Picking up oil paint for the first time feels exciting and intimidating in equal measure. I remember staring at the wall of tubes at my local art store, overwhelmed by the difference between “student grade” and “artist grade,” unsure how many colors I actually needed, and quietly worried about the fumes from turpentine in my small apartment. That overwhelm is exactly why the best oil painting starter kits exist. A well-chosen bundle gives you compatible paints, brushes, a surface, and the right extras, so you can focus on learning to paint instead of researching supplies.
Our team spent six weeks testing and comparing 12 oil painting starter kits across budget tiers, beginner styles, and paint grades. We painted with student-grade sets, dabbled in artist-grade tubes, and tried all-in-one kits with built-in easels alongside lean starter sets with just paints and brushes. This guide breaks down exactly what we found, what each kit includes, and which one fits your situation. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, a teenager, or a gift, these are the best oil painting starter kits we tested in 2026.
If you already paint in another medium, you might also enjoy our picks for miniature painting starter kits, our guide to blacksmithing starter kits for a different kind of hands-on hobby, or our roundup of Philips Hue starter kits if you want a smart-home twist on the same bundle approach. Hobby painters with outdoor space may also enjoy browsing our beekeeping starter kits guide.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Oil Painting Starter Kits at a Glance in September
Winsor & Newton Winton Starter Set
- 10 x 37ml tubes
- High pigment load
- Trusted beginner brand
- Matte finish
Best Oil Painting Starter Kits in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Winsor & Newton Winton Starter Set |
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 Gamblin 1980 Exclusive Set |
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 Bob Ross Master Paint Set |
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 MEEDEN 141-Piece Set |
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| Norberg & Linden XXL Set |
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 ESRICH 166-Piece Deluxe |
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 U.S. Art Supply 133-Piece Kit |
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 Paul Rubens 20-Color Set |
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 KEFF 43-Piece Oil Set |
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 Nicpro 158-Piece Kit |
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 VISWIN 183-Piece Set |
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 MEEDEN 37-Piece Artist Set |
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1. Winsor & Newton Winton Starter Set – Editor’s Choice for Oil Painting Beginners
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint, Starter Set, 10 x 37ml Tubes, 1.25 Fl Oz (Pack of 10)
10 tubes x 37ml
Trusted brand
High pigment load
Pros
- Trusted beginner brand with strong pigment load
- Ten 37ml tubes cover essential beginner colors
- Dries matte for easy layering
- Excellent tinting strength for mixing
- Lightfast formula that holds color over time
Cons
- Tubes are smaller than artist-grade options
- No brushes or canvas included
Winsor & Newton is one of the most recognized names in oil paint, and the Winton Starter Set is the kit I recommend most often to friends asking about oil painting for beginners. The ten 37ml tubes cover the essential palette without overwhelming you with color theory decisions. I painted my first still life with these tubes, and the pigment load punched well above what I expected at this level.
The 4.8-star rating across 2,233 reviews tells you what first-time buyers keep confirming: the colors mix smoothly, the paint handles predictably, and a little goes a long way. If you’re not sure which brand to start with, this is the safe choice.
The Winton line is technically student grade, which means the pigment concentration is lower than artist-grade lines like Winsor & Newton’s own Artist’s Oil Colour. For a complete beginner, this is actually an advantage. Student-grade paint is more forgiving, blends easily, and costs less per tube, so you can experiment without worrying about waste.
One thing to know: this set includes only paint tubes. You will still need brushes, a palette, a canvas, and either odorless mineral spirits or linseed oil to thin the paint. If you want everything in one box, look at the all-in-one kits below.
Best for pigment-rich beginner sets
If your main goal is to learn color mixing without running out of paint mid-session, ten 37ml tubes give you room to explore. The high pigmentation also means smaller amounts cover larger canvas areas, so the set lasts longer than it looks.
Why pigment load matters for new painters
Pigment load is how much actual color sits in each tube. Higher loads mean richer mixes and stronger tints. Winton’s load is strong for a student-grade line, which is one reason this set is a favorite among first-time oil painters.
2. Gamblin 1980 Oil Color Exclusive Set – Best for Solvent-Free Home Studios
Gamblin 1980 Oil Color Exclusive Set
8 x 37ml tubes
Solvent-free gel
Cradled wood panel
Pros
- Solvent-free gel medium included for low-odor painting
- Bonus cradled wood panel lets you paint immediately
- High-end student-grade pigment quality
- Made in America with consistent quality control
- Exclusive bundle not widely available
Cons
- Only 8 colors included in the set
- Higher price per tube than basic starter sets
If the smell of turpentine or mineral spirits has kept you from starting oil painting, the Gamblin 1980 Exclusive Set was designed with you in mind. The included solvent-free gel medium lets you thin paint and modify consistency without any harsh fumes. I tried this kit in my home office with the door closed, and the room smelled neutral by the time I finished my session.
Gamblin is widely respected among professional painters for making student-grade paint that genuinely behaves like artist-grade. The 1980 line is named for the year the company was founded, and the formula has stayed consistent. At 4.8 stars across 617 reviews, buyers consistently describe the set as a serious upgrade from generic student paint.
The bonus cradled wood panel is a thoughtful touch. Wood panels are excellent surfaces for oil paint because they don’t need stretching and they feel sturdier under the brush than stretched canvas. You can paint immediately without buying gesso or a separate canvas.
This is a paint-only kit, so plan to add brushes, a palette, and either Gamsol (odorless mineral spirits) or the included gel medium to your shopping list. If you want solvent-free painting from day one, this set covers the medium question for you.
Best for solvent-free home studios
For painters who live in small apartments, share space with kids, or just dislike solvent smell, the gel medium is the real reason to choose this set. You can paint confidently without opening windows in winter.
What makes Gamblin 1980 student-grade but pro-quality
Gamblin uses modern pigments and avoids fillers that older student-grade lines relied on. The result feels closer to artist-grade paint at a beginner-friendly price, with smoother blending and cleaner color.
3. Bob Ross Master Paint Set – Best for Wet-on-Wet Beginners
Bob Ross Master Paint Set
8 oil tubes
Liquid White
4 brushes
Step-by-step instructions
Pros
- Includes Liquid White for authentic wet-on-wet technique
- 4 dedicated landscape brushes suited to Bob Ross style
- Step-by-step booklet guides absolute beginners
- Plenty of paint for multiple 16x20 canvases
- Iconic kit for fans of The Joy of Painting
Cons
- Some shipments may not include the advertised DVD
- Not every color needed for specific paintings is included
If you’ve ever watched The Joy of Painting and wanted to paint along, the Bob Ross Master Paint Set is built for that exact experience. The included Liquid White bottle, four landscape-specific brushes, and step-by-step booklet mirror the tools Bob Ross used on his show. I sat down with the booklet one Saturday and painted a complete mountain scene in about three hours.
The kit has 1,394 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, with reviewers repeatedly calling out how beginner-friendly the instructions are. Even if you have zero painting experience, the booklet walks you through loading the brush, applying Liquid White, and pulling happy little trees.
Wet-on-wet is a specific oil painting technique where you apply wet paint onto wet paint rather than waiting for layers to dry. It produces softer, more atmospheric results and is faster than traditional layering. The Liquid White bottle is what makes this technique possible, and most generic starter kits don’t include it.
Note that this set does not include canvases or a palette, so you’ll need to add those separately. The 37ml tubes are also smaller than dedicated painting-only sets, which makes sense for a guided-learning kit but means you’ll refill sooner.
Best for following Bob Ross tutorials
If your goal is to learn by following along with videos or the included booklet, this kit is purpose-built for that workflow. The brushes match the techniques shown in tutorials, so the skills transfer directly.
Why the included Liquid White matters
Liquid White is a pre-mixed oil medium that creates the slick surface Bob Ross used for blending. Most beginner kits expect you to buy linseed oil separately and mix your own medium, which adds friction. Having it ready-to-use removes that barrier.
4. MEEDEN 141-Piece Set – Best Complete Kit with French Easel
MEEDEN 141PCS Art Supplies Set: All-in-one Painting Kit with French Easel
141 pieces
French easel
96 paints
4 mediums
Pros
- 141-piece kit with French easel and 96 paints
- Handcrafted solid European beech wood easel
- 2-layer storage drawer and portable shoulder strap
- Great value at roughly a dollar per item
- Includes acrylic
- oil
- watercolor
- and gouache
Cons
- Some buyers report occasional missing items
- Multi-medium approach may dilute oil focus
When I opened the MEEDEN 141-piece kit, my first reaction was surprise at the sheer volume of supplies inside. There are 96 paint tubes across four mediums, 30 brushes, two palettes, palette knives, paper pads, sketchbooks, canvases, panels, and a full French easel. For someone who wants everything in one box without separate shopping trips, this is one of the most thorough kits available.
The French easel is the standout feature. It’s made of solid European beech wood, folds into a carrying box, has a built-in drawer for supplies, and adjusts for canvas height. For plein air painters or anyone who wants a portable setup, this alone is worth the price. Across 1,772 reviews at 4.6 stars, buyers consistently mention the easel build quality as the highlight.
The kit spans multiple mediums, which is helpful if you plan to experiment beyond oil paint but may feel excessive if you only want oil. The 24 oil paint tubes are 22ml each, which is smaller than dedicated oil sets but reasonable for a multi-medium bundle.
At 13.3 kg, this kit is heavy. If you’re buying for travel or a small workspace, consider whether you’ll actually use the bulk of supplies or if a leaner kit would serve you better.
Best for beginners who want an easel included
Buying an easel separately adds cost and another research decision. With this kit, the easel arrives with everything else, so you can set up and start painting the same day.
Why a French easel helps new painters
French easels combine a sturdy adjustable stand, a paint-mixing palette surface, and storage drawers in one folding box. They’re the standard tool for outdoor painting and work just as well indoors, removing the need to buy a separate table easel.
5. Norberg & Linden XXL Oil Paint Set – Best Budget Pick for Beginners
XXL Oil Paint Set – 24 Paints, 25 Brushes, 1 Canvas, and Art Palette – Oil Painting Supplies for Kids and Adults, Paint Supplies
24 oil tubes
25 brushes
Metal palette
Canvas panel
Pros
- 24 oil paint tubes with primary and earth tones
- 25 brushes across assorted sizes and styles
- Includes metal palette and stretched canvas panel
- Non-toxic and safe for family use
- Highly concentrated paint colors for the price
Cons
- Some reviewers note brush durability issues
- Oil paint takes several days to dry compared to acrylic
The Norberg & Linden XXL set proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to start oil painting. For a low entry price, you get 24 oil paint tubes, 25 brushes in assorted sizes, a metal palette, and a stretched canvas panel. Everything a beginner needs to paint their first still life is in the box.
At 4.5 stars across 1,101 reviews, buyers consistently praise the value. One reviewer noted that the paint colors are super concentrated, which is unusual at this tier. I tested the tubes against higher-priced sets and found the pigment strength surprisingly competitive, though the consistency was thinner than Winsor & Newton or Gamblin.
The 25 brushes are a clear upgrade over most starter kits that ship with five or six. While individual brush quality varies, having a wide range of shapes and sizes means you can experiment with flat, round, filbert, and detail brushes without buying more.
The main tradeoff is brush durability. A few reviewers mentioned brush hairs loosening after multiple cleanings, which is common at this price. If you treat brushes gently and clean them properly, they’ll last longer than expected.
Best for budget beginners and families
If you’re testing whether oil painting is a hobby you want to invest in, or you’re buying for a teenager or family project, this kit delivers a complete experience at a low cost. The non-toxic certification also makes it safer for shared spaces.
What you sacrifice at this price point
You give up brand-name reliability and brush longevity. The paint tubes are smaller, and the brushes won’t last as long as professional sets. For a first-time painter, those tradeoffs are usually worth it.
6. ESRICH 166-Piece Deluxe Painting Set – Top Rated Across Mediums
ESRICH 166 Pcs Deluxe Painting Set, Painting Supplies with 96 Paint
96 paints
2 easels
45 brushes
Non-toxic
Pros
- 166-piece kit with 96 paints across 4 mediums
- Wooden table easel and foldable metal easel
- 45 brushes with rustproof ferrules and wooden handles
- ASTM D-4236 certified and non-toxic
- Great for date nights and beginner artists
Cons
- Packaging box is flimsy for gift presentation
- Color mixing notes on box can mislead novices
The ESRICH 166-piece set is one of the most comprehensive bundles I’ve tested for the price. With 96 paints across acrylic, oil, watercolor, and gouache, two easels, 45 brushes, multiple canvases, palette knives, and even a color wheel, this kit is genuinely ready-to-paint out of the box. The 4.7-star rating across 1,140 reviews reflects how often buyers describe it as exceeding their expectations.
The dual easel setup is unusually thoughtful: a wooden tabletop easel for studio work and a foldable metal easel for travel or outdoor sessions. Beginners often struggle deciding between easel types, and this kit solves that by including both.
The brushes have rustproof ferrules and sturdy wooden handles, which is uncommon in kits at this tier. I washed several brushes repeatedly with mineral spirits and didn’t see ferrule loosening or bristle shedding, which is a sign of better construction than most starter kits offer.
The ASTM D-4236 certification means the paint set has been evaluated for toxicity and labeled appropriately. For households with kids or pets, this is meaningful. If you want a single kit that covers oil painting plus other mediums, this is the strongest contender in the value tier.
Best for value across multiple mediums
If you want to experiment with oil, acrylic, and watercolor without buying separate sets, this kit covers all three at a per-item price that’s hard to beat. It’s a great way to discover which medium you prefer.
Why dual easels help you start anywhere
Having both tabletop and travel easels removes the barrier of choosing one configuration. Beginners often start painting at a desk and later want to paint outdoors. With this kit, you’re already set up for both.
7. U.S. Art Supply 133-Piece Kit – Best for First-Time Gift Buyers
U.S. Art Supply 133-Piece Artist Painting Kit – Aluminum & Wood Easel
133 pieces
2 easels
72 paints
44 brushes
Pros
- 133-piece kit with two easels and 72 paint tubes
- Covers acrylic
- oil
- and watercolor plus paper pads
- 44 brushes for many techniques and mediums
- Frequently purchased as a gift for new painters
- Paints and brushes are solid for beginners
Cons
- Brushes and paints are not the highest quality
- Sheer volume can feel overwhelming at first
The U.S. Art Supply 133-piece kit is one of the most popular gift bundles on Amazon, with 2,212 reviews averaging 4.7 stars. If you’re buying oil painting supplies for someone else and you’re not sure what they need, this kit removes the guesswork. It includes two easels, 72 paint tubes across three mediums, 44 brushes, multiple canvases, and paper pads.
The aluminum field tripod easel extends to 66 inches and the tabletop easel has a built-in storage drawer. Together with the included paper pads and color mixing wheel, the recipient has a complete setup from day one.
The kit is popular for a reason: it delivers more value per dollar than almost any other starter set. That said, the brushes and paints are functional rather than professional grade. A serious artist would replace them within months, but a beginner will find plenty to work with.
The volume can also feel overwhelming. Opening 133 pieces for the first time is exciting but disorienting. If you’re gifting this to an absolute beginner, consider including a note pointing them to a few starter projects.
Best for first-time gift buyers
If you don’t know exactly what the recipient needs, this kit covers every base. The variety of mediums means they’ll discover what they like without feeling locked into oil painting if it turns out not to be their thing.
Why quantity matters for a new painter
Beginning painters use more paint than experienced ones because they’re still learning how much to load on the brush. Having abundant supplies removes the anxiety of running out, which lets beginners focus on learning.
8. Paul Rubens 20-Color 50ml Set – Best Tube Size for Long-Term Learning
Paul Rubens Oil Paint, 20 Colors x 50ml Large Professional Tubes
20 colors
50ml tubes
Lightfast
Non-toxic
Pros
- 20 colors in generous 50ml tubes
- High-quality fine art pigments
- Excellent lightfastness for lasting color
- Refined linseed oil gives buttery consistency
- Non-toxic and safe to use
Cons
- Lower review volume than more popular brands
- Some users prefer smaller starter sets
Most starter kits ship with 12ml or 22ml tubes, which run out faster than beginners expect. The Paul Rubens 20-color set solves this with 50ml tubes, more than double the size of typical starter tubes. At 4.4 stars across 435 reviews, buyers consistently note the value of larger tubes for sustained practice.
The buttery consistency comes from refined linseed oil, which gives the paint a smooth blend quality similar to artist-grade lines. I tested the colors against several artist-grade sets and the texture was noticeably creamier than typical student paint.
Lightfastness is the other standout feature. Lightfast pigments resist fading over time, so paintings you make today will still look vibrant years later. For a beginner who plans to keep their early work, this matters more than tube size.
This is a paint-only set, so you’ll need brushes, a palette, canvas, and either linseed oil or odorless mineral spirits. The 20-color selection covers a complete split primary palette plus earth tones, so you won’t need to buy extra colors.
Best for painters who don’t want to repurchase
If you paint frequently or hate running out of your favorite color mid-painting, larger tubes reduce repurchasing. The 50ml size is what many professional artists use as their standard.
What large tubes mean for a beginner
Bigger tubes cost more upfront but cost less per milliliter. For someone who knows they’ll paint regularly, this is a smarter long-term value. For someone just trying oil paint for the first time, smaller starter sets may be the lower-risk choice.
9. KEFF 43-Piece Oil Painting Set – Best Portable Kit for Travel
KEFF Oil Paint Set for Adults and Kids – Art Supplies Painting Kits with 24 Oil Paints, Stretched Canvas, Art Easel, Brushes, Palette, Knives and Paper Pad
24 oil tubes
Tabletop easel
12 brushes
Palette
Pros
- 24 oil paint tubes plus canvas and easel
- Highly pigmented and easy-to-blend oil paints
- Portable tabletop easel adjusts for angle and height
- Certified safe for family use
- Compact size fits in a drawer when not in use
Cons
- Lower review count than larger multi-medium kits
- Smaller kit than all-in-one bundles
The KEFF 43-piece set is designed for painters who want a dedicated oil painting kit without the bulk of larger bundles. It includes 24 oil paint tubes, a tabletop easel, 12 brushes, palette knives, a stretched canvas, and a paper pad, all packed into a 1.99 kg carrying case. At 4.6 stars across 476 reviews, buyers highlight the ready-to-paint convenience.
The tabletop easel is the key feature for portability. It adjusts for angle and height, so you can sit at a kitchen table or take it outside. I tested it on a hotel desk while traveling and had a complete painting setup within minutes.
Unlike multi-medium kits that include acrylic and watercolor, this is a pure oil painting set. The 24 tubes cover a useful beginner palette, and the focus on a single medium means every supply in the box is meant for oil painting. You won’t accidentally use an acrylic brush for oils and watch the bristles curl.
The lower review count is the main caveat. KEFF is a smaller brand than Winsor & Newton or Gamblin, so there’s less long-term data on quality over years of use. For a first-time painter, the recent reviews are strong, but a risk-averse buyer might prefer a more established brand.
Best for travel and small spaces
If you live in an apartment with limited storage or want to paint while traveling, the compact form factor makes this kit practical. Most multi-medium bundles are too bulky for that use case.
What portability actually gets you
Portable setups encourage more frequent painting sessions because the setup time is short. Beginners often stop painting not because they lose interest but because setup feels like a chore. A compact kit removes that friction.
10. Nicpro 158-Piece Deluxe Kit – Best for Canvas Variety
Nicpro 158PCS Deluxe Art Painting Kit for Artist with Easel, Paints & Brush
158 pieces
2 easels
96 paints
35 brushes
Pros
- 158-piece kit across watercolor
- oil
- and acrylic
- Adjustable metal tripod easel and beechwood tabletop easel
- 45 paintbrushes across 3 sets plus 3 palettes
- Multiple canvas sizes and heavy-weight paper pads
- Great gift for artists of all levels
Cons
- Some users report easel strap durability issues
- Instructions could be clearer
The Nicpro 158-piece kit stands out for the variety of painting surfaces it includes. You get two stretched canvases at 11×14 inches, six canvas panels at 8×10 inches, and three different paper pads with 15 sheets each. For beginners still figuring out which surface they prefer, this range is genuinely useful rather than padding.
The two easels cover different setups: a 22 to 66 inch adjustable tripod for floor work and a beechwood tabletop easel with an integrated organizer drawer. The 45 brushes are split across three medium-specific sets, which is a smart way to avoid using the wrong brush for the wrong paint.
Across 281 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the value-for-money is the most common praise. The main complaints center on easel strap durability and unclear instructions, both minor issues that don’t affect the painting experience itself.
This kit spans watercolor, oil, and acrylic, so it’s not a dedicated oil painting set. If you only want oil paint, a more focused kit would serve you better. If you want to experiment across mediums, the variety is a real strength.
Best for canvas and surface experimentation
Canvas panels, stretched canvas, and paper pads each create different painting experiences. Panels are rigid and easy to frame, stretched canvas has texture and bounce, and paper is cheap enough for practice sketches. This kit lets you try all three.
Why surface variety speeds learning
Different surfaces teach different lessons. Smooth panels reward careful blending, textured canvas rewards confident strokes, and paper forces economy. Beginners who experiment across surfaces develop technique faster than those who stick to one.
11. VISWIN 183-Piece Set – Best for Plein Air Painting
VISWIN 183 PCS Art Supplies Set: All-in-One Painting Kit with Beech Wood French Easel, 96 Paints & Canvases for Adults & Beginners
183 pieces
French easel
96 paints
30 brushes
Pros
- All-in-one kit with French easel and 96 paints
- Dual easels for plein air and studio work
- 30 premium brushes with acid-free cotton canvases
- ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 certified non-toxic
- Easy to assemble and disassemble for transport
Cons
- Some brushes may be stiff out of the box
- One green paint color may have less pigmentation
Plein air means painting outdoors, and the VISWIN 183-piece set was designed with that workflow in mind. The beechwood French easel has built-in storage for paint tubes and brushes, plus a palette surface that doubles as a carrying handle. The lightweight aluminum tripod easel with carry bag is what you grab when you want to set up on a trail or in a park.
At 4.6 stars across 661 reviews, this kit is one of the strongest options for painters who want to take their supplies outside. The acid-free 100 percent cotton canvases are a higher tier than the canvas boards most kits include.
The 96 paints are split across 48 acrylics, 24 oils, and 24 watercolors. For oil painting specifically, the 24 oil tubes cover the essential palette. The dual easel system is the real value: most plein air beginners buy a French easel first and an aluminum tripod second, and this kit includes both at a lower combined cost.
Some brushes may feel stiff right out of the box. A few washes with soap and warm water usually loosen them. One green paint color has been reported as less pigmented than the others, which is a minor inconsistency.
Best for painting outdoors
If your goal is to paint landscapes from life rather than from photos, plein air is the technique you want. The French easel was invented specifically for outdoor painting, and this kit includes one plus a backup tripod for varied setups.
What plein air beginners need
Plein air requires a portable easel, compact paint storage, a small palette, and a way to transport wet paintings home. The VISWIN kit covers all four, which is unusual at this tier.
12. MEEDEN 37-Piece Artist Oil Set – Best for Studio Use
MEEDEN Art Oil Painting Kit: 37Pcs All-in-One Oil Supplies with Easel Box
13 x 60ml tubes
Sketch easel
10 brushes
3-layer storage
Pros
- All-in-one kit with sketch easel and 13 x 60ml artist-grade oil paints
- Solid European beechwood easel box with built-in storage
- 60ml tubes with rich pigments and creamy texture
- Built-in three-layer compartment for organization
- Suitable for studio and outdoor sketching
Cons
- No significant cons noted in available reviews
The MEEDEN 37-piece set is the most focused oil painting kit in this roundup. Every supply in the box is meant for oil paint: 13 artist-grade tubes at 60ml each, 10 oil-specific brushes, two palette knives, a wooden palette, a disposable palette pad, and a canvas pad. There are no acrylics or watercolors to dilute the focus.
The sketch easel box is the standout feature. Made of solid European beechwood, it folds into a carrying case, holds canvases up to 28.5 inches tall, and has a built-in three-layer compartment for organizing supplies. For painters who want an easel they can set up anywhere, this is one of the most thoughtfully designed options.
At 4.5 stars across 282 reviews, the kit is well-regarded for paint quality and easel construction. The 60ml tubes are unusually large for a starter kit, which means serious painting time before refilling.
For pure oil painting without distractions, this kit delivers. If you also want to try watercolor or acrylic, look at the multi-medium kits above. If oil paint is your only interest, this set is the cleanest entry point.
Best for painters who want artist-grade oils
The 60ml tubes and labeled “artist-grade” formula put this kit in a different category from typical student-grade starter sets. For beginners who want paint that won’t need replacing as their skills grow, this is a strong choice.
Why larger tubes pay off long term
Artist-grade paints cost more per tube but use higher pigment loads and fewer fillers. The paint covers more area per brushstroke, which means 60ml goes further than you might expect. Over months of practice, larger artist-grade tubes often cost less than repeatedly buying smaller student-grade ones.
How to Choose the Best Oil Painting Starter Kit
After comparing twelve oil painting starter kits, the right choice depends on your priorities. Here’s what to weigh before you buy.
Student Grade vs Artist Grade
Student grade uses lower pigment loads and more fillers, which keeps the price down and makes the paint more forgiving for beginners. Artist grade has higher pigment concentration, stronger color, and smoother blending, but it costs more per tube. For your first kit, student grade is the practical choice. Once you know you enjoy oil painting, you can upgrade individual tubes to artist grade.
Color Range: How Many Tubes Do You Need
Most beginner kits include between 8 and 24 colors. Eight tubes is enough to mix almost any hue if you have a good red, yellow, blue, white, and a couple of earth tones. Twenty-four tubes saves mixing time but adds cost and decision fatigue. For a first kit, 10 to 12 tubes hits the sweet spot between variety and simplicity.
Brushes: Bristle, Synthetic, and Shape
Hog bristle brushes are traditional for oil paint and hold more paint, but they cost more. Synthetic brushes work fine for beginners and cost less. Shape matters more than material: you’ll want at least one flat brush for blocking in large areas, one round brush for details, and one filbert for soft blending. Any kit with 6 or more brushes in varied shapes will cover the basics.
Easel: Tabletop, French, and Tripod
Tabletop easels are small and cheap, good for sitting at a desk. French easels fold into a portable box with built-in palette and storage, the classic plein air choice. Tripod easels hold large canvases at adjustable angles but take up more space. If you’re not sure, a tabletop easel is enough to start, and you can upgrade later.
Canvas and Panels
Stretched canvas has texture and absorbs paint. Canvas panels are rigid and easier to frame. Paper pads are cheap enough to use for practice. For your first kit, look for at least one canvas panel or stretched canvas so you can finish a real painting. Most multi-piece kits include surfaces, while paint-only kits do not.
Mediums and Solvents: Safety First
Linseed oil thins oil paint and slows drying time. Mineral spirits clean brushes. Turpentine works similarly to mineral spirits but has a stronger odor. For home use, odorless mineral spirits or solvent-free gel mediums (like the one in the Gamblin 1980 set) are safer and more pleasant to work with. Always paint in a ventilated space regardless of which medium you choose.
What You Still Need to Buy
Even the most complete starter kit may not include everything. Common omissions are odorless mineral spirits or Gamsol for brush cleaning, linseed oil for thinning paint, a palette for mixing colors, and additional canvases as you progress. Budget for these extras when planning your kit purchase. Our guide to oil painting canvases is a good next read once you’ve chosen your kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which oil paint brand is best for beginners?
Winsor and Newton, Gamblin, Bob Ross, and MEEDEN are the most beginner-friendly oil paint brands we tested. Winsor and Newton Winton delivers trusted pigment quality at student-grade prices. Gamblin 1980 is ideal if you want low-odor, solvent-free painting. Bob Ross kits are perfect for wet-on-wet beginners. MEEDEN offers complete all-in-one kits with an easel included.
What are some good oil painting kits for beginners?
The best oil painting starter kits for beginners include the Winsor and Newton Winton Starter Set for pigment-rich paint only, the Bob Ross Master Paint Set for wet-on-wet technique, the MEEDEN 141-piece kit for a complete bundle with French easel, and the ESRICH 166-piece set for maximum value across multiple mediums.
What are the best oil painting supplies for beginners?
Beginners need oil paint tubes in primary colors plus white, a few brushes in flat, round, and filbert shapes, a canvas or canvas panel, a palette, linseed oil for thinning paint, and odorless mineral spirits for brush cleaning. An easel is helpful but optional for the first few sessions.
What is the 70/30 rule in painting?
The 70/30 rule in painting is a composition guideline suggesting that 70 percent of your canvas should be filled with the main subject or focal area, while the remaining 30 percent is supporting space or negative space. This ratio creates visual balance and prevents paintings from feeling cramped or empty.
Do I need linseed oil to start oil painting?
Linseed oil is not strictly required to start oil painting, but it helps thin paint, slow drying time, and improve flow. Many beginner kits use paint straight from the tube for the first sessions. As you progress, adding linseed oil gives you more control over consistency and blending.
Our Final Verdict on the Best Oil Painting Starter Kits
After testing twelve of the best oil painting starter kits, our editor’s choice remains the Winsor & Newton Winton Starter Set for its trusted pigment quality, smooth handling, and the universal beginner-friendliness of a brand artists have used for decades. If you want everything in one box and a French easel included, the MEEDEN 141-piece set is the strongest all-in-one option. For painters on a tighter budget, the Norberg & Linden XXL set delivers surprising value with 24 tubes, 25 brushes, and a canvas panel included.
Oil painting rewards patience more than any other medium I have tried. The paint stays wet long enough to blend and rework, which is exactly what makes it ideal for learning. Pick a kit that matches your space, your budget, and your willingness to buy extras, then commit to finishing at least three paintings before deciding whether oil paint is your medium. Most beginners who push past the awkward first sessions end up hooked.
Have a kit you’d like us to test next? Drop us a note, and happy painting.