. The better the lightfastness, the longer your painting keeps its original colors so when you’re picking out oil paints, check if they have a good lightfastness rating. Most good paint brands will let you know this rating right on the tube, making it easier for you to choose paints that will keep your art looking fresh for a long time.
Price
The price of oil paints can vary quite a bit, going from $2 to $20 per tube. The price will most likely depend on the brand, but it’ll be a reflection of the quality, purity, and pigment load of the paint. High-end brands that offer professional-grade oil paints usually source their pigments carefully, ensuring they’re of the highest quality and offering a higher pigment load per tube. This not only affects the paint’s vibrancy and covering power but also its lightfastness and longevity on the canvas. The type of oil used as the binder, such as linseed or walnut oil, and the presence of rare or unique pigments can also influence the price. Additionally, the production process, which might include hand milling or using traditional methods, can add to the cost. Ultimately, while higher-priced oil paints represent a larger initial investment, their superior performance and lasting results can offer greater value in the long run, especially for serious artists committed to the quality of their work.
Best Oil Paints for Artists in 2024
- Best Oil Paints Overall — Michael Harding Oil Paint
- Best Oil Paints for Students — Winton by Winsor & Newton
- Best Oil Paints for Professional Artists — Sennelier Oil Paints
- Best Oil Paints for Serious Beginners — Gamblin 1980
- Best Premium Oil Paints — Williamsburg Oil Traditional Colors Set
#1. Best Oil Paints Overall — Michael Harding Oil Paint
Selection Criteria
- Grade and Pigmentation:Professional Grade, High Quality.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Consistency: Creamy, buttery consistency.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Drying Time: 48 hours.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Lightfastness: High Lightfastness.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Presentation: Set of 6 tubes, 40 ml.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $75.66
- Our Score – 8/10
About Micheal Harding
Michael harding are the best of the best when talking about oil painting, they are made with the best pigments out there, no fillers ensuring each tube has a high pigment load, making the colors vibrant and durable. They have a broad color range, which caters to various artistic needs, be it for traditional or modern pigments and shades.
The lightfastness of these paints is impressive, and the handmade production guarantees consistent quality across all tubes ensuring artwork remains bright over time. Handmade production guarantees consistent quality across all tubes. While these paints are usually recommended for professional work, and are on the expensive side of the price spectrum, this set is the perfect starting point for any artist that wants to try true quality and build their color palette slowly.
Pros
- High pigment concentration
- Excellent color range
- Long-lasting quality
Cons
- Pricey
- Slow drying time
2. Best Oil Paints for Students — Winton by Winsor & Newton
Selection Criteria
- Grade and Pigmentation: Student Grade, Normal Quality.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Consistency: Fine consistency, Creamy, contains fine particles.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Drying Time: Around 5 days.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Lightfastness: Normal Lightfastness.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Presentation: Set of 20 tubes, 12 ml.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $35.59
- Our Score – 9/10
About Winton by Winsor & Newton
Winton by Winsor & Newton is a solid choice for those who are in the early stages of their learning journey, where a lot of paint is needed and not all works are masterpieces. The pigmentation in Winton paints is decent, offering a good range of colors that are suitable for various painting techniques and styles, while not as intensely pigmented as some of the higher-end options, these paints still deliver solid performance and vibrant results.
Their consistency is formulated to be slightly thicker, which works well for techniques that require texture and brush marks to be visible, however, they can also be thinned down for glazed and detailed work.
Lightfastness is reliable across the Winton range, ensuring that artworks maintain their color integrity over time, all of these for a very affordable price is what makes it the perfect choice for students and beginners on a budget.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Good pigment quality
- Wide availability
Cons
- Less pigment dense
- Variable consistency
3. Best Oil Paints for Professional Artists — Sennelier Oil Paints
Selection Criteria
- Grade and Pigmentation: Professional Grade, High Quality.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Consistency: Extra-fine consistency, Buttery.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Drying Time: 2 to 5 days.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Lightfastness: High Lightfastness.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Presentation: Set of 10 tubes, 21 ml.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $87.82
- Our Score – 7/10
About Sennelier
Sennelier oil paints are an excellent option for the professional artists who search for the quality of color, good texture and long-term durability among the materials. They are famous among painters for their velvety and glossy appearance, producing paints that spread easily and mix perfectly.
Pigmentation in Sennelier paints is excellent, offering the painter with vivid, saturated colors, and because of the high pigment concentration, a little goes a long way, meaning that these paints, although they are a bit expensive, offer great value considering quality and intensity.
Sennelier’s range includes a wide variety of colors, including some unique shades that are hard to find in other brands. The drying times for Sennelier oils vary by pigment, but, as a rule of thumb, they offer an excellent working window, letting artists alter and rework their paintings as they please.
Pros
- Rich color saturation
- Buttery texture
- Extensive palette
Cons
- Higher price point
- Slow to dry
4. Best Oil Paints for Serious Beginners — Gamblin 1980
Selection Criteria
- Grade and Pigmentation: Student Grade, Normal Quality.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Consistency: Fine consistency, Buttery.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Drying Time: 18 to 24 hours.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Lightfastness: Low Lightfastness.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Presentation: Set of 9 tubes, 37 ml.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $42.00
- Our Score – 9/10
About Gamblin 1980
In 1980, Gamblin introduced oils painting that were created to provide the artists with high quality materials at a more affordable price. Aiming at the students and budget-conscious professionals, these paints do a great job of balancing cost and performance.
One of the remarkable features of Gamblin 1980 is its devotion to first-class quality, the paints are formulated to bring to life the colors in their true form by providing strong pigmentation that ensures your colors will be as intense as they can be. Although they do not have the same pigment load as Gamblin’s professional paint; they still have great coverage and a wide range of colors.
They’re characterized by their buttery texture and easy application that allows for different painting techniques to be used. If you want to achieve the impasto effects or opt for thin glazes, these paints will be a great choice.
Lightfastness is a key concern for Gamblin, and the 1980 range is not inferior in this matter, the colors are created with the stability and resistance to fading in mind, which means that any artwork created with these paints will last for a long time.
Pros
- Economical
- Strong pigmentation
- Consistent quality
Cons
- Limited colors
- Slightly stiff
5. Best Premium Oil Paints — Williamsburg Oil Traditional Colors Set
Selection Criteria
- Grade and Pigmentation: Professional Grade, High Quality.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Consistency: Smooth and Buttery Consistency.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Drying Time: 5 to 14 days.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Lightfastness: Excellent Lightfastness.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Presentation: Set of 9 tubes, 37 ml.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $47.66
- Our Score – 8/10
About Williamsburg Oil Colors
Williamsburg Oil Colors are ideal for artists who demand the best from their materials, and this set is the perfect starting point for it. The distinctive feature of this brand is the variety of textures and consistencies that it offers. Whatever you are looking for, whether it be something smooth and buttery to use in detail work or something with a little more grit for texture, Williamsburg has all that covered. Even though the Williamsburg Oil Traditional Colors Set is relatively expensive, it is a worthwhile investment for artists looking for superior quality. The excellent quality, the large range of colors, and the versatility of these paints are not a purchase; they are more like an investment in the future of your art.
Pros
- Handmade quality
- Unique colors
- Professional grade
Cons
- Expensive
- Smaller tubes
