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Calculated Shard: 64 (from laksa027)

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curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa064.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/tips-techniques/10-tips-on-oil-painting-for-beginners\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/tips-techniques/10-tips-on-oil-painting-for-beginners\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

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{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/10-tips-on-oil-painting-for-beginners","crawl_time":1775864302,"first_indexed_time":1678921967,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,montmarte!www,\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/10-tips-on-oil-painting-for-beginners s443","src_root_hash":"15513086761710083464","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"10 tips on oil painting for beginners","meta_descriptions":["Tackling oil painting can be tricky and it’s hard to know where to start, so we’ve pulled together 10 tips on oil painting for beginners. From the fat over lean rule to alla prima tips and what you’ll need, let’s unpack oil painting so you can give it a go for yourself! 1. Work in a well-ventilated area One of the most"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Tackling oil painting can be tricky and it’s hard to know where to start, so we’ve pulled together 10 tips on oil painting for beginners. From the fat over lean rule to alla prima tips and what you’ll need, let’s unpack oil painting so you can give it a go for yourself!\n1. Work in a well-ventilated area\nOne of the most important tips on oil painting for beginners, is to work in a well-ventilated area. When you’re working with oil paints, know you’ll also be working with chemical solvents like turpentines. Solvents like turpentines can cause some people skin irritations or headaches, so listen to your body and stop or swap it out if you feel any discomfort. Make sure you work in an area that has plenty of fresh air and keep your creative area away from little ones.\n2. Give yourself enough time\nIt’s no secret that oil paints take a while to dry. Because the pigments are suspended in an oil form, they need time to dry\/oxidise and also cure, so it’s best to know this before jumping into a project.\nNot all oil paint colours are made equally, some will take longer to dry. This will depend on the manufacturer and the colours. As a rough guide, Titanium White and Yellow Ochre can take up to eight days to touch dry. Raw Umber and Burnt Sienna can take around two days to touch dry. Also, as colours are mixed, their drying rate can change too. This can be an advantage because you’ll have plenty of time to work with your painting, hone your skills and play around.\n3. Try water mixable oils\nIf you’re reading this and already feeling daunted by the solvents and the drying time, then try water mixable oil paints! These oil paints still have a good coverage, a wide colour range and create a range of oil paint techniques, the difference here is that you can use water with them instead of a chemical solvent like turpentines. Of course, with this, also comes the added benefit that they evaporate to dry, so you won’t need to wait as long for them to touch dry. You can check out our range of\nwater mixable oils here\n.\n4. Getting started with colours\nThis is the fun part! To start oil painting, you’ll need some paints of course. To make things easy, you can find a great range of\nintro sets here\n.\nOtherwise if you’re looking to buy\nindividual tubes\nor mixing and matching, then a great basic palette is Titanium white, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Yellow Ochre, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Rose Madder, Viridian, Cadmium Red, Medium Yellow, Lemon Yellow and Violet. This will give you plenty of colours and tones to play around with.\n5. Brushes\nWhen it comes to brushes, then\nhog bristle\nand\ntaklon brushes\nwill be your go-tos. Because oil paints are so thick, these particular bristles are important when it comes to spreading the paint around. Taklon is a synthetic and hog bristle are a natural hairbrush, so your choice will depend on personal preference and\/or price. For taklon this is a\ngreat introductory set\n, otherwise check out this\nhog bristle brush set\n.\nFor more on oil paint brushes, including size and type, check out our\noil paint brush guide\n.\n6. Palettes\nLet’s cut to the chase, a wooden palette is one of the best for oil paints.\nWooden palettes\ncan handle heavy, thick oil paints and they’re typically light weight. A kidney shaped palette works well for beginners because you can also hold it as you work. Otherwise, a glass palette can work but it can also become very heavy during long sessions. Another handy extra tool is a\npalette knife\n. This will help you scrape any leftover oil paints away. Plus, it can be used to paint with or be used to clean dried paint from palettes.\n7. Fat over lean and alla prima tips\nOne of the most important techniques with oil painting is the fat over lean rule. Fat is the most oil added, and lean is where little or no oil is added. This is a bit like house painting where an undercoat is lighter than a final coat. Why is this important? As oil paint dries it oxidises so the paint expands and contracts. This means, not only will a thick layer take longer to dry, it can also cause cracking if a thick layer is applied too early.\nAnother great technique is painting alla prima or wet-on-wet. This technique means you’ll be able to work quickly by building up each layer and adding in your accents last. The main alla prima tip is to work from dark to light. Add in your dark shadows first, pop in the mid-tones then finish with your highlights last. If you’re looking for\noil painting techniques\nto try, we’ve got you sorted.\n8. Underpainting\nUnderpainting is another great tip on oil painting for beginners. Why? because it stops the fear of staring at a stark, white canvas, plus it will help add tone and harmony to your work down the track. To underpaint, start with a cool tone to balance a warmer layer that will be painted on top. Or use a warmer tone if you’re planning a cool layer on top. Just be sure to use a thin, transparent layer and work fat over lean so the colour isn’t too solid.\n9. Know how to clean up\nCleaning up after oil painting can be challenging especially if you’re just starting out. Palette knives can be used to scrape off excess oil paints and leftovers can be used for underpainting later on. To clean your brushes after a painting session, you’ll need a chemical solvent plus an oil like safflower or vegetable oil. If you’re not sure how to clean your brushes or just looking for a quick refresher, check out our\nhow to clean oil brushes video\n. \n10. Give yourself space\nOil painting can be challenging to get the hang of so make sure you give yourself space and plenty of time to experiment and see what works for you. You might create something amazing, and you might not, and both are okay! What’s important is that you tackled a challenging medium and learnt along the way, so don’t beat yourself up for trying something new.\nWe hope these 10 tips on oil painting for beginners inspire you to pick up the paint brushes (whether oil or not) and create something amazing! We’d love to see what you create so #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on\nInstagram\nor \nFacebook\n, so we can see!","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tr?id=&ev=PageView&noscript=1)\n\n[Skip to Main Content](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/10-tips-on-oil-painting-for-beginners#main)\n\nWelcome to your new home of creativity\n\nAussie-established brand\n\n- [Stockists](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/pages\/store-locator)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/pages\/contact)\n\nSign In\n\n[![Logo](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MM-Horizontal-Logo-black_2160x.png?v=1662958586) ![Logo](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MM-Horizontal-Logo-black_2160x.png?v=1662958586)](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/)\n\nSign In\n\n[Wishlist](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/pages\/swym-wishlist)\n\n[Create](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/create)\n\n[Home](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/ \"Home\") \/ [Tips & Techniques](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques) \/ 10 tips on oil painting for beginners\n\n![](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/1._An_oil_paint_beach_scene_with_Mont_Marte_oil_paints_and_brushes_lying_on_top.jpg?v=1678670289)\n\n![]()\n\n16 Mar 2023•Mont Marte\n\n[Oil](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/tagged\/oil) [Paint](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/tagged\/paint) [Painting](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/tagged\/painting)\n\nTackling oil painting can be tricky and it’s hard to know where to start, so we’ve pulled together 10 tips on oil painting for beginners. From the fat over lean rule to alla prima tips and what you’ll need, let’s unpack oil painting so you can give it a go for yourself\\!\n\n![An oil paint beach scene with Mont Marte oil paints and brushes lying on top.](https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/4361\/7588\/files\/1._An_oil_paint_beach_scene_with_Mont_Marte_oil_paints_and_brushes_lying_on_top.jpg?v=1678402455)\n\n## 1\\. Work in a well-ventilated area\nOne of the most important tips on oil painting for beginners, is to work in a well-ventilated area. When you’re working with oil paints, know you’ll also be working with chemical solvents like turpentines. Solvents like turpentines can cause some people skin irritations or headaches, so listen to your body and stop or swap it out if you feel any discomfort. Make sure you work in an area that has plenty of fresh air and keep your creative area away from little ones.\n\n## 2\\. Give yourself enough time\nIt’s no secret that oil paints take a while to dry. Because the pigments are suspended in an oil form, they need time to dry\/oxidise and also cure, so it’s best to know this before jumping into a project.\n\nNot all oil paint colours are made equally, some will take longer to dry. This will depend on the manufacturer and the colours. As a rough guide, Titanium White and Yellow Ochre can take up to eight days to touch dry. Raw Umber and Burnt Sienna can take around two days to touch dry. Also, as colours are mixed, their drying rate can change too. This can be an advantage because you’ll have plenty of time to work with your painting, hone your skills and play around.\n\n![Hand painting an oil paint artwork of two colourful chillis with a wooden palette and brushes next to it.](https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/4361\/7588\/files\/2._Hand_painting_an_oil_paint_artwork_of_two_colourful_chillis_with_a_wooden_palette_and_brushes_next_to_it.jpg?v=1678411697)\n\n## 3\\. Try water mixable oils\nIf you’re reading this and already feeling daunted by the solvents and the drying time, then try water mixable oil paints! These oil paints still have a good coverage, a wide colour range and create a range of oil paint techniques, the difference here is that you can use water with them instead of a chemical solvent like turpentines. Of course, with this, also comes the added benefit that they evaporate to dry, so you won’t need to wait as long for them to touch dry. You can check out our range of [water mixable oils here](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/water-mixable-oil-paint).\n\n## 4\\. Getting started with colours\nThis is the fun part! To start oil painting, you’ll need some paints of course. To make things easy, you can find a great range of [intro sets here](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/oil-paint-sets)[.](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com.au\/collections\/oil-paint-sets) Otherwise if you’re looking to buy [individual tubes](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/oil-paint-tubes) or mixing and matching, then a great basic palette is Titanium white, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Yellow Ochre, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Rose Madder, Viridian, Cadmium Red, Medium Yellow, Lemon Yellow and Violet. This will give you plenty of colours and tones to play around with.\n\n![Wooden palette with oil paints on top of it and Mont Marte oil paint brushes next to it.](https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/4361\/7588\/files\/3._Wooden_palette_with_oil_paints_on_top_of_it_and_Mont_Marte_oil_paint_brushes_next_to_it.jpg?v=1678411781)\n\n## 5\\. Brushes\nWhen it comes to brushes, then [hog bristle](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/hog-bristle-brushes) and [taklon brushes](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/taklon-brushes) will be your go-tos. Because oil paints are so thick, these particular bristles are important when it comes to spreading the paint around. Taklon is a synthetic and hog bristle are a natural hairbrush, so your choice will depend on personal preference and\/or price. For taklon this is a [great introductory set](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/products\/brush-set-with-easel-wallet-signature17pc?variant=40296451113012), otherwise check out this [hog bristle brush set](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/products\/oil-brush-set-signature-11pc?variant=40296450457652)[.](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com.au\/products\/oil-brush-set-signature-11pc?variant=40296450457652) For more on oil paint brushes, including size and type, check out our [oil paint brush guide](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/guide\/guide-to-oil-paint-brushes).\n\n## 6\\. Palettes\nLet’s cut to the chase, a wooden palette is one of the best for oil paints. [Wooden palettes](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/products\/traditional-wood-palette-signature-30-x-38cm-11-8-x-14-9in?variant=40296472150068) can handle heavy, thick oil paints and they’re typically light weight. A kidney shaped palette works well for beginners because you can also hold it as you work. Otherwise, a glass palette can work but it can also become very heavy during long sessions. Another handy extra tool is a [palette knife](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/palette-knives). This will help you scrape any leftover oil paints away. Plus, it can be used to paint with or be used to clean dried paint from palettes.\n\n![A bright photo of oil paints with a wooden palette and brushes next to it.](https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/4361\/7588\/files\/4._A_bright_photo_of_oil_paints_with_a_wooden_palette_and_brushes_next_to_it.jpg?v=1678411862)\n\n## 7\\. Fat over lean and alla prima tips\nOne of the most important techniques with oil painting is the fat over lean rule. Fat is the most oil added, and lean is where little or no oil is added. This is a bit like house painting where an undercoat is lighter than a final coat. Why is this important? As oil paint dries it oxidises so the paint expands and contracts. This means, not only will a thick layer take longer to dry, it can also cause cracking if a thick layer is applied too early.\n\nAnother great technique is painting alla prima or wet-on-wet. This technique means you’ll be able to work quickly by building up each layer and adding in your accents last. The main alla prima tip is to work from dark to light. Add in your dark shadows first, pop in the mid-tones then finish with your highlights last. If you’re looking for [oil painting techniques](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/oil-painting-techniques-to-try) to try, we’ve got you sorted.\n\n## 8\\. Underpainting\nUnderpainting is another great tip on oil painting for beginners. Why? because it stops the fear of staring at a stark, white canvas, plus it will help add tone and harmony to your work down the track. To underpaint, start with a cool tone to balance a warmer layer that will be painted on top. Or use a warmer tone if you’re planning a cool layer on top. Just be sure to use a thin, transparent layer and work fat over lean so the colour isn’t too solid.\n\n![Hand painting an underpainting artwork on a wooden canvas with a red brush.](https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/4361\/7588\/files\/5._Hand_painting_an_underpainting_artwork_on_a_wooden_canvas_with_a_red_brush.png?v=1678411899)\n\n## 9\\. Know how to clean up\nCleaning up after oil painting can be challenging especially if you’re just starting out. Palette knives can be used to scrape off excess oil paints and leftovers can be used for underpainting later on. To clean your brushes after a painting session, you’ll need a chemical solvent plus an oil like safflower or vegetable oil. If you’re not sure how to clean your brushes or just looking for a quick refresher, check out our [how to clean oil brushes video](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/projects-how-to\/how-to-clean-oil-paint-brushes).\n\n## 10\\. Give yourself space\nOil painting can be challenging to get the hang of so make sure you give yourself space and plenty of time to experiment and see what works for you. You might create something amazing, and you might not, and both are okay! What’s important is that you tackled a challenging medium and learnt along the way, so don’t beat yourself up for trying something new.\n\n![Hand painting a realistic moon artwork with Titanium white on a brush.](https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/4361\/7588\/files\/6._Hand_painting_a_realistic_moon_artwork_with_Titanium_white_on_a_brush.jpg?v=1678411927)\n\nLooking for more? Check out our [oil painting portrait tips for beginners](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/12-oil-painting-portrait-tips-for-beginners)[,](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com.au\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/12-oil-painting-portrait-tips-for-beginners) or if you’re ready to jump in, try these [oil painting techniques](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/oil-painting-techniques-to-try).\n\nWe hope these 10 tips on oil painting for beginners inspire you to pick up the paint brushes (whether oil or not) and create something amazing! We’d love to see what you create so \\#montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/montmarteart\/) or [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MontMarteArt\/), so we can see\\!\n\nShare\n\n[Share](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/10-tips-on-oil-painting-for-beginners)\n\n[Tweet](https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=10%20tips%20on%20oil%20painting%20for%20beginners&url=https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/10-tips-on-oil-painting-for-beginners)\n\n[Pin it](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/10-tips-on-oil-painting-for-beginners&media=\/\/www.montmarte.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/1._An_oil_paint_beach_scene_with_Mont_Marte_oil_paints_and_brushes_lying_on_top_1024x1024.jpg?v=1678670289&description=10%20tips%20on%20oil%20painting%20for%20beginners)\n\n## You may also like\n[![](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/Torn_paper_rainbow_collage_with_coloured_paper_around_d64e217f-8d44-4008-a117-410b5c16112b.jpg?v=1771817669) ![]()](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/6-paper-art-techniques-for-kids)\n\ntips-techniques\n\n### [6 paper art techniques for kids](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/6-paper-art-techniques-for-kids)\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/6-paper-art-techniques-for-kids)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/Watercolour_flowers_and_stems_on_white_paper_next_to_palettes_cd5bb946-15c7-40e9-8733-114f04ee7f7a.jpg?v=1771815844) ![]()](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/watercolour-tips-with-marcella-wylie)\n\ntips-techniques\n\n### [Watercolour tips with Marcella Wylie](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/watercolour-tips-with-marcella-wylie)\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/watercolour-tips-with-marcella-wylie)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/vlcsnap-2026-02-06-08h15m07s667.png?v=1770329874) ![]()](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/stamp-techniques-for-little-artists)\n\ntips-techniques\n\n### [Stamp techniques for little artists](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/stamp-techniques-for-little-artists)\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/stamp-techniques-for-little-artists)\n\n###### Our Range\n- [Painting](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/painting)\n- [Drawing](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/drawing)\n- [Pads & Paper](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/pads-paper)\n- [Sculpting & Modelling](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/sculpting-modelling)\n- [Craft](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/craft)\n- [Kids](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/kids)\n\n###### Our Stockists\n- [Our Art Centres](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/pages\/our-art-centres)\n- [Get Involved](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/pages\/get-involved)\n\n###### About Us\n- [Our Story](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/pages\/story)\n- [Our Products](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/pages\/our-product-levels)\n- [Sustainability](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/pages\/sustainability)\n- [Returns](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/pages\/returns)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/pages\/privacy-policy)\n- [Terms & Conditions](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/pages\/terms-conditions)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/pages\/contact)\n\n- [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/montmarteart)\n- [Email](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC024o28hUfRzMyl7xnHRoog)\n- [Email](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@montmarteart)\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/facebook.com\/MontMarteArt)\n- [Email](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com.au\/montmarteart)\n\n© Mont Marte Pty Ltd\n\n\\>","attrs_readable_markdown":"Tackling oil painting can be tricky and it’s hard to know where to start, so we’ve pulled together 10 tips on oil painting for beginners. From the fat over lean rule to alla prima tips and what you’ll need, let’s unpack oil painting so you can give it a go for yourself\\!\n\n![An oil paint beach scene with Mont Marte oil paints and brushes lying on top.](https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/4361\/7588\/files\/1._An_oil_paint_beach_scene_with_Mont_Marte_oil_paints_and_brushes_lying_on_top.jpg?v=1678402455)\n\n## 1\\. Work in a well-ventilated area\nOne of the most important tips on oil painting for beginners, is to work in a well-ventilated area. When you’re working with oil paints, know you’ll also be working with chemical solvents like turpentines. Solvents like turpentines can cause some people skin irritations or headaches, so listen to your body and stop or swap it out if you feel any discomfort. Make sure you work in an area that has plenty of fresh air and keep your creative area away from little ones.\n\n## 2\\. Give yourself enough time\nIt’s no secret that oil paints take a while to dry. Because the pigments are suspended in an oil form, they need time to dry\/oxidise and also cure, so it’s best to know this before jumping into a project.\n\nNot all oil paint colours are made equally, some will take longer to dry. This will depend on the manufacturer and the colours. As a rough guide, Titanium White and Yellow Ochre can take up to eight days to touch dry. Raw Umber and Burnt Sienna can take around two days to touch dry. Also, as colours are mixed, their drying rate can change too. This can be an advantage because you’ll have plenty of time to work with your painting, hone your skills and play around.\n\n![Hand painting an oil paint artwork of two colourful chillis with a wooden palette and brushes next to it.](https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/4361\/7588\/files\/2._Hand_painting_an_oil_paint_artwork_of_two_colourful_chillis_with_a_wooden_palette_and_brushes_next_to_it.jpg?v=1678411697)\n\n## 3\\. Try water mixable oils\nIf you’re reading this and already feeling daunted by the solvents and the drying time, then try water mixable oil paints! These oil paints still have a good coverage, a wide colour range and create a range of oil paint techniques, the difference here is that you can use water with them instead of a chemical solvent like turpentines. Of course, with this, also comes the added benefit that they evaporate to dry, so you won’t need to wait as long for them to touch dry. You can check out our range of [water mixable oils here](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/water-mixable-oil-paint).\n\n## 4\\. Getting started with colours\nThis is the fun part! To start oil painting, you’ll need some paints of course. To make things easy, you can find a great range of [intro sets here](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/oil-paint-sets)[.](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com.au\/collections\/oil-paint-sets) Otherwise if you’re looking to buy [individual tubes](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/oil-paint-tubes) or mixing and matching, then a great basic palette is Titanium white, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Yellow Ochre, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Rose Madder, Viridian, Cadmium Red, Medium Yellow, Lemon Yellow and Violet. This will give you plenty of colours and tones to play around with.\n\n![Wooden palette with oil paints on top of it and Mont Marte oil paint brushes next to it.](https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/4361\/7588\/files\/3._Wooden_palette_with_oil_paints_on_top_of_it_and_Mont_Marte_oil_paint_brushes_next_to_it.jpg?v=1678411781)\n\n## 5\\. Brushes\nWhen it comes to brushes, then [hog bristle](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/hog-bristle-brushes) and [taklon brushes](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/taklon-brushes) will be your go-tos. Because oil paints are so thick, these particular bristles are important when it comes to spreading the paint around. Taklon is a synthetic and hog bristle are a natural hairbrush, so your choice will depend on personal preference and\/or price. For taklon this is a [great introductory set](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/products\/brush-set-with-easel-wallet-signature17pc?variant=40296451113012), otherwise check out this [hog bristle brush set](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/products\/oil-brush-set-signature-11pc?variant=40296450457652)[.](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com.au\/products\/oil-brush-set-signature-11pc?variant=40296450457652) For more on oil paint brushes, including size and type, check out our [oil paint brush guide](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/guide\/guide-to-oil-paint-brushes).\n\n## 6\\. Palettes\nLet’s cut to the chase, a wooden palette is one of the best for oil paints. [Wooden palettes](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/products\/traditional-wood-palette-signature-30-x-38cm-11-8-x-14-9in?variant=40296472150068) can handle heavy, thick oil paints and they’re typically light weight. A kidney shaped palette works well for beginners because you can also hold it as you work. Otherwise, a glass palette can work but it can also become very heavy during long sessions. Another handy extra tool is a [palette knife](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/collections\/palette-knives). This will help you scrape any leftover oil paints away. Plus, it can be used to paint with or be used to clean dried paint from palettes.\n\n![A bright photo of oil paints with a wooden palette and brushes next to it.](https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/4361\/7588\/files\/4._A_bright_photo_of_oil_paints_with_a_wooden_palette_and_brushes_next_to_it.jpg?v=1678411862)\n\n## 7\\. Fat over lean and alla prima tips\nOne of the most important techniques with oil painting is the fat over lean rule. Fat is the most oil added, and lean is where little or no oil is added. This is a bit like house painting where an undercoat is lighter than a final coat. Why is this important? As oil paint dries it oxidises so the paint expands and contracts. This means, not only will a thick layer take longer to dry, it can also cause cracking if a thick layer is applied too early.\n\nAnother great technique is painting alla prima or wet-on-wet. This technique means you’ll be able to work quickly by building up each layer and adding in your accents last. The main alla prima tip is to work from dark to light. Add in your dark shadows first, pop in the mid-tones then finish with your highlights last. If you’re looking for [oil painting techniques](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/tips-techniques\/oil-painting-techniques-to-try) to try, we’ve got you sorted.\n\n## 8\\. Underpainting\nUnderpainting is another great tip on oil painting for beginners. Why? because it stops the fear of staring at a stark, white canvas, plus it will help add tone and harmony to your work down the track. To underpaint, start with a cool tone to balance a warmer layer that will be painted on top. Or use a warmer tone if you’re planning a cool layer on top. Just be sure to use a thin, transparent layer and work fat over lean so the colour isn’t too solid.\n\n![Hand painting an underpainting artwork on a wooden canvas with a red brush.](https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/4361\/7588\/files\/5._Hand_painting_an_underpainting_artwork_on_a_wooden_canvas_with_a_red_brush.png?v=1678411899)\n\n## 9\\. Know how to clean up\nCleaning up after oil painting can be challenging especially if you’re just starting out. Palette knives can be used to scrape off excess oil paints and leftovers can be used for underpainting later on. To clean your brushes after a painting session, you’ll need a chemical solvent plus an oil like safflower or vegetable oil. If you’re not sure how to clean your brushes or just looking for a quick refresher, check out our [how to clean oil brushes video](https:\/\/www.montmarte.com\/blogs\/projects-how-to\/how-to-clean-oil-paint-brushes).\n\n## 10\\. Give yourself space\nOil painting can be challenging to get the hang of so make sure you give yourself space and plenty of time to experiment and see what works for you. You might create something amazing, and you might not, and both are okay! What’s important is that you tackled a challenging medium and learnt along the way, so don’t beat yourself up for trying something new.\n\n![Hand painting a realistic moon artwork with Titanium white on a brush.](https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/4361\/7588\/files\/6._Hand_painting_a_realistic_moon_artwork_with_Titanium_white_on_a_brush.jpg?v=1678411927)\n\nWe hope these 10 tips on oil painting for beginners inspire you to pick up the paint brushes (whether oil or not) and create something amazing! We’d love to see what you create so \\#montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/montmarteart\/) or [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MontMarteArt\/), so we can see\\!","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Description	Tackling oil painting can be tricky and it’s hard to know where to start, so we’ve pulled together 10 tips on oil painting for beginners. From the fat over lean rule to alla prima tips and what you’ll need, let’s unpack oil painting so you can give it a go for yourself! 1. Work in a well-ventilated area One of the most
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Boilerpipe Text	Tackling oil painting can be tricky and it’s hard to know where to start, so we’ve pulled together 10 tips on oil painting for beginners. From the fat over lean rule to alla prima tips and what you’ll need, let’s unpack oil painting so you can give it a go for yourself! 1. Work in a well-ventilated area One of the most important tips on oil painting for beginners, is to work in a well-ventilated area. When you’re working with oil paints, know you’ll also be working with chemical solvents like turpentines. Solvents like turpentines can cause some people skin irritations or headaches, so listen to your body and stop or swap it out if you feel any discomfort. Make sure you work in an area that has plenty of fresh air and keep your creative area away from little ones. 2. Give yourself enough time It’s no secret that oil paints take a while to dry. Because the pigments are suspended in an oil form, they need time to dry/oxidise and also cure, so it’s best to know this before jumping into a project. Not all oil paint colours are made equally, some will take longer to dry. This will depend on the manufacturer and the colours. As a rough guide, Titanium White and Yellow Ochre can take up to eight days to touch dry. Raw Umber and Burnt Sienna can take around two days to touch dry. Also, as colours are mixed, their drying rate can change too. This can be an advantage because you’ll have plenty of time to work with your painting, hone your skills and play around. 3. Try water mixable oils If you’re reading this and already feeling daunted by the solvents and the drying time, then try water mixable oil paints! These oil paints still have a good coverage, a wide colour range and create a range of oil paint techniques, the difference here is that you can use water with them instead of a chemical solvent like turpentines. Of course, with this, also comes the added benefit that they evaporate to dry, so you won’t need to wait as long for them to touch dry. You can check out our range of water mixable oils here . 4. Getting started with colours This is the fun part! To start oil painting, you’ll need some paints of course. To make things easy, you can find a great range of intro sets here . Otherwise if you’re looking to buy individual tubes or mixing and matching, then a great basic palette is Titanium white, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Yellow Ochre, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Rose Madder, Viridian, Cadmium Red, Medium Yellow, Lemon Yellow and Violet. This will give you plenty of colours and tones to play around with. 5. Brushes When it comes to brushes, then hog bristle and taklon brushes will be your go-tos. Because oil paints are so thick, these particular bristles are important when it comes to spreading the paint around. Taklon is a synthetic and hog bristle are a natural hairbrush, so your choice will depend on personal preference and/or price. For taklon this is a great introductory set , otherwise check out this hog bristle brush set . For more on oil paint brushes, including size and type, check out our oil paint brush guide . 6. Palettes Let’s cut to the chase, a wooden palette is one of the best for oil paints. Wooden palettes can handle heavy, thick oil paints and they’re typically light weight. A kidney shaped palette works well for beginners because you can also hold it as you work. Otherwise, a glass palette can work but it can also become very heavy during long sessions. Another handy extra tool is a palette knife . This will help you scrape any leftover oil paints away. Plus, it can be used to paint with or be used to clean dried paint from palettes. 7. Fat over lean and alla prima tips One of the most important techniques with oil painting is the fat over lean rule. Fat is the most oil added, and lean is where little or no oil is added. This is a bit like house painting where an undercoat is lighter than a final coat. Why is this important? As oil paint dries it oxidises so the paint expands and contracts. This means, not only will a thick layer take longer to dry, it can also cause cracking if a thick layer is applied too early. Another great technique is painting alla prima or wet-on-wet. This technique means you’ll be able to work quickly by building up each layer and adding in your accents last. The main alla prima tip is to work from dark to light. Add in your dark shadows first, pop in the mid-tones then finish with your highlights last. If you’re looking for oil painting techniques to try, we’ve got you sorted. 8. Underpainting Underpainting is another great tip on oil painting for beginners. Why? because it stops the fear of staring at a stark, white canvas, plus it will help add tone and harmony to your work down the track. To underpaint, start with a cool tone to balance a warmer layer that will be painted on top. Or use a warmer tone if you’re planning a cool layer on top. Just be sure to use a thin, transparent layer and work fat over lean so the colour isn’t too solid. 9. Know how to clean up Cleaning up after oil painting can be challenging especially if you’re just starting out. Palette knives can be used to scrape off excess oil paints and leftovers can be used for underpainting later on. To clean your brushes after a painting session, you’ll need a chemical solvent plus an oil like safflower or vegetable oil. If you’re not sure how to clean your brushes or just looking for a quick refresher, check out our how to clean oil brushes video . 10. Give yourself space Oil painting can be challenging to get the hang of so make sure you give yourself space and plenty of time to experiment and see what works for you. You might create something amazing, and you might not, and both are okay! What’s important is that you tackled a challenging medium and learnt along the way, so don’t beat yourself up for trying something new. We hope these 10 tips on oil painting for beginners inspire you to pick up the paint brushes (whether oil or not) and create something amazing! We’d love to see what you create so #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook , so we can see!
Markdown	![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=&ev=PageView&noscript=1) [Skip to Main Content](https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/tips-techniques/10-tips-on-oil-painting-for-beginners#main) Welcome to your new home of creativity Aussie-established brand - [Stockists](https://www.montmarte.com/pages/store-locator) - [Contact](https://www.montmarte.com/pages/contact) Sign In [![Logo](https://www.montmarte.com/cdn/shop/files/MM-Horizontal-Logo-black_2160x.png?v=1662958586) ![Logo](https://www.montmarte.com/cdn/shop/files/MM-Horizontal-Logo-black_2160x.png?v=1662958586)](https://www.montmarte.com/) Sign In [Wishlist](https://www.montmarte.com/pages/swym-wishlist) [Create](https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/create) [Home](https://www.montmarte.com/ "Home") / [Tips & Techniques](https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/tips-techniques) / 10 tips on oil painting for beginners ![](https://www.montmarte.com/cdn/shop/articles/1._An_oil_paint_beach_scene_with_Mont_Marte_oil_paints_and_brushes_lying_on_top.jpg?v=1678670289) ![]() 16 Mar 2023•Mont Marte [Oil](https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/tips-techniques/tagged/oil) [Paint](https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/tips-techniques/tagged/paint) [Painting](https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/tips-techniques/tagged/painting) Tackling oil painting can be tricky and it’s hard to know where to start, so we’ve pulled together 10 tips on oil painting for beginners. From the fat over lean rule to alla prima tips and what you’ll need, let’s unpack oil painting so you can give it a go for yourself\! ![An oil paint beach scene with Mont Marte oil paints and brushes lying on top.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0595/4361/7588/files/1._An_oil_paint_beach_scene_with_Mont_Marte_oil_paints_and_brushes_lying_on_top.jpg?v=1678402455) ## 1\. Work in a well-ventilated area One of the most important tips on oil painting for beginners, is to work in a well-ventilated area. When you’re working with oil paints, know you’ll also be working with chemical solvents like turpentines. Solvents like turpentines can cause some people skin irritations or headaches, so listen to your body and stop or swap it out if you feel any discomfort. Make sure you work in an area that has plenty of fresh air and keep your creative area away from little ones. ## 2\. Give yourself enough time It’s no secret that oil paints take a while to dry. Because the pigments are suspended in an oil form, they need time to dry/oxidise and also cure, so it’s best to know this before jumping into a project. Not all oil paint colours are made equally, some will take longer to dry. This will depend on the manufacturer and the colours. As a rough guide, Titanium White and Yellow Ochre can take up to eight days to touch dry. Raw Umber and Burnt Sienna can take around two days to touch dry. Also, as colours are mixed, their drying rate can change too. This can be an advantage because you’ll have plenty of time to work with your painting, hone your skills and play around. ![Hand painting an oil paint artwork of two colourful chillis with a wooden palette and brushes next to it.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0595/4361/7588/files/2._Hand_painting_an_oil_paint_artwork_of_two_colourful_chillis_with_a_wooden_palette_and_brushes_next_to_it.jpg?v=1678411697) ## 3\. Try water mixable oils If you’re reading this and already feeling daunted by the solvents and the drying time, then try water mixable oil paints! These oil paints still have a good coverage, a wide colour range and create a range of oil paint techniques, the difference here is that you can use water with them instead of a chemical solvent like turpentines. Of course, with this, also comes the added benefit that they evaporate to dry, so you won’t need to wait as long for them to touch dry. You can check out our range of [water mixable oils here](https://www.montmarte.com/collections/water-mixable-oil-paint). ## 4\. Getting started with colours This is the fun part! To start oil painting, you’ll need some paints of course. To make things easy, you can find a great range of [intro sets here](https://www.montmarte.com/collections/oil-paint-sets)[.](https://www.montmarte.com.au/collections/oil-paint-sets) Otherwise if you’re looking to buy [individual tubes](https://www.montmarte.com/collections/oil-paint-tubes) or mixing and matching, then a great basic palette is Titanium white, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Yellow Ochre, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Rose Madder, Viridian, Cadmium Red, Medium Yellow, Lemon Yellow and Violet. This will give you plenty of colours and tones to play around with. ![Wooden palette with oil paints on top of it and Mont Marte oil paint brushes next to it.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0595/4361/7588/files/3._Wooden_palette_with_oil_paints_on_top_of_it_and_Mont_Marte_oil_paint_brushes_next_to_it.jpg?v=1678411781) ## 5\. Brushes When it comes to brushes, then [hog bristle](https://www.montmarte.com/collections/hog-bristle-brushes) and [taklon brushes](https://www.montmarte.com/collections/taklon-brushes) will be your go-tos. Because oil paints are so thick, these particular bristles are important when it comes to spreading the paint around. Taklon is a synthetic and hog bristle are a natural hairbrush, so your choice will depend on personal preference and/or price. For taklon this is a [great introductory set](https://www.montmarte.com/products/brush-set-with-easel-wallet-signature17pc?variant=40296451113012), otherwise check out this [hog bristle brush set](https://www.montmarte.com/products/oil-brush-set-signature-11pc?variant=40296450457652)[.](https://www.montmarte.com.au/products/oil-brush-set-signature-11pc?variant=40296450457652) For more on oil paint brushes, including size and type, check out our [oil paint brush guide](https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/guide/guide-to-oil-paint-brushes). ## 6\. Palettes Let’s cut to the chase, a wooden palette is one of the best for oil paints. [Wooden palettes](https://www.montmarte.com/products/traditional-wood-palette-signature-30-x-38cm-11-8-x-14-9in?variant=40296472150068) can handle heavy, thick oil paints and they’re typically light weight. A kidney shaped palette works well for beginners because you can also hold it as you work. Otherwise, a glass palette can work but it can also become very heavy during long sessions. Another handy extra tool is a [palette knife](https://www.montmarte.com/collections/palette-knives). This will help you scrape any leftover oil paints away. Plus, it can be used to paint with or be used to clean dried paint from palettes. ![A bright photo of oil paints with a wooden palette and brushes next to it.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0595/4361/7588/files/4._A_bright_photo_of_oil_paints_with_a_wooden_palette_and_brushes_next_to_it.jpg?v=1678411862) ## 7\. Fat over lean and alla prima tips One of the most important techniques with oil painting is the fat over lean rule. Fat is the most oil added, and lean is where little or no oil is added. This is a bit like house painting where an undercoat is lighter than a final coat. Why is this important? As oil paint dries it oxidises so the paint expands and contracts. This means, not only will a thick layer take longer to dry, it can also cause cracking if a thick layer is applied too early. Another great technique is painting alla prima or wet-on-wet. This technique means you’ll be able to work quickly by building up each layer and adding in your accents last. The main alla prima tip is to work from dark to light. Add in your dark shadows first, pop in the mid-tones then finish with your highlights last. If you’re looking for [oil painting techniques](https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/tips-techniques/oil-painting-techniques-to-try) to try, we’ve got you sorted. ## 8\. Underpainting Underpainting is another great tip on oil painting for beginners. Why? because it stops the fear of staring at a stark, white canvas, plus it will help add tone and harmony to your work down the track. To underpaint, start with a cool tone to balance a warmer layer that will be painted on top. Or use a warmer tone if you’re planning a cool layer on top. Just be sure to use a thin, transparent layer and work fat over lean so the colour isn’t too solid. ![Hand painting an underpainting artwork on a wooden canvas with a red brush.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0595/4361/7588/files/5._Hand_painting_an_underpainting_artwork_on_a_wooden_canvas_with_a_red_brush.png?v=1678411899) ## 9\. Know how to clean up Cleaning up after oil painting can be challenging especially if you’re just starting out. Palette knives can be used to scrape off excess oil paints and leftovers can be used for underpainting later on. To clean your brushes after a painting session, you’ll need a chemical solvent plus an oil like safflower or vegetable oil. If you’re not sure how to clean your brushes or just looking for a quick refresher, check out our [how to clean oil brushes video](https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/projects-how-to/how-to-clean-oil-paint-brushes). ## 10\. Give yourself space Oil painting can be challenging to get the hang of so make sure you give yourself space and plenty of time to experiment and see what works for you. You might create something amazing, and you might not, and both are okay! What’s important is that you tackled a challenging medium and learnt along the way, so don’t beat yourself up for trying something new. ![Hand painting a realistic moon artwork with Titanium white on a brush.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0595/4361/7588/files/6._Hand_painting_a_realistic_moon_artwork_with_Titanium_white_on_a_brush.jpg?v=1678411927) Looking for more? Check out our [oil painting portrait tips for beginners](https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/tips-techniques/12-oil-painting-portrait-tips-for-beginners)[,](https://www.montmarte.com.au/blogs/tips-techniques/12-oil-painting-portrait-tips-for-beginners) or if you’re ready to jump in, try these [oil painting techniques](https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/tips-techniques/oil-painting-techniques-to-try). We hope these 10 tips on oil painting for beginners inspire you to pick up the paint brushes (whether oil or not) and create something amazing! We’d love to see what you create so \#montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/montmarteart/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MontMarteArt/), so we can see\! 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Readable Markdown	Tackling oil painting can be tricky and it’s hard to know where to start, so we’ve pulled together 10 tips on oil painting for beginners. From the fat over lean rule to alla prima tips and what you’ll need, let’s unpack oil painting so you can give it a go for yourself\! ![An oil paint beach scene with Mont Marte oil paints and brushes lying on top.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0595/4361/7588/files/1._An_oil_paint_beach_scene_with_Mont_Marte_oil_paints_and_brushes_lying_on_top.jpg?v=1678402455) ## 1\. Work in a well-ventilated area One of the most important tips on oil painting for beginners, is to work in a well-ventilated area. When you’re working with oil paints, know you’ll also be working with chemical solvents like turpentines. Solvents like turpentines can cause some people skin irritations or headaches, so listen to your body and stop or swap it out if you feel any discomfort. Make sure you work in an area that has plenty of fresh air and keep your creative area away from little ones. ## 2\. Give yourself enough time It’s no secret that oil paints take a while to dry. Because the pigments are suspended in an oil form, they need time to dry/oxidise and also cure, so it’s best to know this before jumping into a project. Not all oil paint colours are made equally, some will take longer to dry. This will depend on the manufacturer and the colours. As a rough guide, Titanium White and Yellow Ochre can take up to eight days to touch dry. Raw Umber and Burnt Sienna can take around two days to touch dry. Also, as colours are mixed, their drying rate can change too. This can be an advantage because you’ll have plenty of time to work with your painting, hone your skills and play around. ![Hand painting an oil paint artwork of two colourful chillis with a wooden palette and brushes next to it.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0595/4361/7588/files/2._Hand_painting_an_oil_paint_artwork_of_two_colourful_chillis_with_a_wooden_palette_and_brushes_next_to_it.jpg?v=1678411697) ## 3\. Try water mixable oils If you’re reading this and already feeling daunted by the solvents and the drying time, then try water mixable oil paints! These oil paints still have a good coverage, a wide colour range and create a range of oil paint techniques, the difference here is that you can use water with them instead of a chemical solvent like turpentines. Of course, with this, also comes the added benefit that they evaporate to dry, so you won’t need to wait as long for them to touch dry. You can check out our range of [water mixable oils here](https://www.montmarte.com/collections/water-mixable-oil-paint). ## 4\. Getting started with colours This is the fun part! To start oil painting, you’ll need some paints of course. To make things easy, you can find a great range of [intro sets here](https://www.montmarte.com/collections/oil-paint-sets)[.](https://www.montmarte.com.au/collections/oil-paint-sets) Otherwise if you’re looking to buy [individual tubes](https://www.montmarte.com/collections/oil-paint-tubes) or mixing and matching, then a great basic palette is Titanium white, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Yellow Ochre, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Rose Madder, Viridian, Cadmium Red, Medium Yellow, Lemon Yellow and Violet. This will give you plenty of colours and tones to play around with. ![Wooden palette with oil paints on top of it and Mont Marte oil paint brushes next to it.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0595/4361/7588/files/3._Wooden_palette_with_oil_paints_on_top_of_it_and_Mont_Marte_oil_paint_brushes_next_to_it.jpg?v=1678411781) ## 5\. Brushes When it comes to brushes, then [hog bristle](https://www.montmarte.com/collections/hog-bristle-brushes) and [taklon brushes](https://www.montmarte.com/collections/taklon-brushes) will be your go-tos. Because oil paints are so thick, these particular bristles are important when it comes to spreading the paint around. Taklon is a synthetic and hog bristle are a natural hairbrush, so your choice will depend on personal preference and/or price. For taklon this is a [great introductory set](https://www.montmarte.com/products/brush-set-with-easel-wallet-signature17pc?variant=40296451113012), otherwise check out this [hog bristle brush set](https://www.montmarte.com/products/oil-brush-set-signature-11pc?variant=40296450457652)[.](https://www.montmarte.com.au/products/oil-brush-set-signature-11pc?variant=40296450457652) For more on oil paint brushes, including size and type, check out our [oil paint brush guide](https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/guide/guide-to-oil-paint-brushes). ## 6\. Palettes Let’s cut to the chase, a wooden palette is one of the best for oil paints. [Wooden palettes](https://www.montmarte.com/products/traditional-wood-palette-signature-30-x-38cm-11-8-x-14-9in?variant=40296472150068) can handle heavy, thick oil paints and they’re typically light weight. A kidney shaped palette works well for beginners because you can also hold it as you work. Otherwise, a glass palette can work but it can also become very heavy during long sessions. Another handy extra tool is a [palette knife](https://www.montmarte.com/collections/palette-knives). This will help you scrape any leftover oil paints away. Plus, it can be used to paint with or be used to clean dried paint from palettes. ![A bright photo of oil paints with a wooden palette and brushes next to it.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0595/4361/7588/files/4._A_bright_photo_of_oil_paints_with_a_wooden_palette_and_brushes_next_to_it.jpg?v=1678411862) ## 7\. Fat over lean and alla prima tips One of the most important techniques with oil painting is the fat over lean rule. Fat is the most oil added, and lean is where little or no oil is added. This is a bit like house painting where an undercoat is lighter than a final coat. Why is this important? As oil paint dries it oxidises so the paint expands and contracts. This means, not only will a thick layer take longer to dry, it can also cause cracking if a thick layer is applied too early. Another great technique is painting alla prima or wet-on-wet. This technique means you’ll be able to work quickly by building up each layer and adding in your accents last. The main alla prima tip is to work from dark to light. Add in your dark shadows first, pop in the mid-tones then finish with your highlights last. If you’re looking for [oil painting techniques](https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/tips-techniques/oil-painting-techniques-to-try) to try, we’ve got you sorted. ## 8\. Underpainting Underpainting is another great tip on oil painting for beginners. Why? because it stops the fear of staring at a stark, white canvas, plus it will help add tone and harmony to your work down the track. To underpaint, start with a cool tone to balance a warmer layer that will be painted on top. Or use a warmer tone if you’re planning a cool layer on top. Just be sure to use a thin, transparent layer and work fat over lean so the colour isn’t too solid. ![Hand painting an underpainting artwork on a wooden canvas with a red brush.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0595/4361/7588/files/5._Hand_painting_an_underpainting_artwork_on_a_wooden_canvas_with_a_red_brush.png?v=1678411899) ## 9\. Know how to clean up Cleaning up after oil painting can be challenging especially if you’re just starting out. Palette knives can be used to scrape off excess oil paints and leftovers can be used for underpainting later on. To clean your brushes after a painting session, you’ll need a chemical solvent plus an oil like safflower or vegetable oil. If you’re not sure how to clean your brushes or just looking for a quick refresher, check out our [how to clean oil brushes video](https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/projects-how-to/how-to-clean-oil-paint-brushes). ## 10\. Give yourself space Oil painting can be challenging to get the hang of so make sure you give yourself space and plenty of time to experiment and see what works for you. You might create something amazing, and you might not, and both are okay! What’s important is that you tackled a challenging medium and learnt along the way, so don’t beat yourself up for trying something new. ![Hand painting a realistic moon artwork with Titanium white on a brush.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0595/4361/7588/files/6._Hand_painting_a_realistic_moon_artwork_with_Titanium_white_on_a_brush.jpg?v=1678411927) We hope these 10 tips on oil painting for beginners inspire you to pick up the paint brushes (whether oil or not) and create something amazing! We’d love to see what you create so \#montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/montmarteart/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MontMarteArt/), so we can see\!
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