Masterclass Oil Paints — Oil Painting for Beginners and Enthusiasts
Oil Painting — Why Bother?
Oil painting is one of the oldest and most respected artistic traditions. From Rembrandt to the modern painter — oil paints have been the medium of choice for masters for centuries. And with Masterclass oil paints from Nevskaya Palitra, there has never been an easier time to get started.
About Masterclass Oil Paints
Masterclass is a professional extra-fine oil paint range produced by Nevskaya Palitra — the same company behind White Nights watercolours. They are made according to traditional formulas using:
- High-quality pigments — including earth colours, cadmium, and cobalt
- Refined linseed oil as the binder
- Dammar resin to improve adhesion and preserve colour clarity
- Beeswax to give a smooth, buttery consistency and prevent cracking
Why Masterclass Is Great for Beginners
Buttery Consistency
A rich, smooth consistency that is ideal for impasto technique and easy to work with on canvas.
Single-Pigment Colours
66 of the 105 colours are single-pigment — this means cleaner mixing and stronger, more vibrant results.
Lightfast Colours
High lightfastness ratings — colours do not shift after drying, making them well-suited for restoration work too.
105 Colours
An extensive colour range — transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque — covering every project you can imagine.
Essential Supplies to Get Started
You don't need much to begin! Here is a basic starter list:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 6–8 colours | Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, Ivory Black |
| Palette | Wood or glass palette |
| Brushes | Flat and round brushes, sizes 4–12 |
| Palette knife | For mixing and applying paint |
| Odourless solvent | Gamblin Gamsol or equivalent |
| Canvas or canvas board | Primed canvas or canvas panels for practice |
5 Tips for Beginners
- Start with simple subjects — apples, mugs, flowers. Focus on capturing light and shadow.
- Fat over lean — begin with thin layers (diluted with solvent), then build up to thicker layers (with more oil). This prevents cracking.
- Mix colours on the palette — not on the canvas. This gives you far better control.
- Keep things clean — wash your brushes thoroughly between uses. Use an odourless solvent.
- Take your time — oil paints dry slowly, and that is actually an advantage! You can keep working on a piece for several days.
Special Orders at Föndurlist
Masterclass oil paints are available to special order at Föndurlist. We offer both individual tubes and sets.