i need some help on choosing oil paints and brushes?

Question

i'm buying oil paints and brushes and possibly canvas as a christmas present for someone that i'm currently dating. i was wondering what the best brand of oil paint is and about how much does it cost, as well as with the brushes.

i have somwhat of a limited fund of money at the moment but i'll do just about anything to get those paints.

also, how many colors would be suggested if the person does landscapes? i know that if there's a river or a lake or something of the sort they usually use the same blue for the sky, if that's of any help.

well, they don't have a specific brand that they use due to the fact that they very rarely can afford paints and brushes and other such things. they use pretty much whatever they can, though it's usually from the school art class, which they are no longer in.

Answer 1

If you go to a artist supply store they may have a kit you can buy. They have cheaper beginner paints & also professional quality.It all depends on the persons skill level on wether its worth buying a little pro stuff or a bunch of stuff to practice/play with. Same goes for brushes. Synthetic brushes are the cheapest, but they don't hold oil paint well. Color is based on subject. The most common landscape colors would be the following: Titanium white, Hookers green, Burnt seina, Cobalt blue, Yellow ocre

Answer 2

Titanium White. Cadmium Red, Yellow and Ultramarine Blue Paints, when mixed, will give you all the colors needed to paint a beautiful canvas of any kind. For oil paintings, four basic brushes are need to start. Bristle Flats, for painting soft touches in wet-in-wet without disturbing under painting. You will need sizes 2,4,6.and 8. Bristle Bright Brush, size 8. A Sable Round Brush, size 3, and a Sable Liner with long hairs for fine lines. It is also nice to have a large soft blending brush.
Check and see what your friend already uses or may have, then give a gift basket with the things they can always use more of. A bottle of painting medium, rectified turpentine, a new palette cup, kneaded eraser, vine charcoal or even a new painting knife, mixing knife or palette knife. A gift that will be appreciated from one who paints.

Answer 3

I would advise against buying art supplies for an artist. He will have particular ones that he like and it would be very difficult for you to buy him what he needs. Instead you could give him a gift voucher for an art store? That sounds impersonal, but it's better than buying him something he won't use.

these are the best oils:
http://www.artsuppliesonline.com/catalog.cfm?cata_id=94

But, I'd advise agianst spending to much on him. If he really cares abut you he will be worried that you spent your money on him. And if he doesn't care about you, then he doesn't deserve such a gift.. Think twice.

Answer 4

Just a suggestion, you could get them a gift card to an art supply store. Some people are picky about their art supplies (like me) and would rather pick out their own items.