Oil Paints: A Rich Medium for Creative Depth

Oil paints offer a beautiful combination of depth, colour and control, making them a long-time favourite among artists. Whether you are just learning the ropes or looking to expand your skills, oil painting is a deeply satisfying medium that gives you the time to work, adjust and experiment as your artwork evolves.   At Discount Art & Craft Warehouse, we know how important it is to have access to reliable, affordable materials, especially when you are trying something new. Our wide range of oil paints covers everything from beginner-friendly options to premium artist-grade colours, giving you the confidence to start or continue your creative journey.

What Makes Oil Paints Unique?

Oil paints are loved for their thick, buttery texture, vibrant pigments and extended drying times. Unlike watercolour or acrylic, oils stay workable for longer periods, allowing you to blend, layer and refine your work without feeling rushed.   Oil painting is particularly effective for capturing light, texture and depth, whether you are painting a portrait, landscape or abstract composition. The ability to build up translucent glazes or apply bold, sculptural strokes makes oils one of the most versatile mediums in fine art.

Oil vs Acrylic vs Watercolour

Each paint medium offers different advantages depending on the effect you want:

• Acrylics dry quickly and are great for layering but offer less time for blending.  
• Watercolours are transparent and fluid, ideal for loose washes and delicate techniques.  
• Oils provide rich colour, excellent workability and the opportunity to build up complex layers with control.

Oil paints combine the boldness of acrylic with the blendability of watercolour, offering the best of both worlds in a thicker, more tactile format. If you enjoy taking your time to perfect a piece, oils are a natural fit.

Choosing the Right Oil Paints

Choosing oil paints involves a few key factors, such as paint grade, colour range and the characteristics you want in your finished work.

Student vs Artist-Grade Paints

Student-grade oil paints are an excellent choice if you are learning. They have a lower pigment concentration and are more affordable, making them perfect for practice and studies. Artist-grade paints contain higher levels of pigment and finer binders, offering more intense colours and smoother blending.   Starting with a reliable student set is a good way to explore oil painting without a big investment. Once you become comfortable with techniques and colour mixing, moving to artist-grade materials helps unlock greater vibrancy and refinement in your work.

Best Types of Oil Paints to Explore

There is a wide variety of oil paints designed for different styles and preferences. Some formulas offer quicker drying times, which are useful if you prefer a faster workflow. Others are specially crafted to provide thicker texture, perfect for artists who enjoy working with palette knives or building heavy impasto.   Many brands also offer oil sticks or water-mixable oils, giving you even more flexibility depending on your workspace or style.

Oil Painting Techniques

Oil painting is a versatile medium that rewards patience, creativity and technique. The more you experiment, the more possibilities you discover.

Blending and Layering Methods

Blending is one of the biggest advantages of oil paint. Because of the slow drying time, you can seamlessly transition from one colour to another, create soft gradients and refine your work over multiple sessions.   Layering is another essential technique. By building up thin layers of paint, known as glazes, you can create rich colour depth and luminous effects that change depending on how light hits the surface.   Both blending and layering take time to master but learning them can dramatically increase the range and richness of your artwork.

Drying Times and Working with Mediums

Drying times vary depending on the thickness of application, pigment type and environmental factors like temperature and humidity. Generally, thin layers dry within days while thicker textures can take weeks to cure fully.   Mediums can help you control drying time and texture. Some speed up drying, while others extend it or enhance gloss and transparency. Learning to use mediums effectively allows you to customise the feel and finish of your paintings to match your vision.

Creating Texture and Depth

Oil paints are ideal for artists who love texture. You can apply paint thickly with palette knives for a sculptural effect or build up subtle textures with layered brushstrokes.   The flexibility of oil paint also lets you create highly detailed work or loose, expressive pieces depending on your technique. Experimenting with brushes, knives and even unconventional tools helps unlock new ways to bring texture and energy into your paintings.

Explore Our Range of Oil Paints Today

At Discount Art & Craft Warehouse, we believe every artist should have the opportunity to explore oil painting without barriers. Our collection includes options for every stage of your journey, from student sets perfect for practice to professional-grade materials designed to elevate your finished work.   Whether you are stocking up your studio, starting a new hobby or pushing your creative boundaries, oil painting offers a rewarding medium full of depth, colour and expression.   Check out our range of oil paints here.