If you’re a beginner, knowing what materials to buy can be daunting. If you have no supplies at all, or aren’t sure what to bring, then we recommend you buy the following.
Note that this list should be seen as a good starting point rather than precise requirements. Due to the nature of still life painting, we can't predict which colours you will use (for example, a blue set up will need more blue pigments, and so on). If you are completely new to oils, we can recommend both Daler&Rowney and Winsor&Newton as economical beginners brands. We’ve included links to Jackson’s Art Shop, but most of these supplies are available from other outlets too.
Getting started in oil paints can be expensive, but much of this equipment should last you for years. If you are an intermediate painter, then treat the following list as a guideline – feel free to bring along different brands or additional materials. The more we have to work with, the better!
Below are Lizet's recommended brushes, paints and easels - buy the best that you can afford but Georgian Oil Paints are a great cheaper alternative and a glass chopping boards from the supermarket makes a very good, and very easy to clean palette.
Notes
Note that this list should be seen as a good starting point rather than precise requirements. Due to the nature of still life painting, we can't predict which colours you will use (aka a blue set up will need more blue pigments, and so on). If you are completely new to oils, we can recommend both Daler&Rowney and Winsor&Newton as economical beginners brands. We’ve included links to Jackson’s Art Shop, but most of these supplies are available from other outlets too.
Some paints contain heavy metals and are potentially toxic if inhaled or ingested. In practice, good studio habits (such as not licking brush tips, and taking precautions when sanding used canvases) reduce the risks. If, however, you have a particular reason to be concerned (for example, if you may be pregnant) then e-mail us and we can recommend alternatives.
If you buy a handheld palette, make sure you buy the correct handed palette – a palette to hold in your left hand if you’re right-handed, and vice versa. If your budget permits it, we recommend you buy a New Wave palette – these are lightweight, balanced and come pre-varnished. If you buy an unvarnished palette then you’ll need to rub linseed oil on daily for a few days before you can use it. Alternatively, we have trolleys in the studio for those who prefer a glass palette or similar.
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