Discover the foundational oil paint colours every artist should know. Whether you’re a beginner or expanding your collection, understanding oil paint colour basics is key to mastering mixing and creating expressive artworks.

Why choosing the right oil paint colours matters
Oil paints come in a vast array of shades, but a well-rounded palette starts with a core set of essential colours. These versatile hues allow for easy colour mixing and provide a strong foundation for any painting style, from portraits to landscapes.

Primary oil paint colours: The building blocks of every palette

Secondary oil paint colours: For speed and precision

Essential earth tones: Natural and neutral oil paint colours

Must-have whites and blacks for mixing

Optional colours for an expanded oil painting palette

Artist tip: What does “hue” mean in oil paints?

Tips for beginners: How to start your oil paint collection

Final thoughts: Build your palette with purpose

 

Primary oil paint colours: The building blocks of every palette

Primary colours are pure pigments that cannot be mixed from other shades. Together, they allow artists to create virtually any colour.

Cadmium Red (or Alizarin Crimson)
Description: Cadmium Red is a bold, warm red, while Alizarin Crimson is cooler and deeper.
Best For: Mixing purples, oranges, and shadows.

Ultramarine Blue (or Phthalo Blue)
Description: Ultramarine is a rich, warm blue. Phthalo Blue is cooler and more intense.
Best For: Creating vibrant greens, moody purples, and dark shadows.

Cadmium Yellow (or Lemon Yellow)
Description: Cadmium Yellow offers a warm brightness; Lemon Yellow is cooler and more suitable for delicate blends.
Best For: Mixing greens, highlights, and warm colour tones.

Secondary oil paint colours: For speed and precision

Secondary colours are created by mixing primaries, but having them on hand speeds up the painting process and enhances colour accuracy.

Viridian Green
Description: A cool, vibrant green ideal for natural scenes.
Best For: Landscapes, foliage, and mixing bright or muted greens.

Dioxazine Purple (or Cobalt Violet)
Description: Cobalt Violet is deep and dramatic, perfect for rich shadows.
Best For: Glazing, moody skies, and soft lavender tones.

Cadmium Orange (or Orange Hue)
Description: Cadmium Orange is a warm, attention-grabbing hue.
Best For: Autumn scenes, warm highlights, and skin tones.

If you're new to oils, don't stop here! Explore our other beginner-friendly guides to learn all you need to progress and develop your oil skills.

Essential earth tones: Natural and neutral oil paint colours

Earth tones are crucial for realism and subtlety in oil painting.

Burnt Sienna
Description: Burnt Sienna is a warm reddish-brown.
Best For: Underpainting, skin tones, and warm shadows.

Raw Sienna
Description: Raw Sienna is a yellow-brown tone with a light, natural quality.
Best For: Skin tones, sand, wood, and highlights.

Burnt Umber
Description: Burnt Umber is a deep, rich brown.
Best For: Earthy shadows and darkening colours.

Raw Umber
Description: Raw Umber is a cooler, more neutral brown.
Best For: Underpainting and subtle depth.
 

Must-have whites and blacks for mixing

White and black paints are essential tools for adjusting value and tone.

Titanium White
Description: Titanium White is the brightest and most opaque white.
Best For: Highlights and creating tints.

Zinc White
Description: Zinc White is a softer, more transparent white.
Best For: Glazing and delicate blends.

Ivory Black (or Mars Black)
Description: Ivory Black is soft and cool; Mars Black is dense and warm.
Best For: Creating deep shadows and neutralising bright colours.
 

Optional colours for an expanded oil painting palette

For more advanced mixing and effects, you might consider adding these:

Cobalt Blue: Cool and ideal for painting skies and water.

Yellow Ochre: Muted and earthy, great for skin tones and nature.

Payne’s Grey: A moody blue-grey perfect for shadows and drama.

 

Building a thoughtful palette is one of the most important steps in oil painting. With the main colours listed here, you’ll have the tools to explore endless possibilities and bring your artistic vision to life. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add colours as you grow in confidence and skill. 

Artist tip: What does “hue” mean in oil paints?

“Hue” indicates a synthetic substitute for a traditional pigment. For example, Cadmium Red Hue mimics Cadmium Red without using the original heavy metal pigment, offering a safer and often more affordable alternative.

 

Tips for beginners: How to start your oil paint collection

Stick to a limited palette: Focus on primary colours, white, and a few earth tones.

Learn to mix: Practising colour mixing helps you understand hue relationships and achieve the exact tone you need.

Choose quality over quantity: Invest in artist-grade paints for better pigmentation and longer-lasting results.
 

Final thoughts: Build your palette with purpose

A thoughtful selection of oil paint colours is the first step in creating beautiful, expressive art. By starting with these core colours and gradually expanding your palette, you'll gain confidence and control in your painting journey.

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