Oil painting has been a beloved medium for centuries, admired for its rich textures, vibrant colors, and longevity. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring artist, the quality of your oil paints can significantly impact your work. With so many brands on the market, choosing the best one can be overwhelming.
This article reviews and compares some of the top oil paint brands to help you make an informed decision.
1. Winsor & Newton Artists' Oil Colour
Overview
Winsor & Newton has been a trusted name in the art world since 1832. Their Artists' Oil Colour range is known for its high quality, consistency, and wide range of colors.
Key Features
Pigment Load: High, ensuring vibrant and lasting colors.
Consistency: Smooth and buttery, perfect for both impasto and detailed work.
Drying Time: Moderate, allowing for blending and layering.
Color Range: Over 120 colors, including unique shades.
Pros
Excellent color permanence.
Wide availability.
Consistent quality across colors.
Cons
Slightly higher price point.
Some colors may take longer to dry.
2. Old Holland Classic Oil Colours
Overview
Old Holland is one of the oldest paint manufacturers, with a history dating back to 1664. Their Classic Oil Colours are renowned for their exceptional quality and historical pigment recipes.
Key Features
Pigment Load: Extremely high, resulting in intense, pure colors.
Consistency: Thick and highly pigmented, ideal for bold applications.
Drying Time: Varies by pigment, generally slow.
Color Range: 168 colors, many based on historical formulations.
Pros
Superior color intensity and richness.
Exceptional lightfastness and durability.
Traditional, handcrafted quality.
Cons
Expensive.
Thick consistency may require thinning for certain techniques.
3. Gamblin Artist's Oil Colors
Overview
Gamblin is a relatively newer brand, founded in 1980, but has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, environmentally friendly oil paints.
Key Features
Pigment Load: High, with a focus on purity and richness.
Consistency: Creamy and easy to work with.
Drying Time: Moderate to fast, depending on the pigment.
Color Range: 96 colors, including modern and traditional pigments.
Pros
Excellent value for the quality.
Environmentally conscious manufacturing.
Smooth consistency suitable for various techniques.
Cons
Smaller color range compared to some competitors.
Some colors may not be as intense as Old Holland or Winsor & Newton.
4. Sennelier Artists' Oil Paints
Overview
Sennelier, a French brand established in 1887, is known for its luxurious, high-quality art materials. Their Artists' Oil Paints are favored by many professional artists.
Key Features
Pigment Load: Very high, offering vibrant and deep colors.
Consistency: Creamy and smooth, excellent for blending.
Drying Time: Slow, ideal for extended working time.
Color Range: 144 colors, including unique shades and historical pigments.
Pros
Rich, creamy texture.
High pigment concentration.
Excellent blending properties.
Cons
More expensive than some other brands.
Slow drying time may not suit all artists.
5. Rembrandt Oil Colors
Overview
Rembrandt, produced by Royal Talens, has been a staple in the art community for over a century. Known for their professional quality and reliability, Rembrandt oils are a favorite among many artists.
Key Features
Pigment Load: High, ensuring brilliant, enduring colors.
Consistency: Smooth and buttery, easy to manipulate.
Drying Time: Moderate, suitable for most techniques.
Color Range: 120 colors, including both modern and traditional shades.
Pros
Consistent quality and performance.
Good balance between price and quality.
Widely available and trusted.
Cons
Some colors may be less intense compared to Old Holland or Sennelier.
Moderate drying time may require planning for certain techniques.
6. Michael Harding Artists' Oil Colours
Overview
Michael Harding, founded in 1982, is dedicated to producing high-quality, handmade oil paints. These paints are known for their exceptional pigment load and vibrant colors.
Key Features
Pigment Load: Extremely high, with an emphasis on maximum pigment content.
Consistency: Thick and luscious, perfect for impasto techniques.
Drying Time: Varies by pigment, generally slow.
Color Range: 98 colors, including rare and historical pigments.
Pros
Exceptional color intensity and purity.
Handcrafted quality.
Excellent for both historical and contemporary techniques.
Cons
Expensive.
Thick consistency may require adjustment for certain methods.
Conclusion
Choosing the best oil paint brand depends on your personal preferences, artistic style, and budget. Winsor & Newton offers a reliable and versatile option for many artists. Old Holland and Michael Harding are ideal for those seeking the highest pigment loads and historical quality, albeit at a higher price. Gamblin provides an excellent balance of quality and environmental consciousness. Sennelier and Rembrandt offer luxurious, high-quality paints that cater to a wide range of artistic needs.
Experimenting with different brands and finding the one that best suits your artistic vision is essential. Whichever brand you choose, investing in high-quality oil paints will enhance your artwork and provide a more satisfying painting experience.