Oil Painting Supply List
​
If you are taking classes with me at the Yellow Barn Studio, you will have access to:
-
Studio easel
-
Chair
-
One TV tray table (or more if available) for your supplies
​
You will need to bring your own oil painting materials.
​
This list covers everything you’ll need for our oil painting classes, along with my personal recommendations. You don’t have to get the exact same brands or colors I use—these are just suggestions.
​
Where to Buy
I’ve had good experiences ordering from Blick for general art supplies. Feel free to explore other local or online vendors based on your preferences and budget.
Paints
Any artist-grade brand is fine (avoid student-grade). I use M. Graham Oil Paints, but I’ve also worked with Gamblin, Utrecht, Sennelier, and Rembrandt—all are excellent.
​
Choosing Colors
It’s better to select a palette of colors and stick with it for a while, rather than switching colors frequently. Start with a few (4–10) and learn to mix them well. Having dozens of colors without a clear plan can be overwhelming and hinder your progress.
​
You don’t need to follow my palette exactly, but here’s a reference of what I usually use (M. Graham colors):
-
Titanium White
-
Azo Yellow
-
Indian Yellow
-
Naphthol Red
-
Quinacridone Violet
-
Ultramarine Blue
-
Manganese Blue Hue
-
Sap Green Permanent
-
Yellow Ochre
-
Burnt Sienna
-
Burnt Umber
​
Note: Colors vary by brand—e.g., M. Graham’s Indian Yellow is quite different from Gamblin’s.
​
Limited / Budget Palette Option
​
-
Titanium White
-
Azo Yellow
-
Quinacridone Violet or Quinacridone Rose
-
Ultramarine Blue or Manganese Blue Hue
​
Using a limited palette is excellent practice for learning color mixing. You can watch my demo on painting with only these colors here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LoNOiILT-s
​
​
Medium & Brush Cleaner
​
Please do not use turpentine in class—its vapors are harmful. Gamsol and Turpenoid are safer but still not ideal in poorly ventilated spaces.
I strongly recommend a solvent-free medium. It’s healthier for you at home and safer for everyone in class. My preferred brand is:
-
Walnut Alkyd Medium (M. Graham) – Solvent-free; thins paint, speeds drying, improves adhesion between layers, and increases sheen/flexibility.
-
Walnut Oil (M. Graham) – I rarely use this, but occasionally add it to the Walnut Alkyd Medium in the final layers to make them “fatter.” Also useful for cleaning brushes during painting and before soap cleaning.
​
Note: Bring small containers for your medium and oil.
​
Cleaning brushes
​
-
Wipe off most paint with a rag or paper towel (walnut oil or any oil can help).
-
Wash with Ivory Soap and water.
​
Palette
​
Any palette for oils will work. I use the New Wave Posh Glass Tabletop Palette (12" × 16", gray), placed inside a Masterson Sta-Wet Seal to protect, transport, and keep paints fresh. I clean it with a razor scraper.
​
Alternatives: wooden, acrylic, or disposable paper palettes.
Canvas
​
You may use canvases or panels in any size you prefer.
​
For sizes up to 18" × 24", I usually work on canvas panels—they store easily and fit in canvas carriers (Raymar cotton canvas panels and panel carriers are excellent).
​
For larger sizes or unusual formats, I use stretched cotton canvas.
Brushes
​
Any good brushes will work, and students are welcome to explore their own preferences in terms of materials, shapes, and sizes.
​
My main workhorses are Silver Bristlon Synthetic Flats:
-
Size 2 – detail
-
Size 6 – general use
-
Size 10 – large areas
​
For a more realistic, detailed style, I also use Silver Brush Renaissance Red Sable for Oils.
Metal Palette Knife (Optional)
​
Useful for mixing colors or painting with knife techniques. I recommend at least one small knife, and optionally a larger one.
Rags or Paper Towels
​
Essential for wiping brushes, cleaning, and adjusting paint.