Whether you’re a watercolorist, oil painter or acrylic artist, you will have the same selection of paint colors for your paint box.
Sure, a traditional watercolorist probably won’t have a tube of white prominently displayed in the tabouret, but with a few minor differences, most artists have the same colors with which to work.
If you’re a beginning art student, the huge array of paints and colors can feel a bit overwhelming.
Don’t rush out and buy a tube of every color. It is tempting when there are so many vibrant and beautiful choices.
Take The Advise Of Professionals
Since you’ve decided to take the plunge and begin to study painting in earnest, you have either signed up for a class or purchased a how-to book on your chosen medium.
If you’re taking a class, your instructor will have a printed syllabus or give you a list of the colors that will be used in the class. If you have purchased a book, the author will explain the colors that are necessary to follow the lessons in the chapters.
These instructors may have preferred brands. If they do, they should explain their reasoning for the brand selection. Price may be a consideration, and quality may be another factor in the choice. Until you have some experience under your belt, it’s a good idea to follow these suggestions.
As a student, it’s useful to learn as much as you can about every facet of your new passion. If your instructor doesn’t go into the specifics of why he recommends a particular brand, ask for an explanation of the differences between brands and lines of paint.
If the book or video you have purchased isn’t detailed enough, research products on your own. The Internet is filled with facts and figures just awaiting your Boolean search.
Colors Selection
Since you will be learning the color wheel and color mixing, your palette will consist of the primary colors. That’s not too complicated. Red, yellow and blue, as we all know, are the primary colors from which all others are derived.
Checking out the paint aisle, you are instantly confused. As an example, let’s look at the blue assortment of hues. Phthalo Blue, Prussian Blue, French Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Indigo Blue, Manganese Blue and Indanthrone Blue are all there for the choosing. Which blue is the basic color you need for your palette? That’s just one example of why you need to defer to the recommendations of someone who’s been doing this for a while.
Beginner’s Sets Of Paints
Since most instructors agree on the basic colors to use for a beginner’s palette, manufacturers have come up with sets of pre-packaged colors. It’s a win-win situation. The manufacturer is assured of getting all of a novice’s paint budget dollars, and the student has a no-fuss method of getting the paints he needs in one easy purchase.
Acrylic Paint Sets
Below are some Basic Acrylic Paints Sets to get you going…
Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Tubes
Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Tubes – 6 Colors ASIN: B00251LX1C
Six generous, 22 ml tubes of paint are included in this set.
The introductory assortment contains Mars Black, Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue, Naphthol Crimson, Phthalocyanine Green and Ultramarine Blue.
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Winsor & Newton Artist Acrylic Basic Set
Winsor & Newton Artist Acrylic Basic Set 6 Tubes ASIN: B002YEDUXY
Winsor & Newton packages Yellow Ochre, Azo Yellow Medium, Phthalo Green Blue Shade, Ultramarine Blue and Permanent Alizarin Crimson in this set.
The tubes are 60 ml in size and the set also includes a full-size tube of Titanium White.
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Oil Paint Sets
Check out the awesome Basic Oil Paint Sets below…
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Paint Studio Set
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Paint Studio Set ASIN: B000C74GV0
This set of colors is from Winsor & Newton’s Winton line of paints.
This moderately priced series is perfect for a student or an artist on a limited budget. Eight 21 ml tubes of paints are included in this set, and the package also features two paintbrushes and a bottle of Liquin medium.
The colors are Cadmium Yellow Pale, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Cadmium Red Deep, French Ultramarine Blue, Phthalo Blue, Viridian Hue and Yellow Ochre. A 60 ml tube of Titanium White paint is also included.
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Grumbacher Pre-Tested Oil Paint Set
Grumbacher Pre-Tested Oil Paint, Basic, Set of 6 Colors ASIN: B003NS2L30
Pre-Tested Oils is the professional line of Grumbacher’s oil paints.
This collection consists of six 24 ml colors that include Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Barium Yellow Medium, French Ultramarine Blue, Viridian and Yellow Ochre.
The set also comes with an instruction booklet and mixing guide.
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Watercolor Paint Sets
Now onto the Basic Watercolor Paint Sets…
Chartpak Grumbacher Academy
Chartpak Grumbacher Academy 7-1/2-Ml Basic Set Watercolor Paint, 8-Pack ASIN: B0027ACCQ6
Grumbacher’s Academy line of paints comes in 7-1/2 ml tubes that include French Ultramarine, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Ochre, Lemon Yellow, Alizarin Crimson, Viridian, Chinese White and Cerulean Blue.
These budget-priced paints represent a good value, and if you’re a watercolor traditionalist, you can hide the white in the back of a drawer.
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Cotman Watercolor Set
Cotman Watercolor Set 12 Count ASIN: B0071CATOM
This assortment of paints includes both Ivory Black and Chinese White. A watercolor traditionalist does not use white paint, and students should learn to avoid black. However, this set is a good, complete compilation of colors that makes a great basic palette for a beginning watercolorist.
The 8 ml tubes include Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Cerulean Blue, Prussian Blue, Viridian, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Ultramarine Blue, Ivory Black, and Chinese White.
There is also a color chart and tips and tricks leaflet in the package.
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This is just a sampling of the sets available. Sometimes the sets are attractively priced and provide a good value. However, make sure that the colors you’re getting are the ones that your instructor approves.
If a set is a really good deal, but you still need an additional color or two, try to stay with the same brand and line of products. You should wait until you get a feel for your new passion before you start independent experimenting.
