Choosing among oil paint sets for artists can be difficult when tube sizes, pigment quality, color ranges, and included accessories vary widely. The right set should match your experience, painting habits, and budget—not simply offer the most colors.
We selected 10 versatile options spanning student-grade, introductory, and larger professional-style sets. Use the guide below to compare practical differences and find the best fit for your studio.
Best 10 Oil Paint Sets for Artists Picks for 2026
Best Starter Color Range
- 20 essential beginner colors
- Stiff, mark-retaining consistency
- Good pigment load for general use
Best For: Beginners building a versatile oil-paint palette
Best Premium Introductory Set
- Pigment-rich, intense colors
- Nine 37 ml tubes
- Includes a sustainable birch wood panel
Best For: Artists wanting a quality-focused Gamblin introduction
Best Large-Volume Student Set
- Ten large 37 ml tubes
- Good covering power
- Strong tinting for mixing
Best For: Students and amateurs needing more paint per tube
Best Value Large Set
PHOENIX 20-Color Oil Paint Set
- 20 generous 50 ml tubes
- Thick, creamy texture
- Strong saturation and stated permanence
Best For: Beginners and groups needing a large practice set
Reliable Starter Value
- 10 assorted 21ml oil color tubes
- Lightfast, permanent, intermixable colors
- High quality at a moderate price
Best For: Beginners and artists wanting a compact core palette
Maximum Color Variety
Magicfly 40-Color Oil Paint Set
- 40 colors in 18ml tubes
- Includes metallic gold, silver, and extra whites
- Thick, creamy texture for smooth mixing
Best For: Artists wanting a broad palette for varied projects
Expanded Artist Palette
MyArtscape 48-Color Oil Paint Set
- 48 vibrant colors in 12ml tubes
- Lightfast pigments with a glossy finish
- Works for varied surfaces and techniques
Best For: Studios, classes, and artists needing broad color coverage
Large-Tube Professional Pick
Paul Rubens 20-Color Oil Paint Set
- 20 colors with high pigmentation
- Generous 50ml tubes
- Creamy, lightfast formula
Best For: Artists needing ample paint for ongoing canvas projects
Portable Beginner Value
- 24 vibrant oil-based colors
- Compact 12ml tubes
- Includes brush and palette
Best For: Beginners, gifts, and portable painting
Vibrant Large-Tube Set
Paul Rubens 20-Color Oil Paints
- 20 vibrant colors
- 50ml professional-size tubes
- Smooth high-pigment formula
Best For: Regular canvas and wood-panel painting
Best Starter Color Range – Winton 20-Color Oil Set
For artists comparing oil paint sets for artists, the Winsor & Newton Winton set offers 20 essential colors in 12 ml tubes. Its relatively stiff, uniform consistency holds brush and palette-knife marks well, while the pigment load supports general-purpose painting and color mixing.
Best For: Beginners and artists who want a versatile introductory palette for canvas, board, or gesso-primed paper.
Pros:
- Includes 20 useful starter colors, including hues for warm and cool mixing.
- Higher pigment load than many artists’ ranges, with good coverage.
- Stiff consistency retains brush and palette-knife texture.
- Designed for lightfastness and a permanent paint film where possible.
Cons:
- The 12 ml tubes provide less paint per tube than larger-volume sets.
- Works best with compatible solvents, mediums, and oils, which may require additional purchases.
This is a practical entry point for learning oil techniques, particularly if you value controlled marks and a broad selection of colors over large tube sizes.
Best Premium Introductory Set – Gamblin Artist Oil Colors
Among oil paint sets for artists, Gamblin’s introductory set focuses on intense, pigment-rich color in 37 ml tubes. It is American made and sustainably produced, and the included birch wood panel adds a useful surface for starting a painting project.
Best For: Artists seeking a compact, quality-focused introduction to Gamblin oil colors with a panel included.
Pros:
- Uses luscious, intense, pigment-rich colors.
- Includes larger 37 ml tubes for sustained use.
- American made and sustainably produced.
- Includes a handcrafted North American birch wood panel.
Cons:
- The supplied notes do not specify the complete color selection.
- The set is presented with a wood-panel surface, which may be less convenient for artists who primarily paint on canvas.
Choose this set when brand-specific color quality, larger tubes, and the included wood panel matter more than having a clearly listed broad color assortment.
Best Large-Volume Student Set – Winton 10-Color Oil Set
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint, Starter Set, 10 x 37ml Tubes, 1.25 Fl Oz (Pack of 10)
Check Price On AmazonFor artists who need more paint per tube, this Winton starter set supplies ten 37 ml tubes at a moderate cost. Its pigmentation provides good covering power and tinting strength, making it a useful option for student, amateur, and developing painters.
Best For: Student and amateur artists who want larger quantities of oil color for practice or larger paintings.
Pros:
- Provides ten introductory colors in substantial 37 ml tubes.
- Good covering power from a high level of pigmentation.
- Good tinting strength supports mixing and value adjustments.
- Designed for artists needing larger volumes at a moderate cost.
Cons:
- Offers fewer colors than the 20-color Winton set.
- The supplied notes do not list the individual colors.
- The set is described as introductory, so advanced painters may want additional colors.
This set is a sensible value choice when tube capacity and economical practice matter more than having the widest initial palette.
Best Value Large Set – PHOENIX 20-Color Oil Paint Set
Among oil paint sets for artists, the PHOENIX Studio set stands out for its quantity: 20 colors in 50 ml tubes. The thick, creamy paint offers strong saturation, tinting strength, and slow drying, making it suitable for texture, blending, and experimenting across canvas, wood, and paper.
Best For: Beginners, hobbyists, classes, paint parties, and artists who want a large, varied supply for practice.
Pros:
- Includes 20 colors in generous 50 ml tubes.
- Thick, creamy consistency can create texture or be blended with medium.
- High saturation, strong tinting strength, and excellent stated coverage.
- Good lightfastness and permanence, with EN 71 and ASTM-4236 certifications noted.
Cons:
- The large set may be more paint than a casual beginner needs.
- Its thick consistency may require medium for some techniques.
- The supplied notes do not identify the individual colors.
This is a strong quantity-focused option for learners and groups, especially when you want room to practice color theory, texture, and multiple painting techniques.
Reliable Starter Value – Winton Oil Color Basic Set
For artists seeking oil paint sets for artists at a moderate price, the Winsor & Newton Winton Basic Set offers 10 individually formulated, intermixable colors in convenient 21ml tubes. Its lightfast, permanent colors suit indoor or outdoor projects on paper and other surfaces.
Best For: Beginners, students, and artists who want a compact, dependable selection of oil colors.
Pros:
- Includes 10 assorted oil colors in 21ml tubes.
- Lightfast and permanent for durable artwork.
- Colors are intermixable with other brands.
- Offers high-quality oil colors at a moderate price.
Cons:
- Provides fewer colors than larger sets.
- The supplied notes do not identify included color names.
This is a practical choice when you prefer a recognized oil color set with useful tube sizes rather than a large assortment. You may need additional colors for more expansive palettes.
Maximum Color Variety – Magicfly 40-Color Oil Paint Set
Among oil paint sets for artists, the Magicfly 40-piece set stands out for its broad color range and generous 18ml tubes. It includes primary colors, metallic gold and silver, plus two extra white tubes, with a thick, creamy consistency designed for canvas and other art media.
Best For: Artists, hobby painters, students, and teachers who want extensive color variety for portraits, landscapes, abstracts, and wall art.
Pros:
- Includes 40 rich and vibrant oil-based colors.
- Provides metallic gold and silver shades.
- Includes two additional white tubes.
- Thick, creamy paint offers smooth application and coverage.
Cons:
- Paint is not water resistant.
- Indoor use is the stated usage recommendation.
- At 18ml per tube, individual tubes are smaller than some artist sets.
This set is a strong fit when palette breadth matters most. Its mix of standard, metallic, and extra white colors can reduce the need to buy supplemental tubes for varied projects.
Expanded Artist Palette – MyArtscape 48-Color Oil Paint Set
For artists comparing oil paint sets for artists, the MyArtscape set delivers 48 artist-grade colors in 12ml tubes. The vibrant, lightfast paints are designed for canvas, paper, wood, and other projects, with a smooth application and traditional high-sheen finish.
Best For: Professionals, beginners, art classes, studios, and painters working across landscapes, portraits, impasto, and wet-on-wet techniques.
Pros:
- Offers an extensive selection of 48 oil paint colors.
- Rich pigments provide vibrant, fade-resistant results.
- Suitable for canvas, paper, wood, boards, and panels.
- Supports varied techniques including impasto and wet-on-wet painting.
Cons:
- 12ml tubes hold less paint than the 18ml and 21ml options in this roundup.
- Paint is not waterproof or water resistant.
- The supplied notes identify the finish as high-sheen or gloss, which may not suit artists seeking a matte look.
This set prioritizes palette range and versatility over tube size. It is a compelling option for artists who want many colors for classes, studio work, or multiple oil-painting techniques.
Large-Tube Professional Pick – Paul Rubens 20-Color Oil Paint Set
For artists seeking oil paint sets for artists with plenty of paint per tube, this Paul Rubens set combines 20 colors with a creamy, highly pigmented formula. The 50ml tubes are suited to extended canvas and painted-wood projects, while the smooth consistency supports blending and visible brush or knife marks.
Best For: Artists who want generous tube sizes for landscapes, seascapes, portraits, still lifes, and larger or ongoing projects.
Pros:
- Includes 20 versatile colors for varied subject matter and custom mixing.
- 50ml tubes provide more paint between replacements.
- Highly pigmented, creamy paint offers strong covering power and smooth blending.
- Non-toxic formula with excellent lightfastness; listed drying time is about 7–14 days.
Cons:
- The larger tubes may be more paint than occasional painters need.
- Drying is measured in days rather than hours.
This is a practical choice when paint quantity and professional-style handling matter more than portability. Its broad color range and substantial tubes make it particularly suitable for artists working regularly across multiple oil-painting subjects.
Portable Beginner Value – Ohuhu 24-Color Oil Paint Set
Among oil paint sets for artists, the Ohuhu set emphasizes color variety and portability. It includes 24 oil-based colors in compact 12ml tubes, plus a brush and palette, making it a convenient starting point for canvas or paper painting at home or while traveling.
Best For: Beginners, gift buyers, and artists who want a portable selection for scenery, abstract work, landscapes, and portraits.
Pros:
- 24-color selection includes common hues such as Titanium White, Yellow Ochre, Cobalt Blue, Burnt Sienna, and Ivory Black.
- Compact 12ml tubes are easy to carry for painting indoors or outdoors.
- Includes a brush and palette for a more ready-to-use setup.
- Non-toxic and conforms to ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 (CE), according to the supplied notes.
Cons:
- Each tube contains substantially less paint than large-tube alternatives.
- Listed as not water resistant.
- The set is described as drying quickly, which may offer less working time for some techniques.
Ohuhu is a sensible entry-level option for artists prioritizing a broad starter palette and easy transport. The smaller tubes make it less suited to high-volume painting, but the included accessories improve its convenience as a gift or travel kit.
Vibrant Large-Tube Set – Paul Rubens 20-Color Oil Paints
This Paul Rubens set is one of the oil paint sets for artists designed around vivid color and generous quantities. Its 20 50ml tubes use high-purity linseed oil as a vehicle, providing a smooth painting feel for canvas and wood panels while retaining brush and palette-knife marks.
Best For: Artists who want large tubes and vibrant colors for landscape, seascape, canvas, and wood-panel work.
Pros:
- Provides 20 vibrant colors for direct use and custom mixing.
- Large 50ml tubes support extended painting sessions and multiple projects.
- Highly pigmented, creamy consistency blends smoothly and preserves texture marks.
- Non-toxic formula is designed to resist fading over time.
Cons:
- The 20-color range is less extensive than the Ohuhu set’s 24 colors.
- Listed drying time is about 7–14 days, so finished work requires patience.
- Not water resistant according to the supplied product details.
This version suits painters who value vivid, smooth color and substantial tube sizes. It is a strong fit for regular studio work, especially when the subject matter centers on landscapes, seascapes, canvas, or wood panels.
How We Picked These Oil Paint Sets for Artists
We focused on sets that offer useful color selections, practical tube quantities, and clear value for their intended users. The lineup includes established brands such as Winsor & Newton and Gamblin, as well as larger-format and budget-friendly sets for experimentation or frequent practice.
We also considered whether each set makes sense for beginners, developing painters, or experienced artists. Tube size, portability, color variety, and the likely need for additional mediums or supplies all affect the overall value.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | What to Look For | Standout Set Types |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Manageable color range and affordable tubes | Basic or introductory sets |
| Regular practice | More paint per tube and broad coverage | 20- or 24-color sets with medium-to-large tubes |
| Color exploration | Many shades and a lower cost per color | 40- or 48-color collections |
| Experienced painters | Reliable pigment behavior and artist-oriented formulation | Professional or introductory artist-color sets |
Key Buying Factors for Oil Paint Sets for Artists
Paint Grade and Pigment Quality
Student-grade paints are usually more affordable and suitable for learning, underpainting, and studies. Artist-grade colors generally provide stronger pigment loads, more consistent mixing, and better performance when permanence and subtle color control matter.
Color Selection
A large set is not automatically better. A compact palette built around white, black or neutral tones, primary colors, earth colors, and useful greens can be easier to learn. Expanded sets are valuable when you want ready-made shades or enjoy testing many colors.
Tube Size and Value
Small tubes reduce upfront cost and waste, making them practical for beginners or occasional painters. Larger 37ml or 50ml tubes are better for frequent work, larger canvases, and colors you use repeatedly. White and other high-use colors may run out sooner than specialty shades.
Portability and Extras
Check whether the set is easy to store or carry, and remember that many paint-only kits do not include brushes, palettes, mediums, or cleaning supplies. If you are starting from scratch, calculate those additional costs before choosing.
Who Should Buy Which Oil Paint Sets for Artists?
New Oil Painters
Choose a smaller, affordable set with a balanced palette rather than the largest assortment. It will help you learn mixing without creating unnecessary inventory.
Students and Frequent Hobbyists
A 20- to 24-color collection with medium or large tubes offers a useful balance of variety and longevity. It is a sensible choice for studies, coursework, and regular home painting.
Artists Building a Working Palette
Consider an established artist-oriented set with dependable pigment behavior, then add individual colors as your process develops. This approach avoids paying for shades you rarely use.
Experimenters and Gift Buyers
Larger 40- or 48-color kits provide the most variety and can be fun for trying different styles. Verify the recipient already has suitable oil-painting accessories if the kit contains paint only.