What Do You Need to Start Oil Painting? A Simple Guide for Beginners

Starting oil painting can feel overwhelming at first. There are so many materials — paints, brushes, canvases — that it’s easy to think you need everything before you begin.

In reality, you only need a few basic tools to get started. Once you understand how oil paint behaves, everything else becomes much easier to build on.

The Essential Materials for Oil Painting

If you’re just starting out, keep it simple. A small, well-chosen set of materials is far more useful than a large, confusing collection.

Here’s what you actually need:

1. Oil Paints

Allan begins with a limited palette consisting of the primary colours and white. 

These colours allow you to mix a wide range of tones without overcomplicating the process. 4. Medium

Oil paint can be used straight from the tube.

As you progress, you may introduce mediums to change how the paint flows, but this isn’t essential at the beginning.

2. Brushes 

You can begin with:

• a few medium-sized brushes, Allan supplies all of of these in his class, although it is always a good idea if you have your own favourites to bring those, as long as you are willing to use them for oil painting use only.

3. Surface (Canvas or Board)

A simple primed canvas or canvas board is ideal.

You don’t need anything expensive — the focus at this stage is learning how the paint works. These can be acquired from Cass Art.

4. A Space to Work

This doesn’t need to be a studio.

A table, good light, and a protected surface are enough to begin.

What You Don’t Need (Yet)

Beginners often feel they need:

• lots of brushes

• a full range of colours

• complex mediums

In reality, these can slow you down. Keeping things simple helps you focus on what matters — learning to see and handle the paint.

Why Many Beginners Start in a Class

One of the easiest ways to begin is within a structured class.

You don’t need to buy materials, and you can focus entirely on the process of painting rather than setting everything up yourself.

You also benefit from guidance, which helps avoid common frustrations early on.

Oil Painting Classes in London

Allan Storer runs oil painting classes in London at Cass Art Kingston and from his studio in Twickenham.

All materials are provided, making it easy to begin without needing to invest in equipment straight away.

View Oil Painting Classes in London

Starting oil painting doesn’t require a large investment or specialist knowledge.

A small number of materials — and the right environment — are enough to begin. From there, your understanding develops naturally through practice.