Fearless Florals: How to Try Oil Painting Without Intimidation

Posted on 30 April 2025
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There’s something timeless and lush about florals in oil paint — from the delicate realism of a single bloom to the bold, juicy texture of an impressionist bouquet. But if you’ve ever wandered the oil aisle and hesitated, you’re not alone. Oil painting has a reputation: messy, smelly, complicated. The truth? It can be those things—but with the right setup and guidance, oils are also forgiving, versatile, and downright addictive.

At The Art Store, we believe oil painting should be accessible to everyone—and this May, we're blooming into our May Flowers Floral Focus Month by helping you dip your brush into oils, worry-free!

Why Oils? Why Now?

Oil Paints dry slowly, which means more time to blend, layer, and adjust. This makes them especially friendly for painting florals, where soft edges, subtle shifts in color, and layered petals shine. Oils are also incredibly rich in pigment—so your roses, dahlias, and peonies will glow on canvas!

Common Myths (and the Truths Behind Them)

“I’ll ruin everything if I make a mistake.”
Unlike acrylics, oils don’t dry instantly. You’ve got time to wipe off, repaint, or blend over areas you don’t love.
“Solvents are dangerous.”
It’s true that traditional turpentine and mineral spirits require proper ventilation, but safer, low-odor options (like Gamsol) make studio use much easier. We’ll teach you how to use them responsibly—and comfortably.
“Oil painting is expensive.”

Here’s our not-so-secret secret: we have amazing Prices! Whether you’re picking up a starter palette or upgrading your brushes, you’ll get pro-grade supplies without the insane markup.

Getting Started: What You Actually Need

You don’t need a full studio to try oils. Here’s a simple starter list for your first floral:

A few basic colors (Titanium White, Cadmium Red, Yellow Ochre, Ultramarine Blue)
One or two good brushes (rounds and filberts are great for petals)
A small canvas or panel
Linseed oil
A palette and a palette knife
Paper towels or rags

Learn With Us — Take a Class!

Feeling curious but still a little cautious? That’s exactly why we have the best classes.

So don’t let fear hold you back! This May, let florals be your way into the world of oils—where mess is part of the magic, and every petal is a chance to play.

XOXOX,

Your Friendly Neighborhood Art Store

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