Starting your oil painting journey is like stepping into a door that’s been waiting for you to push it open. You’ve likely wondered which kit won’t drain your wallet while still delivering quality results. The right starter set can make all the difference in your artistic success. Here’s what you need to know before making your choice.
Quick Overview
- Budget-friendly starter sets under $50 provide essential oils, brushes, and canvases for beginners learning fundamentals.
- High-pigment professional-grade paints deliver vibrant colors and smooth application, improving results and painting longevity significantly.
- Varied brush sets with natural sable and synthetic options enable diverse techniques for different painting styles.
- Acid-free canvas pads and pre-stretched options offer economical, convenient surfaces suitable for oil painting practice.
- Organized storage solutions and portable easels create flexible workspaces, supporting comfortable practice indoors or outdoors.
| XXL Oil Paint Set with Brushes and Canvas |
| Best Starter Bundle | Number of Oil Paint Colors: 24 colors | Included Brushes: 25 brushes | Easel Included: No | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Set 20 x 12ml (0.4-oz) Tubes |
| Professional Quality Paint | Number of Oil Paint Colors: 20 colors | Included Brushes: None specified | Easel Included: No | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| VISWIN Professional All-in-One Art Painting Kit with Easel |
| Most Comprehensive Kit | Number of Oil Paint Colors: 24 colors | Included Brushes: 30 brushes | Easel Included: Yes, 2 easels (aluminum tripod + beechwood tabletop) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 149Pcs Deluxe Artist Painting Set with Easel |
| Best All-Around Value | Number of Oil Paint Colors: 24 colors | Included Brushes: Multiple basic brush sets | Easel Included: Yes, 2 easels (aluminum tripod + wood desk) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| MEEDEN Oil Painting Kit with Easel & Brushes |
| Premium Easel System | Number of Oil Paint Colors: 13 colors | Included Brushes: 12 brushes (10 standard + 2 detail) | Easel Included: Yes, sketch easel box (beechwood) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Ohuhu Oil Paint Set 24 Colors Non-Toxic Tubes |
| Budget-Friendly Pick | Number of Oil Paint Colors: 24 colors | Included Brushes: None specified | Easel Included: No | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Starter Set |
| Best For Students | Number of Oil Paint Colors: 10 colors | Included Brushes: None specified | Easel Included: No | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
XXL Oil Paint Set with Brushes and Canvas
Whether you’re just starting out or introducing a young artist to the medium, this XXL Oil Paint Set won’t leave you scrambling for supplies. You’ll get everything needed: 24 paints, 25 brushes, a canvas, and an art palette—51 pieces total. The non-toxic formula makes it safe for kids and adults alike. Weighing just over two pounds and fitting comfortably in a compact box, you can easily transport it anywhere. With a 4.5-star rating from over 1,000 reviews and Amazon’s 30-day return guarantee, you’re making a low-risk investment. It’s ranked highly in art paints, proving other beginners trust this set to launch their oil painting journey.
- Number of Oil Paint Colors:24 colors
- Included Brushes:25 brushes
- Easel Included:No
- Canvas Surfaces Included:1 canvas
- Non-Toxic/Safety Certified:Non-toxic
- Target Skill Level:Kids and adults
- Additional Feature:51 total pieces included
- Additional Feature:4.5 star rating/1,073 reviews
- Additional Feature:30-day return guarantee
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Set 20 x 12ml (0.4-oz) Tubes
If you’re starting your oil painting journey, the Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Set offers everything you need in an affordable, beginner-friendly package. You’ll get twenty essential colors in 12ml tubes, featuring quality pigments with excellent permanence. The paint’s stiff consistency lets you retain bold brushstrokes and palette knife marks effectively. What sets this set apart is its higher pigment load compared to many competing ranges, giving you vibrant results without breaking your budget. The uniform formulation safeguards stability and a lasting paint film. You’ll want to pair these tubes with Winsor & Newton’s solvents and mediums to maximize your creative potential and achieve professional-quality artwork.
- Number of Oil Paint Colors:20 colors
- Included Brushes:None specified
- Easel Included:No
- Canvas Surfaces Included:None specified
- Non-Toxic/Safety Certified:Most permanent pigments (quality assured)
- Target Skill Level:Beginners and professional artists
- Additional Feature:Fine art pigment quality
- Additional Feature:Stiff consistency retention
- Additional Feature:Most permanent pigments
VISWIN Professional All-in-One Art Painting Kit with Easel
You’ll find the VISWIN Professional All-in-One Art Painting Kit with Easel is an ideal starting point for beginners because it delivers everything you need in a single package—96 artist-quality paints across three mediums (acrylics, oils, and watercolors), 30 premium brushes, dual easels, and multiple canvas options. The kit’s non-toxic, ASTM D-4236 certified paints blend smoothly with long-lasting color vibrancy. You get both an adjustable aluminum tripod easel and beechwood tabletop model, enabling indoor and outdoor painting flexibility. Acid-free cotton canvases guarantee professional results. At 17 pounds with all-inclusive supplies included, you’ll eliminate the hassle of purchasing materials separately while enjoying professional-quality performance backed by a lifetime guarantee.
- Number of Oil Paint Colors:24 colors
- Included Brushes:30 brushes
- Easel Included:Yes, 2 easels (aluminum tripod + beechwood tabletop)
- Canvas Surfaces Included:Canvas panels, stretched canvases, 3 paper pads
- Non-Toxic/Safety Certified:Non-toxic, ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 certified
- Target Skill Level:All ages and skill levels
- Additional Feature:96 total artist-quality paints
- Additional Feature:Multiple painting mediums included
- Additional Feature:Lifetime guarantee warranty
149Pcs Deluxe Artist Painting Set with Easel
The 149-piece Deluxe Artist Painting Set stands out as an ideal starter kit because it’s bundled with everything you’ll need to explore acrylic, watercolor, and oil painting without purchasing supplies separately. You’ll receive 48 acrylic colors, 24 watercolor shades, and 24 oil paint hues, plus three brush sets and three paper pads. The kit includes two easels—an aluminum tripod and wood desk model—giving you flexibility in your workspace. You’ll also get two stretched canvases, six canvas panels, palette knives, palettes, and a brush basin. This inclusive collection eliminates guesswork about what materials you need, letting you focus on developing your skills and uncovering your preferred medium.
- Number of Oil Paint Colors:24 colors
- Included Brushes:Multiple basic brush sets
- Easel Included:Yes, 2 easels (aluminum tripod + wood desk)
- Canvas Surfaces Included:2 stretched canvases (11″x14″), 6 canvas panels (8″x10″), 3 drawing paper pads
- Non-Toxic/Safety Certified:Non-toxic, ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 certified
- Target Skill Level:Beginners to professional artists
- Additional Feature:149 comprehensive piece set
- Additional Feature:Color wheel included
- Additional Feature:Lifetime satisfaction guarantee
MEEDEN Oil Painting Kit with Easel & Brushes
Aspiring to delve into oil painting without draining your budget? The MEEDEN Oil Painting Kit with Easel & Brushes provides you with everything necessary. You’ll receive a handcrafted European beechwood easel that holds canvases up to 28½ inches, thirteen artist-grade oil paints with rich, buttery consistency, and ten quality brushes plus two detail brushes. The kit includes wooden and disposable palettes, palette knives, a canvas pad, stretched canvases, and a washing bucket. Storage’s convenient with the easel’s three internal cases. Whether you’re starting out or already experienced, this inclusive set supports your creative journey with professional-grade supplies and reliable customer support backing your artistic success.
- Number of Oil Paint Colors:13 colors
- Included Brushes:12 brushes (10 standard + 2 detail)
- Easel Included:Yes, sketch easel box (beechwood)
- Canvas Surfaces Included:1 stretched canvas, 1 panel set, 1 canvas pad
- Non-Toxic/Safety Certified:Artist-grade quality
- Target Skill Level:Art enthusiasts to professional artists
- Additional Feature:European beechwood easel box
- Additional Feature:100ml paint tube sizes
- Additional Feature:Professional artist-grade supplies
Ohuhu Oil Paint Set 24 Colors Non-Toxic Tubes
For beginners seeking a safe, versatile starter kit, Ohuhu’s 24-color oil paint set delivers everything you’ll need to explore portraiture, landscapes, and abstract work. Each 12ml tube contains rich, quick-drying pigments that produce smooth, durable finishes. The comprehensive color palette includes essential hues like titanium white, multiple blues and greens, and earth tones, giving you flexibility for any subject. You’ll appreciate the non-toxic formulation, which meets ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 safety standards—ideal if you’re painting with children nearby. The portable tubes let you paint anywhere: outdoors in parks or gardens, or comfortably indoors. Whether you’re a complete novice or moving from other mediums, this affordable set provides professional-quality paints without the professional price tag.
- Number of Oil Paint Colors:24 colors
- Included Brushes:None specified
- Easel Included:No
- Canvas Surfaces Included:None specified
- Non-Toxic/Safety Certified:Non-toxic, ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 certified
- Target Skill Level:Beginners to professional painters
- Additional Feature:24 vibrant oil colors
- Additional Feature:Quick-drying paint formula
- Additional Feature:Portable outdoor painting
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Starter Set
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Starter Set stands out as an excellent choice if you’re managing a modest budget while starting your oil painting journey. This introductory set includes ten 37ml tubes containing high-pigmentation colors that deliver impressive covering power and tinting strength. You’ll find the formulation reliable for building fundamental skills without breaking the bank. The set accommodates student, amateur, and accomplished painters alike, making it versatile as your abilities develop. Winsor & Newton’s reputation for quality guarantees you’re investing in professional-grade materials at an accessible price point, allowing you to focus on technique and creativity rather than expense.
- Number of Oil Paint Colors:10 colors
- Included Brushes:None specified
- Easel Included:No
- Canvas Surfaces Included:None specified
- Non-Toxic/Safety Certified:Suitable for student to accomplished painters
- Target Skill Level:Student, amateur, and accomplished painters
- Additional Feature:High pigmentation coverage power
- Additional Feature:Moderate cost introduction
- Additional Feature:37ml tube sizes
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Oil Painting Starter
When you’re selecting your first oil painting set, you’ll need to balance several key considerations that directly impact your learning experience and long-term satisfaction. You should evaluate your budget alongside paint quality and pigmentation, as cheaper sets often contain lower-grade materials that won’t perform as well. Additionally, you’ll want to assess the brush variety, available canvas options, and whether you’ve got adequate space to store and work with your supplies comfortably.
Budget and Price Point
One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a beginner is determining how much you’re willing to spend on your oil painting starter set. Oil paint sets range from under $20 to over $200, depending on quality and color selection.
You don’t need an expensive set to learn fundamental techniques. Budget-friendly options work well for mastering basics. However, as your skills develop, investing in higher-quality paints yields better results and longevity.
Beyond the paint itself, factor in additional expenses like canvases, brushes, and mediums. These supplies greatly impact your total investment.
To maximize your budget, watch for sales and bundle deals. Many retailers offer discounts that help you acquire quality materials without overspending. Align your spending with your current skill level and artistic ambitions.
Paint Quality and Pigmentation
The pigment is your paint’s foundation, and it’s what separates a vibrant masterpiece from a dull, lifeless work. You’ll want to prioritize paints with higher pigment loads because they deliver greater coverage, opacity, and richer hues than lower-quality alternatives. Look for products made with permanent pigments that won’t fade or discolor over time, ensuring your paintings remain vibrant for years.
Consistent paint texture matters too. You’ll achieve smoother, more controlled application when your paint has uniform consistency, allowing your brushstrokes to remain visible and intentional. Professional-grade oils offer that ideal buttery texture, giving you the control you need for various techniques, including impasto work.
Don’t let cost intimidate you—investing in quality paints pays dividends through superior results and longevity.
Brush and Accessory Variety
Your brush collection forms the backbone of your painting toolkit, and you’ll need variety to execute different techniques effectively. Look for sets that include different shapes, sizes, and bristle types—rounds, flats, and filberts each serve distinct purposes. Beyond brushes, you’ll want essential accessories like palette knives for mixing and applying paint, quality palettes for color organization, and a sturdy easel for comfortable working angles. Don’t overlook practical items like paint thinners, mediums, and cleaning supplies; these tools extensively expand your painting versatility. Canvases should also feature in your starter set. When evaluating kits, consider the breadth of accessories included. An extensive selection accommodates various techniques and skill levels, providing better long-term value and ensuring you’re equipped to experiment confidently as you develop your artistic voice.
Canvas and Surface Options
While assembling your brushes and accessories sets the stage for painting, what you paint on matters just as much. You’ll find canvas comes in various thicknesses, weaves, and sizes to match your style and preferences. Consider whether you’d prefer primed canvas, which’s ready to use immediately, or unprimed canvas requiring preparation.
If you want a smooth surface for detailed work or impasto techniques, hardboard and wood panels deliver rigid stability. They’re ideal for precise brushwork and layering.
Paper surfaces like stretched paper or canvas paper offer alternatives, though they need special preparation to prevent warping. Each surface type affects how your paint absorbs, sits, and ages over time. Your choice profoundly influences your painting experience and final results, so select thoughtfully based on your specific artistic goals.
Portability and Storage Space
Portability and storage space deserve careful consideration when you’re assembling your oil painting starter kit. If you’ll paint on-site or travel frequently, compact and lightweight kits make transport manageable. For studios with limited space, you’ll appreciate how nested palettes, telescoping easels, and stackable tubes maximize efficiency without cluttering your environment.
Sturdy cases safeguard fragile materials during transport and storage, preventing costly damage to brushes, paints, and canvases. Modular storage solutions prove invaluable since they let you pack only essentials for specific projects rather than hauling unnecessary supplies.
Your choice depends on your circumstances. Frequent travelers benefit from portable designs, while studio-based artists prioritize space-saving features. Either way, investing in quality storage guarantees your materials stay organized, protected, and ready whenever inspiration strikes.
Non-Toxic Safety Standards
Since you’ll be working with oil paints regularly, especially in enclosed studio spaces, selecting non-toxic formulations should be a priority. Non-toxic oil paints conform to rigorous safety standards like ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3, guaranteeing they’re safe for artists of all ages and skill levels.
These certified formulations eliminate hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals that pose serious health risks. The non-toxic designation means manufacturers have thoroughly tested and evaluated the paints for general art use without requiring special handling precautions.
Choosing non-toxic options protects you from unnecessary exposure to harmful substances, particularly important if you have sensitive skin or respiratory issues. Certified non-toxic oil paint sets represent the ideal choice for beginners, ensuring you can focus on developing your skills while maintaining your health and safety.
