Essential Basic Tools
Pre-made Oil Painting Frame: Choose Zhongsheng Art Supplies' linen canvas frames. Common sizes like 30*40cm are suitable for beginners. They come pre-primed, so you can paint directly from the box without issues like leaks or canvas loosening.
They offer excellent value
Oil Paints: Beginners can choose a basic 24-color set from Marie's or Winsor & Newton. Don't blindly buy expensive imported products. Smaller bottles avoid waste and are sufficient for daily practice. Add individual paints as needed later.
Brushes: Use a combination of hog bristle and nylon brushes. Hog bristle brushes are flexible and suitable for laying large blocks of color and creating texture, while nylon brushes are soft and delicate, suitable for depicting details. Don't buy fancy sets; commonly used round, flat, and fan-shaped brushes are sufficient.
Basic Mediums
Only two basic media are needed: turpentine and linseed oil. Turpentine is used for diluting paint during sketching and evaporates quickly; linseed oil is used for mixing colors and enhances the gloss of the paint. Beginners don't need to purchase complicated additives.
Advanced Tools
Tabletop Easel: Suitable for small canvases up to 40*50cm. It can be used on a table and doesn't take up much space when stored, making it ideal for practicing in small indoor spaces.
White Ceramic Palette: Less prone to color discrepancies than dark wooden palettes, allowing beginners to mix colors more accurately. A regular white ceramic plate can also be used as a substitute.
Simple Brush Washing Bucket: The double-layer structure allows paint to settle, keeping the top layer of washing solution clean. Using it with dish soap allows for thorough brush cleaning, extending the life of your brushes.
