Materials List - Zorn Palette

If you’re a beginner, then 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. We’ve included links to Jackson’s Art, 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.

2 x 16″ x 12″ Canvas Boards. If those are out of stock, try these
Raw Umber
Ivory Black
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Red +
Titanium White
If you need a palette, we recommend here or here, depending on your budget. (If you already own a palette, no need to buy a new one. Any will do!)
2 x Dipper
Palette Knife
2 x Size 2, Size 4 and Size 6 Filbert Hog Brush
1 x Size 2, Size 4 and Size 6 Long Flat Hog Brush
2 x Size 0 Synthetic Filberts
2 x Jam jars for keeping brushes in
Low-odour solvent (eg Sansodor). Please note that turpentine is not permitted in the studio.
Medium (refined linseed oil)
Kitchen towels
Pen and paper for taking notes
Canvas pad - we recommend this.

Notes

For this course, please tone your canvas / board a light, neutral grey. The easiest way to do this is to wipe a light wash of grey acrylic paint over a universal primed canvas / board. If you are using an oil primed canvas / board then you will need to apply the wash with oil paint and leave it to dry for several days. If you've got any questions about this, just email us, letting us know what sort of canvas / board you'll be using.

+ These 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.

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.

We recommend Rosemary & Co hog brushes, although there are obviously many other types. For beginners, filberts and flats are most useful. Over time, you’ll get a feel for which brushes you tend to use and which you don’t. If you email [email protected] and ask about the 'Raw Umber Studios Starter Set' you'll get a set of the brushes listed above, with a free brush!