OIL PAINTING - Materials List

If you are using a different medium, please bring comparable materials in your medium and I will demo for you using your gear.

PAINTS

For workshops, I'm no longer publishing a list of paint colors; bring enough that you feel prepared, and not so many that it's overwhelming. If you're a beginner, buy a set of 6-12 tubes.

BRUSHES

Brushes make brushstrokes, which is what makes a painting. If you want a one-click set, I suggest the David Boyd Jr Starter/Workshop set from Rosemary. Silver Grand Prix Flats and Filberts (get the long-handled ones) are terrific; size depends on how big you want to paint. 2,4,6 for workshops. The long egberts I use are from Richeson or Princeton.

PALETTE

Something to mix your paints on. A wooden palette (you can make one out of 3/16” birch plywood) cleaned repeatedly with linseed oil makes an ideal smooth surface for mixing. Glass or plexiglass is also good; tape a neutral color paper to the back. If you prefer a disposable palette get the gray one from Richeson. Please don’t use a white palette; it causes difficulty in judging values.

SOLVENT & MEDIUM

A solvent (turpentine, traditionally) dissolves and thins wet paint; we use it to clean brushes and only in small quantities as a medium. Use odorless solvent (Gamsol or turpenoid) and a stainless brush washer with a basket and a gasket lid that clamps on.

A medium is used to change the consistency of the paint. Gamblin’s Solvent-Free Gel is recommended.

SUPPORTS

A support is a surface to paint on (often canvas, or muslin, or panel), and a ground is the primer, usually gesso, used to coat the support to prepare it for painting. A tone is a very thin layer of paint applied to the ground prior to starting the painting. Use a little solvent and paint to cover the canvas, then use a paper towel to remove excess and create an even tone.

Size and quantity of supports depends on the painter—sometimes you’ll want to do a sustained study and sometimes several starts. Prepare for both.

PALETTE KNIFE

A palette knife, or painting knife, can be used for mixing and for applying paint. A three-inch offset blade with a long, graceful shape is the most versatile. Keep it clean: scrape dried paint off with a razor blade.

PANEL CARRIER to transport wet paintings

PAPER TOWELS & trash bag

PORTABLE EASEL (unless the venue provides easels)

MISCELLANEOUS Spring clamps. Bungee. A baseball cap is sometimes useful even in a studio setting to shield your eyes from light. Snacks.

BOOK PLEIN AIR TECHNIQUES FOR ARTISTS by Aimee Erickson. Available at most booksellers.

Aimee Erickson

Aimee Erickson

Think Like a Painter